Category: Crag Archives

In April 1998 Willoughby City Council established the Griffin Reserves Advisory Committee and its members consist of residents of Castlecrag, the Councillors of our Ward and Council staff. Its functions are to review the current Plan of Management for the Griffin Reserves in Castlecrag as it relates to the ongoing implementation, development, work and management of these areas and to advise on aspects of the use, control management of Griffin Reserves for consideration by Council. Its duties include monitoring and advising Council on the health and condition of bushland in the reserves and encouraging the visitation, promotion and enhancement of the natural and built features of the Griffin Reserves.

Much work has in the Reserves and Islands has been overseen by this committee since 1998. The work has been done using bush regeneration contractors and in some reserves working with residents. It is funded by Council. The nature of the work is necessarily slow and it will be some years before Griffin’s entire system of inter-related Walkways and Reserves is again able to be used safely. Regeneration and planting in The Buttress Reserve, below The Tower Reserve, has been underway for some time, but last week the contractor arrived to start work and was horrified to discover that vandals had ripped out plants and slashed or destroyed trees. All her efforts to restore the natural vegetation of this reserve had been made null and void.

Griffin’s vision for Castlecrag was one in which the natural landscape, not the built form was the dominant feature. The Plan of Management seeks to re-establish this vision and it is a matter of deep disappointment that some would seek to destroy this. Let us hope that The Buttress, after further regeneration work, and as the other Reserves are demonstrating, will become the place of natural loveliness it was planned to be.

Elizabeth Lander

Castlecrag mourns Battlement resident of 56 years, Neville Milston. Some 120 friends celebrated his life on 25 July, addressed by colleagues from the North Shore Temple Emmanuel, The Jewish Ex-Servicemen’s Association and the Masonic Lodge of Tranquility.

Born 1920 in Leichhardt, then growing up in Coogee, Neville had to leave school at 14 during the Depression to help in his parents’ gifts business. In 1938 he enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces at 18 as Hitler entered Czechoslovakia and he joined the AIF in 1941, became a radio operator and was shipped out to Malaya. His 8th Division Signals were ordered to join a British military post, but all had to surrender, and were imprisoned in infamous Changi.

Neville then spent 42 months building the 450km Burma Railway, working from 5am to 6pm on starvation rations and dropping from 60kg to a life-threatening 40kg. More than one-third of his comrades died. Liberated in August 1945 he needed extensive rehabilitation before returning to civilian life, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal. [For recollections see www.ajn.com.au April 2007]

In 1949 he met Madge Grouse, a Jewish ex-servicewoman who had seen duty in New Guinea. They married and moved to Castlecrag in 1951 ready to start living life to the full for their next 50 years together. Their three children – Michael, Richard and Leah (and two foster children) – and “their” suburb absorbed them.
Helping build the Infants School, raising of funds for the Walter Burley Griffin Fountain, the Castlecrag Conservation Society and the annual Red Cross Appeal, working for Meals-On-Wheels and other charitable and community endeavours were all part of community involvement. And in 1981 Neville completed a Bachelor of Arts degree: “to get the education I missed out when I was young”, he said.

His three loves outside the family were the Australian Labor Party (he was awarded the McKell Award in 2003 for long and distinguished service), the Masonic Lodge, and Liberal Judaism. It appears that his continued active involvement in such community groups was an important ingredient in his physical and mental longevity…… perhaps a lesson for us all.

He was active to his last day, often seen at the local shops, never mentioning his own ill-health, and always a kind word and empathy for others’ concerns. He passed away in his sleep. We shall miss his great contribution to our community. Shalom Neville.

Bruce Wilson

The inaugural Sustainability Street meeting for residents of the Bulwark and adjoining streets, was held on Sunday, 12 March at the Haven Ampitheatre.

The Bulwark is the first street in Castlecrag to participate in the Sustainability Street program which is supported by Willoughby Council. The objective is to get people together to learn about ecological sustainability and to implement initiatives in their communities to achieve a more “earth friendly” environment now, and for future generations.

Broadly speaking, the three key areas of focus are Water, Waste and Energy. These three areas encompass a vast range of topics which will be covered in “bite-sized” pieces as the program unfolds. For example, most participants at our meeting indicated rainwater tanks were one of their key areas of interest. In May, our guest speaker will present on the subject of rainwater tanks looking at concepts such as what is available on the market, rebates from Sydney Water and the procedures and processes for getting the tanks installed.

