Council returned for its first meeting of 2020. The following is a precis of some of the decisions made by Council at that meeting:
Bushfire Relief
Council agreed to donate $10,000 for bushfire relief and recovery from its Emergency Services Levy Account to support the nation’s recovery from the overwhelming crisis in recent months. It was resolved that Council donate $5,000 each to the Country Women’s Association Disaster Relief Fund and the Taronga Conservation Society Wildlife Crisis Appeal. In a Mayoral Minute presented to the meeting, Mayor Corrigan noted the many fundraising initiatives that have already been undertaken in Mosman and the generous donations made by many local residents. Residents still wishing to donate can find links to various charitable organisations here.
Citizens and Young Citizen of the Year
Mayor Corrigan reported on the local Australia Day celebrations at Mosman Drill Hall, including the citizenship ceremony for 53 new citizens, a community BBQ and the announcement of Mosman’s 2020 Citizens of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.
Ivan and Beth Hodge, 2020 Citizens of the Year and Elliot Connor, 2020 Young Citizen of the Year were at the meeting to hear Councillor Corrigan deliver her Mayoral Minute. The Hodges were congratulated for their enduring community spirit and Elliot, who formally received his award at the Council meeting, was acknowledged for his many achievements, particularly those supporting environmental sustainability both locally and internationally.
Tribute to Charles Ulm
Council resolved to support a call by local organisations to provide a lasting tribute to the late aviator, serviceman and Mosman resident, Flight Lieutenant Charles Thomas Phillipe Ulm AFC. A plaque commemorating Flight Lieutenant Ulm, who famously co-piloted many flights with Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and who also served at Gallipoli and on the Western Front during World War I, will be erected on the wall of the Mosman Civic Centre, close to the building’s south-west corner facing Mosman Square.
Quarterly MOSPLAN Report and Financial Statement
Council received and adopted progress reports on the 2019-2020 MOSPLAN Operational Plan, as well as its 2019-20 Budget for the October – December 2019 quarter. MOSPLAN delivery and budget performance are largely on track, with a number of significant capital projects currently in train and a reduction of approximately $170,000 in Council’s budgeted surplus now forecast.
Festival of Mosman 2019
Council considered a report reviewing delivery of the 2019 Festival of Mosman, which attracted approximately 37,000 participants to more than 60 Council and community-organised events and activities. It was resolved that the Festival continue to be held on a biennial basis, with the next event to be held in October 2021. The popular Pet’s Day Out will continue as an annual event – with the 2020 event scheduled for Sunday 30 August – and the Out and About series of events will continue to be held in alternate years to the Festival, kicking off next on 23 October this year.
Policy Reviews
Council adopted recommended revisions to two policies – the Management of Community Properties Policy and the Records and Information Management Policy. Both sets of revisions are of a relatively minor nature, responding to changes in legislation and the results of an audit of Council’s record management practices.
Road Safety Pilot Project
Following its decision in November 2019 to undertake a trial road safety project involving the use of temporary ‘Slow Down’ signage in Moruben Road, Council endorsed a project plan for the trial. This will involve the installation of ‘Slow Down’ signage along the entire length of Moruben Road from Mandolong Road to Stanton Road for a six week period. The signage installation, expected to commence in March this year, will be preceded and followed by speed surveys to assist Council in ascertaining its impact on driver behaviour.
Balmoral Park Channel Improvements
Council resolved to proceed with works to improve the capacity, aesthetics and hydraulic performance of the drainage channel on the eastern side of Balmoral Oval at an estimated cost of $200,000. This channel has become degraded over the past two decades and the upgrade works, planned with the assistance of a specialist stormwater consultant, will improve the channel’s functionality, reduce maintenance and enhance safety in the area.
Proposed 2021 Ferry Service Changes
Council considered a report outlining proposed changes to local ferry services which would result in a reduction in frequency of services at Mosman Bay during peak periods and longer travel times, but more frequent services, on other routes. The changes to the F2 Taronga Zoo and F6 Mosman Bay ferry services are being proposed by Sydney Ferries operator Transdev which, if endorsed by Transport for NSW, would be introduced in 2021.
It was resolved by Council that the report presented to the meeting be submitted to Transdev, detailing concerns that the proposed changes will disadvantage Mosman commuters and therefore cannot be supported by Council. A meeting with NSW Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson MP and NSW Minister for Transport and Roads the Hon. Andrew Constance MP will also be sought to discuss the ferry service and alternatives which would not disadvantage Mosman commuters to the extent proposed.
