Leichhardt ENews

Leichhardt Council has commenced a new e-newsletter service to keep residents informed of what's happening in our community. If you would like to receive this e-newsletter, please subscribe here.

Historic Handover of Callan Park Master Plan: 18 November 2011

A milestone in the history of Callan Park has been reached, with the Master Plan formally presented to the Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard MP on 11 November.

Cleaner Water for Iron Cove: 18 November 2011

Council removes around 144 tonnes of rubbish from water entering Sydney Harbour each year, a figure which is set to rise following the building of a new pollution trap in King George Park.

Mary Street Playground Opening: 18 November 2011

Work is underway to on a $45,000 upgrade of the Mary Street Playground in Lilyfield. Council is restoring old favourites and putting in new equipment selected by park users.

New Music Events for 2012: 18 November 2011

Leichhardt residents can add a Symphony Under the Stars and a Blues and Roots concert to their music diaries for 2012.

New Years Eve: 18 November 2011

The following arrangements will be in place for New Year’s Eve 2011 in Balmain/Rozelle: Alcohol free areas, road closures and access permits.

Taylor Street Living Street: 18 November 2011

Work has begun on the Taylor Street Living Street Project, which will return the street to the community as an asset to be shared by families, pedestrians, cyclists and low-speed traffic.

Food safety inspections: 18 November 2011

Leichhardt Council restaurants, cafes and other food businesses are doing an excellent job meeting food health and safety requirements.

Bloomin Arts 2011 - Don’t DIS my ABILITY: 18 November 2011

The sixth annual Bloomin’ Arts Exhibition will run this weekend at the Leichhardt Town Hall. It brings together a brilliant collection of artworks by talented local artists with a disability.

Local Kerry Holmes Honoured as Outstanding Carer: 28 October 2011

Local woman Kerry Holmes has received an award for her working in founding and Chairing the Balmain Mental Health Carers Support Group. The Award, from the State Government’s Ageing, Disability and Home Care Services was presented by Mayor of Leichhardt Councillor Rochelle Porteous as a celebration of Carer’s Week.

Save the GreenWay: 14 October 2011

GreenWay Day Rally, Johnson Park, Dulwich Hill, Saturday 29 October. Local residents are invited to join Friends of the Greenway, local Councillors and MPs at the Save the Greenway Rally on 29 October.

Urgent Public Meeting: Sydney Port Plans for White Bay Cruise Terminal: 14 October 2011

6:30pm Mon 17 Oct, Balmain Town Hall. Sydney Ports Authority has informed Leichhardt Council that they will disregard recommendations from the Barangaroo Review and proceed with works on the White Bay Cruise Terminal and Function Centre in the near future.

Connections: Sustainable transport now and tomorrow: 14 October 2011

A Sustainable Transport Forum as part of the Greenway Festival, Thursday 27 October, 6.30pm, Leichhardt Town Hall. Join Leichhardt Council in another of our popular Community Forums as we explore the challenges facing sustainable transport in Sydney.

Fruit Tree netting: 14 October 2011

If you have netted fruit trees in your back yard, you may not be aware that they can pose a serious threat to birds and flying foxes.

Leichhardt Libraries Leading the Way for New Technology: 14 October 2011

Leichhardt and Balmain Libraries Library are moving quickly with the times, offering members new ways to access books and information.

New Heritage Advisory Committee: 14 October 2011

Leichhardt Council’s new formal Heritage Committee has held its first meeting. The main aim of the new Committee will be to conserve and protect the heritage with the Leichhardt Local Government Area.

Your Business, Your LGA, Your Say: 14 October 2011

A sustainable and liveable Leichhardt. Leichhardt Council is developing its Employment and Economic Development Plan, which will set the direction for economic development in the Leichhardt Municipality.

MOU Boosts Community Life for Social Housing Tenants: 14 October 2011

Council signs Memorandum of Understanding with Housing NSW. Leichhardt Council and Housing NSW will work together with residents living in social housing in Leichhardt to help get them more active in community life.

Council leads the way with free parking spaces: 14 October 2011

Did you know that Leichhardt Council is the only council to offer free 15 minute parking in parking meter spots?

Council maintains 114 fifteen minute free parking spaces in the Leichhardt LGA, primarily along Darling Street and Norton Street.

Taylor Street Living Street: 14 October 2011

Work is set to begin on the Taylor Street Living Street Project, which will return the street to the community as an asset to be shared by families, pedestrians, cyclists and low-speed traffic.

