Squash back in fashion

Getting together for a game of squash was popular in the 80’s then more fashionable sports took over and you didn’t hear much about the game. But like all trends it is now back in fashion!  It’s fast and furious and gives you a great work out.  Council has always had a squash court in Mutch Park and now it is back in demand.

Our squash courts managers, Jimmy and Andrew, have formed a new Squash Club and currently have 13 men’s and four women’s team playing in all divisions throughout South Eastern Sydney.  They are now looking for youngsters to join in the fun.  Players of all ability are welcome and coaching is available if you wish.  For information given Jimmy or Andrew a call on 9366 3594 and have a chat or pop in and see them at the Courts which are located in Mutch Park off Wentworth Avenue ( entrance near Kelloggs).  

Meals on Wheels get an "A"

The NSW Food Authority recently conducted an audit of our Meals on Wheels and Centre Based Meals food operations. Our services were assessed as meeting the highest standards and we have retained our “A” Rating.  I would like to congratulate Pauline and her staff on this wonderful achievement. I would also like to thank our loyal group of meals on wheels volunteers, for without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide such a well run and successful service. The real winners though are our community – you can be assured if you or one of your loved ones is receiving our services – they are of the highest standard and quality – something we expect, and you deserve.

Council welcomes "Shrek"

We’ve named our latest acquisition “Shrek” because it’s green and mighty!  Residents will soon see “Shrek” out and about on our streets and in our parks.  “Shrek” is an environmentally friendly, solar powered, cleaning machine.  It will be busy giving our city a good scrub in coming weeks from bus shelters, pavements, street furniture to garbage bins and even removing some graffiti and posters.  And residents will know exactly what “Shrek” is up to as it comes with a variable message board which Council staff can change depending on the task.

If it is in Botany or Mascot Shopping strips you will know it is cleaning pavers, or removing chewing gum and scum, or cleaning the bins.  I am very excited about the new addition which should be rolled out in the next two weeks.  When you see it on the streets if you don’t agree with the name let me know!  But I bet “Shrek” (for those who have seen the movie) will come to mind.

Drainage concerns

Last week I mentioned the problem we are having with the rising water levels in the pond in Sir Joseph Banks Park as a result of Sydney Water’s Stormwater pipe outlet being blocked where it empties into Botany Bay.  This week our engineers have raised the alarm that it might be causing bigger problems by effecting our residential streets, particularly when heavy rain falls.

An inspection of the three stormwater outlets revealed two are completely submerged under sand and the third partially submerged.  Simply, this means stormwater from sections of city is not escaping into the bay as it should but building up in the pipes.  Council is pressing Sydney Water and Sydney Ports to have the problem rectified as quickly as possible.

Bread and butter issues

Council has completed its annual line marking program which involves maintaining areas where road markings have deteriorated or need to be reinstated after pavement works on our local road infrastructure.  This is an important part of council’s daily works program as it goes to ensuring the safety of road users and pedestrians. Maintenance work around local schools is a priority for this program.  Council has a commitment to maintain safety on our Local roads for the benefit of the community.  

Garden Competition on again

Planning for our annual garden competition, judged in September, is well underway and I told that this year we will have a new category for “Balcony Gardens.”  There seems to have been a number of enquiries from keen gardeners who live in units or flats to be included.  I look forward to meeting them on the presentation night.  

The competition is open to all residents who have an interest in gardening or simply like to maintain a neat and tidy garden to complement their home.  Gardens of all size and design are welcome.  Brochures are still in the planning stages, but will be distributed next month to all letterboxes.  There are great prizes to be won and the Awards Evening is a highlight on our civic calendar.  

While we are on gardens it is not too late to get your Water Rebate applications in.  Remember you must re apply each year.  If you are not the list for 2011 your nature strip won’t be inspected.  If you have misplaced the one you received in your letter box, again give my office a call and we can send one out to you.

Recycling upgrades

Council this week installed new bins, including recycling bins, in our major parks and sporting facilities.  The green bin is for general garbage and bin with the yellow lid is for recycling.  These bins have been placed in Rowland Park, Booralee Park, Jellicoe Park, Eastlakes Reserve, L’Estrange Park and Hensley Athletic Field.   All organised groups using these facilities will be asked to encourage their patrons to recycle.  

Council is also looking at options at upgrading its residential recycling system.  For many years Council has opted for the two crate system as it provides a much cleaner product with less contamination.   Many of crates are old and brittle this combined with the fact that recycling and separating technology has improved makes it the right time to look at other options.   If Council does make the decision to change it will not occur for some time as budgets (an allocation of funds) and implementation methods will need to be put in place. Recycling is about reducing garbage in landfill not changing for change sake.