So whether its rainwater tanks, Biodiversity and its relationship to our Castlecrag environment, or simply which household cleaners are more environmentally friendly, Sustainability Street has something for everyone.

Meetings for The Bulwark and adjoining streets will be held at the Haven Ampitheatre on the last Sunday of each month at 3pm. The topic for our 30 April meeting will be an Introduction to Sustainability Street, with guest speaker Erika Van Shelleback from Willoughby Council, who is also our mentor for the program.

All interested residents of Castlecrag are also invited to come along to the meeting to find out what Sustainability Street is all about and to discover its benefits to our Castlecrag community.

Contacts for Sustainability Street in The Bulwark are: Judy 9958 7981, Lorraine 9958 1213, Janet 9958 7723, Jill 9967 4933 and Robyn 9967 0634.

Still Available! Sydney Water Rebate for Rainwater Tanks

The drought has been a time when we all have learned to use water conservatively; Australia’s variable climate means that we can expect more droughts.

Sydney Water is encouraging everyone in Sydney to install a rainwater tank. Used correctly, rainwater tanks are an effective way to take the pressure off our limited water resources, and at the same time, help manage stormwater run-off. By storing rainwater run-off from your roof, rainwater tanks can provide a valuable water source for flushing toilets, in washing machines, watering gardens and washing cars.

The following information is from Sydney Water, and there is more advice at their website http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/RainwaterTanks/

Using rainwater appropriately (and in conjunction with water efficient devices like dual flush toilets, showerheads with at least a AAA-rating, taps, tap aerators, trigger nozzles and tap timers) can save you money on water bills and help the environment by:

• conserving our valuable drinking water and reducing the demand on our water supply (conserving water also reduces the chemical and energy requirements for treating and transporting water to your home via the mains supply)

• reducing the amount of stormwater leaving your property by minimising flooding (using your rainwater for day-to-day purposes like toilet flushing helps create space in your tank for more water the next time it rains).

While the NSW Department of Health doesn’t advise using rainwater for drinking when there’s an alternative mains water supply available, we could save millions of litres a year by using rainwater for toilets, in washing machines, and garden and outdoor use. For more information, Sydney Water has brochures “Buying Rainwater Tank” and “Installing a rainwater tank”, either via the web, or by telephoning them on 13 20 92.
There are key things to remember if you are using your tank for water conservation and stormwater management.

• Tank capacity – the larger the tank, the more rainwater can be captured for use during dry periods. A minimum tank size of 5,000 litres is desirable.

• Water use – its best to use the water in the tank on a regular (daily) basis so there is always storage capacity available in the tank when it rains. By using the tank this way you will maximise the amount of water and money you save and reduce the amount of run-off from your roof to the stormwater system.

Rainwater from your tank is fine for use with garden irrigation systems. However, if you plan to connect your rainwater tank to an irrigation system, you should ensure that you have a filter on your tank. Algae or debris can sometimes be present in rainwater tanks, and a filter will stop blockages occurring in your irrigation sprays.

Connecting your tank to your toilet cistern or your washing machine is a good way to maximise the use of your captured rainwater because unlike garden watering, you will even be using your tank water when it is raining. To supply these appliances from your tank you will need to maintain a minimum operating water level in the tank when there is insufficient rainfall. This will require a “top-up” connection from the Sydney Water supply (just like a toilet cistern) and therefore some plumbing alterations to your home. You will need to consult Sydney Water about this.

If you want to contact Sydney Water regarding any plumbing alterations, their Plumbing Policy, Standards and Regulation area can provide advice.

Sydney Water has a Rainwater Tank Rebate Program offering customers up to $650 to install a rainwater tank. A special Rainwater Tanks in Schools Rebate Program is also available for schools.

Sydney Water is offering a rebate to customers who install a rainwater tank. Rainwater tanks have many advantages – no matter where you live. Even in urban areas where a reticulated service is available, rainwater tanks help conserve valuable drinking water and reduce stormwater run-off.

What is the Rebate for? Sydney Water is offering a rebate to help customers who install a rainwater tank. To qualify for the rebate, the rainwater tank must be both:

• a new tank with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, and

• purchased on or after 20 October 2002.