Sydney Ports Ignores Community, Barangaroo Review: 07 October 2011

Leichhardt Council to hold Urgent Public Meeting on Sydney Port’s Plans for the White Bay Cruise Terminal

Sydney Ports has elected to disregard Council and the community as well as the recommendations from the State Government’s Barangaroo Review and proceed immediately with work on the White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal with no community consultation.

Urgent Public Meeting

Leichhardt Council will hold an Urgent Public Meeting for local residents and businesses on Monday 17 October at 6.30pm at Balmain Town Hall to inform the community about Sydney Ports’ plans and provide design, traffic and other relevant information. Sydney Ports will be invited to attend.

Mayor Porteous and Deputy Mayor McKenzie re-elected: 07 October 2011

Leichhardt Council Mayor Cr Rochelle Porteous was re-elected for a full term of Council at an election held Wednesday 28 September. Cr Michele McKenzie also gained re-election and will continue to serve as Deputy Mayor.

Police Withdraw Leichhardt DA: 07 October 2011

Leichhardt Council has cautiously welcomed the withdrawal of the DA for the Local Area Command in Leichhardt.

Council Negotiates Win for Constellation Playground: 07 October 2011 T

he popular Constellation Playground, located in King George Park near Byrne Street, will retain all of its current play equipment and will continue to undergo improvements to safety and signage.

Hawthorne Canal Pedestrian Bridge Opens: 07 October 2011

Walkers, runners, dog walkers and bike riders now have safe convenient access over Hawthorne Canal, with a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge opened on Saturday 24 September.

Hawthorne Canal Bridge Opening : 23 September 2011

On Saturday 24 September you are invited to the opening of the new Hawthorne Canal Pedestrian Bridge. The Mayor Rochelle Porteous will begin the celebration at 1pm, as Council officially opens this important recreational link with a free sausage sizzle.

Work begins on Heritage Bells Foreshore : 23 September 2011

The Bells Foreshore is set to become a beautiful harbour front community facility, with Leichhardt Council beginning work to transform the decaying building and surrounding parkland.

Funding Available for Local Artists: 23 September 2011

Site and Sound Grants Applications Now Open. Local artists, performers and cultural groups have a unique opportunity to bring their works to local audiences through Leichhardt Council’s exciting new Site and Sound grant program.

Footprints Ecofestival: 23 September 2011

Leichhardt showed its sustainable colours with nearly 3,000 attending the Footprints EcoFestival at Whites Creek on 28 August.

Inner West Relay For Life: 23 September 2011

Join the Inner West’s first annual Relay for Life on Saturday October 8 from 9:30am and Sunday October 9 from 10:00am at King George Park, Rozelle. This unique event raises funds for cancer research, education, support services and advocacy.

Community and Cultural Plan Adopted: 23 September 2011

A vibrant music and arts program at the Leichhardt and Balmain Town Halls and a program helping young high school students to develop the skills they need to stay with their education are some of the programs proposed in Leichhardt’s new Community and Cultural Plan.

Join your local Precinct Committee : October 2011 : 23 September 2011

Council funds independent Precinct Committees that provide advice and input from the local community to Council. Precincts are run by local residents, for local residents. Everyone is welcome.

Callan Park Sporting Field to be Fast Tracked: 23 September 2011

The Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard has agreed to fast track Leichhardt Council’s request for temporary care and management of the Glover Street sporting field at Callan Park.

Fight for GreenWay Funding to Continue: 23 September 2011

Council is committed to getting funding for the GreenWay reinstated and the project back up and running.

Coming To A Street Near You: 2 Sept 2011. Infrastructure in Leichhardt is set to get a major boost with Council allocating an additional funding of $1,900,000 pa in 2011/12 for core infrastructure, increasing to $2 million pa from 2012/13 ($7,900,000 additional over four years). Take a look at a list of this year’s works.

Local Government Week: 2 Sept 2011. Leichhardt Council celebrated Local Government Week from 1-7 August with a great program of events including free classes at the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, free Zumba classes, a tree planting, a cooking demonstration, a picnic in the park with teddy bears and a community information morning in Market Place.

Callan Park Master Plan Approved: 2 Sept 2011. After over a decade of Council and community campaigning to save Callan Park, Leichhardt Council adopted the Callan Park Master Plan in July.

Callan Park to be Governed by Trust: 2 Sept 2011. Callan Park will be run by an independent Trust – the Callan Park and Broughton Hall Trust.

Premier Must Reject White Bay Cruise Terminal Recommendation: 2 Sept 2011. Leichhardt Council is calling on the Premier to stand by his Government’s commitment to public consultation on the future of Bays Precinct and reject the Barangaroo Review recommendation that the Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal be relocated to White Bay.

Council seeks more sporting fields in Callan Park: 2 Sept 2011. Mayor Rochelle Porteous confirmed at the Council Ordinary meeting that Leichhardt Council has written to the Premier Barry O’Farrell seeking temporary care and management of the three sporting fields and the site of the Skate Park at Callan Park.

Taverner’s Hill Light Rail Stop Public Meeting: 2 Sept 2011. Thursday 22 September 7-9pm, Leichhardt Council Chambers. Held in response to resident concerns, this meeting will discuss the access arrangements for the Taverner’s Hill Light Rail Stop.

New Local Environmental Plan to Guide Local Development: 2 Sept 2011. Council is preparing a new comprehensive Local Environmental Plan to replace Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan 2000.

New Agreement to Boost Community Life for Social Housing Tenants: 2 Sept 2011. Leichhardt Council and Housing NSW will work together with residents living in social housing in Leichhardt to promote their participation in the community.

Community Artwork Transforms Hawthorne Canal: 2 Sept 2011. An exciting new artwork has not only given the Hawthorne Canal underpass a stylish makeover, it will also make the area safer for residents and pedestrians.

New Bridge over Hawthorne Canal: 2 Sept 2011. Residents will soon have safer and more convenient access to reserves along Hawthorne Canal and the Iron Cove Bay Run, with construction of the new pedestrian bridge over the Hawthorne Canal nearly complete.

Affordable Housing Options a Step Closer: 2 Sept 2011. Leichhardt Council is in a much stronger position to negotiate for affordable housing in the LGA, with the adoption of the Affordable Housing Policy at the Ordinary Council Meeting of July.

New Economic Development Officer For Council: 2 Sept 2011. Ensuring we have strong, vibrant and sustainable local businesses that generate local employment and provide essential goods and services to residents is a Council priority.

Inner West Small Business Expo - iBusiness: 2 Sept 2011. Thursday 15 September 2011, 7:30am-6pm, Southee Complex, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.

Council Avoiding 18 Tonnes Of C02 Emissions Per Year: 2 Sept 2011. Leichhardt Council is reducing carbon emissions from all Council buildings, with a series of measures including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Grants Programs now Open: 2 Sept 2011. Where good ideas grow… / Site and Sound / Leichhardt Local History Grants: People, Place and Events

Potholes Gone in 48 Hours: 2 Sept 2011. Seen a pothole in your street? Report it to Council and it will most likely be fixed within 48 hours.

Earthbeat: 2 Sept 2011. You are invited to Council’s first “World Music Event”. Earthbeat will get Pioneers Park grooving to the beats of Australia, Cuba, Europe and the Middle East, with an exciting program of artists from around the world.

Clothes Swap: 2 Sept 2011. Leichhardt Council is organising a Children’s Clothing and Toy Swap to help inner west parents join the collaborative consumption wave by sharing, swapping and reusing products that they no longer need.

Big Bike Day: 2 Sept 2011. The Big Bike Day will be held at War Memorial Park in Lilyfield on Sunday 25 September, from 11am to 3pm.

Precinct Committees: 2 Sept 2011. Annandale Precinct Committee; Leichhardt Precinct Committee; Birchgrove Precinct Committee

Unleash Your Inner Author: 2 Sept 2011. Leichhardt Libraries are set to help frustrated authors throughout the area release their inner narrative with new free writing groups.

Development and Certification Information Seminars: 2 Sept 2011. Wed 28 Sep and 16 Nov, 7-9pm, Leichhardt Town Hall, Council Chambers
Leichhardt Council holds information seminars for potential applicants and owners wishing to develop properties in the Leichhardt area. They outline how to obtain approvals and building certification.

Local Government Week: 29 July 2011

Join Leichhardt Council as we Celebrate Local Government Week with a great program of events ranging from free exercise and zumba classes to workshops, bus and walking tours, cooking demonstrations and tree plantings.

Callan Park Master Plan Approved: 29 July 2011

After over a decade of Council and community campaigning to save Callan Park, Leichhardt Council has adopted the Callan Park Master Plan. The Site will be run by an independent Trust – the Callan Park and Broughton Hall Trust.

JRPP Approves Leichhardt Police Area Command: 29 July 2011

The Joint Regional Planning Panel has resolved to approve the Police Local Area Command development application for Derbyshire Road if the police make some amendments to parking and heritage.