How long does the offer last? This offer ends 31 July 2008.

How much is the rebate? The rebate is based on the size of the tank and whether the rainwater is ‘plumbed’ into your toilet or washing machine.

Tank Size	Rebate
2,000 – 3,999 litres	– $150 tank rebate – plus $150 if a toilet and/or washing machine is connected to the rainwater tank
4,000 – 6,999 litres	– $400 tank rebate – plus $150 if a toilet and/or washing machine is connected to the rainwater tank
7,000 + litres	– $500 tank rebate – plus $150 if a toilet and/or washing machine is connected to the rainwater tank

How do you apply? Once your rainwater tank has been installed and any plumbing work completed by your licensed plumber, you are ready to apply for the rebate. You must:
• fill in your part of the Rainwater Tank Rebate Program form;

• get your plumber (if you had plumbing work done) to fill in their section;

• attach your official receipts for the tank and installation;

• send it to:

Sydney Water

Rainwater Tank Rebate Program

PO Box 17, Wollongong NSW 2520

The Terms and Conditions of Sydney Water’s Rainwater Tank Rebate Program are detailed in the Rebate Program brochure. If you have any questions please contact Sydney Water on 13 20 92

When do I get my rebate?

Sydney Water will send out a cheque for your rebate within 60 days of receiving your completed application form and receipts for the tank and installation, subject to verification of your application details.

Lorraine Cairnes

On 10 November 1925, the residents of Castlecrag came together in the basement of the then recently-opened shops (now the Griffin Centre) for what was to be the inaugural meeting of the Castlecrag Progress Association. Edgar William Herbert was elected president and Walter Burley Griffin served on the executive committee.

In celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Castlecrag Progress Association (CPA) we remember its many achievements and those who have contributed to its proud record.

Edgar Herbert was a pioneer of physical education in Australia and, while working with the YMCA in Melbourne, he and his wife had become friends of the Griffins. When Herbert came to Sydney in 1923 to work with G Z Dupain (father of Max) at the Institute of Physical Education, he made his home in Castlecrag. The Herbert family initially lived in the King O’Malley house on the site of the present hospital, then moved to the end of Edinburgh Road. Herbert served as president of the CPA until 1929 and was also an instigator of the Community Circle.

Edgar Deans, who arrived in Castlecrag in 1928 as Secretary to the GSDA, was another key figure in the Progress Association. He served as its president for four years and as secretary for 13 years. He was also secretary and president of the Willoughby Federated Progress Associations and a Mayor of Willoughby.
The early concerns addressed by the Association included the establishment of a Government Infants’ School, better transport access to the city by construction of an arterial road from East Lindfield to North Sydney (now Eastern Valley Way), the upgrading of Edinburgh Road, undergrounding of electricity wires, sewage services for the peninsula and tree planting along Edinburgh Road.

Over the period 1944 to 1964, the Progress Association ‘retired’ in favour of the Castlecrag and East Willoughby Community Advancement Co-operative Society Ltd, which was formed to raise funds for and build a Community Centre. The centre was opened in 1947 and the Castlecrag Community Library opened its doors in 1951. Both facilities continue to serve the needs of our community.

The resurrected Progress Association arranged for the construction of the Griffin Memorial Fountain in 1965 and initiated tree planting at the shopping centre. By the 1970s, traffic issues were of increasing concern in the community and the Association led a successful campaign to stop the construction of the proposed Warringah Freeway along the Northern Escarpment of the peninsula. Traffic calming measures and the need for a right-hand turn signal at Eastern Valley Way were dominant issues in a survey of residents conducted in 1981.

The CPA commenced a community newsletter, Castlecrag News in 1974 and this became The Crag in March 1978. It has maintained a regular production schedule since then.

More recent community events sponsored by the Progress Association, notably the Castlecrag Community Fairs, and its achievements are being chronicled in the history series. The Association celebrated its 80th birthday at a special dinner held at Christine’s Restaurant on 18 November 2005. The Guest of honour, long-term Castlecrag resident Joyce Batterham, entertained the guests with a memorable presentation on the early days in the suburb.

Bob McKillop

NSW Fire Brigades and Willoughby City Council’s Bushfire Crew successfully completed a hazard reduction burn in bushland on the Castlecrag Northern Escarpment near Sunnyside Crescent on 28 and 29 July.