Glebe Island EOI Betrays Strategic Master Plan Commitment: 29 July 2011

Leichhardt Council Mayor Rochelle Porteous has called for an immediate halt to steps to lease Glebe Island. Cr Porteous said that this further example of ad hoc development of the Bays Precinct would unacceptably undermine the integrity of the Bays Precinct Masterplan consultation process.

Improved Access Across Hawthorne Canal: 29 July 2011

Residents will soon have safer and more convenient access to reserves along Hawthorne Canal and the Iron Cove Bay Run, with Leichhardt Council beginning construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Hawthorne Canal

New Economic Development Officer for Council: 29 July 2011

Ensuring we have strong, vibrant and sustainable local businesses that generate local employment and provide essential goods and services to residents is a priority of council. To help achieve this, Council will employ an Economic Development Officer to focus on helping Council to boost the local business community.

Council picks up E Waste Tab While Feds Drag the Chain: 29 July 2011

Residents will have more chances to responsibly recycle old televisions and computers, with Leichhardt Council now offering four E waste drop off days a year.

Lambert Park Funding Welcomed; Works to be Determined: 29 July 2011

Council will seek urgent confirmation of details of funding the State Government has purportedly pledged for Lambert Park, so that works at the Park can be prioritised.

Precinct Committee Volunteers Honoured: 29 July 2011

Leichhardt Council has honoured some of the unsung heroes of the LGA with an event to recognise the twentieth anniversary of the Local Precinct Committees.

Friends of Balmain Library: Supporting Their Community: 29 July 2011

Next time you borrow a book from Balmain Library, check the inside front cover. If there is a label “FOBL”, you can thank the Friends of Balmain Library for what you are about to read. Leichhardt Council has recognised the valuable contribution that FOBL have made, following their second Book Boost.

National Tree Day The Seed For Community Growth: 29 July 2011

Leichhardt Council is calling on Leichhardt residents to make a positive contribution to the local environment by getting involved in Australia's biggest community tree planting and nature care event on Sunday 31 July 2011.

JRPP Approves Leichhardt Police Area Command: 15 July 2011

Panel Member Cr Rochelle Porteous Disappointed at Decision: The Joint Regional Planning Panel has resolved to approve the Police Local Area Command development application for Derbyshire Road if the police make some amendments to parking and heritage.

Strong Sustainable Budget Approved: 8 July 2011

Council has approved the Budget and Delivery Program for 2011-2012, with continued good financial health. In it, Council has demonstrated its commitment to building sustainable core services and infrastructure.

Glebe Island EOI Betrays Strategic Master Plan Commitment: 8 July 2011

Leichhardt Council Mayor Rochelle Porteous is calling for an immediate halt to steps to lease Glebe Island. Cr Porteous said that this further example of ad hoc development of the Bays Precinct would unacceptably undermine the integrity of the Bays Precinct Masterplan consultation process.

JRPP to Consider Police LAC on 14 July: 8 July 2011

The Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) will hold a public meeting to consider the DA for the Police Local Area Command on 14 July, 7pm at Leichhardt Town Hall, 107 Norton Street Leichhardt. If you wish to speak at the meeting, you must register with the Panel Secretariat by 4pm Tuesday 12 July 2011.

Economic Sustainability for Local Businesses: 8 July 2011

Ensuring we have strong, vibrant and sustainable local businesses that generate local employment and provide essential goods and services to residents is a priority of council.

Council invites feedback on innovative Community and Cultural Plan: 8 July 2011

A vibrant music and arts program at the Leichhardt and Town Balmain Town Halls and a program helping young high school students to develop the skills they need to stay with their education are some of the programs proposed in Leichhardt’s new Community and Cultural Plan (CCP). The Draft Community and Cultural ten year Strategic Plan 2011–2021 and four year Service Delivery Plan 2011–2015 is on public exhibition until Thursday 21 July 2011.

Callan Park Master Plan to be considered at July Meeting: 8 July 2011

The Callan Park Master Plan will be considered by Council at an extraordinary meeting on 19 July. Council reports on the Master Plan and associated documents can be viewed on Council's website: http://www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au/SPContent.aspx?PageID=13&ItemID=389.

Council Voices Barangaroo Opposition: 8 July 2011

Leichhardt Council has voiced its strong opposition to the gross overdevelopment of the harbour front and relocation of the cruise terminal to White Bay to the independent Barangaroo review panel.

Footpath diners breath easier: 8 July 2011

Dining families, children and non-smokers in general can all breath a little easier, with the Leichhardt Council area now smoke free at all Council-leased outdoor dining areas.

Please Keep Your Pets in at Night: 8 July 2011

With over 1000 cat and dog attacks on wildlife in the Sydney region during 2010, Leichhardt Council is encouraging pet owners to keep their pets confined at night time.

Weavings of Light and Life: 8 July 2011

A new permanent art exhibition, Weavings of Light and Life has opened at the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre. The artwork not only welcomes visitors to the Centre, but also acknowledges the history of this land and its many peoples.

Leichhardt Celebrates 1,000 Fair Trade Towns: 8 July 2011

On 4 June Leichhardt was part of an international event to celebrate 1,000 Fair Trade Towns worldwide. Towns and cities in 22 countries across the world formally declared their Fair Trade status.

Free Zumba classes for young people: 8 July 2011

Live in Leichhardt and aged between 12 and 24? Leichhardt Youth Council will get you dancing with free Zumba classes, kicking off on Tuesday 26 July.

2011 KNIT IN at Balmain and Leichhardt Libraries: 8 July 2011

Join the Balmain and Leichhardt Libraries in their KNIT IN campaign by knitting squares and wraps from Thursday 23 June – Friday 5 August.

JRPP to Decide Police LAC Development Application 10 June 2011: The Minister for Planning has delegated the decision on the Police Local Area Command on Derbyshire road to the Joint Regional Planning Panel. The Panel will hold a Public Meeting on 15 June to allow residents to make comment on the proposed development. Residents wishing to speak must register before 4pm 14 June.

New Mayor, Deputy for Leichhardt Council 3 June 2011: Leichhardt Council has a new Mayor, Cr Rochelle Porteous, following an election on Thursday 19 May. Her new Deputy Mayor is Cr Michele McKenzie.

2011/12 Budget Reflects Community Priorities 3 June 2011: The draft Budget is now on exhibition until 23 June 2011. This year’s Budget has once again been drafted with Community priorities and concerns firmly in the forefront.

Parkland Restored King George Park opens again 3 June 2011: In early May the Community gathered to celebrate the reopening of the northern section of King George Park. The restored parkland includes a brand new children’s playground.

Smoke Free Al Fresco Dining from 1 July 3 June 2011: Al fresco dining in the Leichhardt Council area is about to become a much fresher experience when Leichhardt Council goes smoke free at all council-leased outside dining areas on 1 July.

Morts Dock Heritage Listing 3 June 2011: The heritage and archaeological significance of Mort’s Dock was celebrated with the unveiling of a plaque on 22 May. Mort’s Dock has social, historical, technical and aesthetic significance.

Affordable Housing a real option for Leichhardt 3 June 2011: Following Council’s endorsement of a planning proposal for a development at Terry Street in Rozelle, the applicant Anka Constructions Pty Ltd will contribute $850,000 to a new Affordable Housing Fund.

Community and Cultural Plan 3 June 2011: Council’s innovative new Community and Cultural Plan (C&CP) is now on exhibition. It connects community infrastructure spending, local services and activities with community priorities and values.

Have Your Say 3 June 2011: Council’s Draft One Year Budget, Four Year Delivery Program and Community and Cultural Plan are now on exhibition. Submissions are invited.

Council Leads Shake Up Of DA Processing Times 3 June 2011: Council recently contracted independent consultants to review all of its DA processes and is set to put a number of their recommendations in place.

Excellence In Waste And Sustainability Recognised 3 June 2011: Leichhardt Council has received a $270,000 rebate for excellence in waste and sustainability, the maximum performance rebate possible for 2010/11 based on our population.

Have You Checked Your Smoke Alarm 3 June 2011: People eligible for the Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement for the Elderly (SABRE) program can have new photoelectric alarms installed free of charge. It is also now compulsory for people to install smoke alarms in caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep.

Leichhardt Community Gardens 3 June 2011: For a quarter of a century Glovers Community Garden has been the focus of an urban yearning for a more sustainable way to live. The garden is set to become even more sustainable, having just received a grant from Leichhardt Council to purchase a water tank.

Exercise Classes for Seniors 3 June 2011: Senior citizens are invited to come along and try one of Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre’s (LPAC) specially tailored Seniors Exercise Classes.

Waste and Recycling Calendar 3 June 2011: Your waste and recycling calendar will be delivered during June. Also available on-line, it provides collection dates, educational information and advice for all your reuse, recycling and disposal needs.