The aims of the burn were to provide protection to surrounding properties in the event of a future wildfire and to maintain diversity of native plant species. Considerable planning and preparation was required by Willoughby City Council’s Bushfire Crew to ensure effective bushfire management. The crew developed a detailed burn plan of the area that included conservation of cultural heritage sites, bushland vegetation and wildlife habitat and property protection.

The burn area was prepared by cutting down standing vegetation and leaving it to season for a year before burning. This helps ensure that a hot burn is achieved to assist the regeneration of plant species. The preparation also reduces available fire fuel over the area and the burn can be conducted safely. This burn preparation technique also minimises air pollution and reduces the amount of water needed to manage the burn.

The crew had to await ideal weather conditions on 28 and 29 July this year to carry out the burn, which was most successful. The burn area will continue to be maintained by Willoughby City Council staff to ensure weeds are controlled. The public can assist the native plant regeneration throughout the burn area by sticking to the paths to enable plants to regenerate and to reduce erosion. A successful pile burn was carried out in Casement Reserve on 13 September also.

Keep a close watch on this area, as the regeneration occurs over the next year. An abundance of beautiful native wildlife flowers is expected to flourish on the site. If you require further information on how to protect your house during the fire season, please contact Willoughby Council on 9777 1000.

Rebecca Hill, WCC

On Sunday 18 September, approximately 40 residents gathered at the Stoker Playground on Edinburgh Road, for the Inauguration of the Edinburgh Road Tree Planting program, as well as the official opening of the refurbished Stoker Playground.

The Progress Association put forward the tree planting program to Council as a Centenary of Federation project in 2001. We envisaged a project that would improve the presentation of Edinburgh Road with a fine avenue of locally indigenous trees.

For the ceremony, 13 Banksias, of a planned 100 trees, were planted along the southern side of Edinburgh Road. In addition to being a local species, this tree has been chosen for its relative ease of pruning around electrical wires. A number of long-standing residents participated in the event.

The Mayor of Willoughby Pat Reilly and Mrs Reilly were present for the planting and the opening of Stoker Playground, as two of Phyllis and Michael Stoker’s children, Annette and Kathy spoke of their parents’ contribution to the Castlecrag Community. Michael Stoker moved to Castlecrag in 1935 at the invitation of the Griffins and was active in local theatre group activities. He and Phyl returned to ‘The Crag’ in 1942 and established a registered child-minding centre, which expanded to become the Castlecrag Kinder-garten. Several of those present had attended that centre.

The Stoker Playground upgrade is one of many planned open space refurbishments in the City of Willoughby. As Mayor Reilly highlighted, the design and fit-out of Stoker Playground is very much in keeping with, and complementary to, the unique character of Castlecrag.

The playground is once again enjoying much use from families. For those who visit the playground, have a look at the rubber mat surrounding the castle. (The mat is made in the shape of the Castlecrag Peninsula!)

Jennifer Kos

The Castlecrag Community Centre Committee has finalised the installation of the Castlecrag Infants’ School plaque in a prominent position at the Community Centre.

As reported in the last issue of The Crag (No. 156, 2), Willoughby City Council arranged for the restoration of the plaque by International Conservation Services. As shown in our photo below left, the plaque is again in pristine condition with the motto, ‘Together We Grow’, the centre of attention. The plaque is an important symbol of our community’s achievements and the Progress Association expresses its thanks to Council and the Committee for this outstanding result.

NSW Minister for Planning, The Hon. Frank Sartor, has released a Discussion Paper (title above) sketching proposed ‘reforms’ to the NSW planning system at State and Local levels. It has enthusiastic support from the Coalition for Planning Reform, an alliance of 14 major development industry and planning organisations. However the 152 Councils of the Local Government Association and the Shires Association, community groups and individuals have grave reservations and suspicions.

The Castlecrag Progress Association has long argued for more consistent and simple criteria for decision–making in planning and development proposals, but shares LGA’s concerns. Specifically, all local progress associations are joining LGA’s call for a proper consultation period, aiming to settle non-contentious reforms by July and the rest by December.

This article spans the 142 page proposal and its impacts on Castlecrag residents, homes and amenity. Our planning cub-committee has researched a Special Report for consideration by the committee and submission to NSW Planning. Issues include:

Aims for the Planning system: The Paper seeks to encourage more sustainable developments, to be transparent and accountable; to ensure the economic use of resources and time; to achieve consistency and simplicity with clear agreed systems for decision-making; and to ensure an equal and fair approach to all decisions for all participants. These generalities are unexceptionable; it is the proposed methods that are causing concern.

Plan-making: Three levels of ‘Environmental Planning Instruments’, State, regional and local government, govern land use and economic development in NSW. Their effectiveness depends on consistency between the different levels, the quality of the plans, their clarity for ease of use and the effectiveness of their application ‘on the ground’. Your Progress Association supports the principle that planning instruments and development controls need to be clear and definitive; that we residents need to know what we are permitted to do—and what developers are permitted to do. We also believe that effective plan-making requires high levels of community participation, as it is a prime object of the Environmental Protection & Assessment Act: ‘to provide increased opportunity for public involvement and participation in environmental planning and assessment’. The Paper is not clear as to whether future plan-making would require public consultation, or whether a Council would be able to amend the Planning Department’s standard template LEP to address the special needs of a local area.

Development assessment and review:The Paper aims to move to a ‘tailored assessment system’ that depends on the scale, risk and complexity of local environmental plans and development projects. Developments for single dwellings and alterations less than $1 million are deemed ‘minor’. Criteria for ‘exempt’ and ‘complying’ development would be revised to ‘achieve fast and simple approvals for single dwellings and other minor developments and to take volume out of the assessment system’ in order to increase the proportion of DA’s in these categories from 10 per cent to 50 per cent within four years. Where a DA is assessed to be fully ‘complying’ with the applicable code, a certifier (council or private) may approve the development. A courtesy note is proposed to notify affected neighbours and there would be no right of appeal for complying development. New procedures are set out for ‘minor non-compliance’, but a full DA to Council would be required where a DA does not comply with relevant codes. First-level appeal would be to a ‘planning arbitrator’ for a non-legal informal review. Only then could a further appeal go to the Court. A list of approved ‘planning arbitrators’ would be established by the Department and Councils.

The Progress Association supports clearer development controls that reduce non-complying DAs. However, the special circumstances of particular sites must be recognised and addressed. With its diverse topography, scenic and bushland areas and important Conservation Area, Castlecrag requires a more flexible approach to the treatment of DAs (both residential and commercial) to allow innovative solutions to development in our special geographic and social environment.

Private Certifiers: The role of private certifiers in the planning system remains controversial. The Paper proposes addressing perceived and actual conflicts of interest by strengthening the registration and auditing of private certifiers and broadened and mandatory training for certifiers. A key issue is whether private certification is an accountable and transparent system of accreditation, compared with the present system of elected Councillors making these decisions after consulting the community.
Please read the Discussion Paper at http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/planning_reforms and a Commentary by the Environmental Defender’s Office (a not-for-profit legal centre specializing in public interest environmental law) at http://www.edo.org.au:80/edonsw/site/papers/planning_reforms071210.php

Bruce Wilson

“Mark your calendar for the 5th of June,” my friend told me. “You’ve been recruited to help with the Castlecrag Fair and it’s going to be the BEST ever!” So promised the organizer of the big day, and she kept her word. With good weather, great planning and lots of participants running stalls, entertaining and just volunteering, her promise was good.

I arrived early on the ‘Big Day’ to help set up, then with my family, walked to the Fair mid-morning. My children could not believe their great fortune when they laid their eyes on the jumping castle and spinning teacups, and realised that they would be spending a large part of the day at the Fair (as Mum was helping out).
The children ate their way through the food stalls, enjoyed the sounds of the musical acts and even found some treasure (in their eyes) at the Trash & Treasure staff operated by the Progress Association. Luckily, they spotted the fairy floss much later in the day.

With some calls of protest from the little ones, we made out way home at the close of the Fair and went straight to the bathtub to unstick the fairy floss fingers and faces. What a great day out!

As a fairly recent transplant to Castlecrag, I am thankful that I live in this gem of a suburb. It is great to have such a supportive local business community, because without them events such as the fair would not occur. I am also thankful to have a friend who forces me to step outside of my comfortable box, meet new people and be a part of something bigger.

Now, if only my three year-old will stop asking, “Can we go to the Castlecrag Fair today?”

Jennifer Kos