Hardys Bay Residents Group Inc.

Minutes

Minutes of the meeting for Hardys Bay Residents Group Inc. held at 7.30 pm Tuesday 11 December, at Hardys Bay Church Hall.

Welcome:  President Adrian Williams welcomed members and guests.

Apologies:  Jim Macfadyen, Sandy Robinson, Ian & Gaye Bull, Fiona Atkinson.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting:  Minutes accepted as true and accurate record. Moved by Bill Egan and seconded by Robert Hill.

Financial Report:  $6,006.00 cash balance. Income since last meeting $332.50.Outgoings were Church hall hire $25.00. Executive Committee approved the purchase of outboard motor for “Rocky” barge to do other areas of the bay or hire out. Around $3,000.00 to come out.  Main income is from memberships on an annual basis.

Business Arising from Minutes –

Foreshore Plan -  Presented by Gosford City Council at a meeting held two weeks ago.

· 80-85 attended and very clear from the overwhelming majority of what we have been advocating as a group.

· Bill Egan advised from the July 2006 HBRG meeting, the wish list of quick fixes and safety issues are mostly addressed in plan but definitely do not want the remainder of development.

· HBRG supports in principal improving traffic and pedestrian safety around the bay and a “minimalist” approach to foreshore development.

· In 2006 a couple of local meetings again reinforced a general reluctance for development in the bay.  The Pretty Beach Wagstaffe Progress Assn meeting in mid 2006 involved all groups.  It was a good meeting and all agreed on a number of safety issues and “minimalist” approach.  The proposal for development of the foreshore was presented from the Progress Assn to Council who advised they had backing for this development from the Bouddi Society and local business group – the latter not being the case. HBRG did not go along with the submitted proposal.

· HBRG SUPPORTS:

o Widening of Araluen Drive to improve traffic safety

o Well defined parallel parking

o Speed restrictions

o Safe and efficient turning areas to the east and west of the shops that do not adversely affect local residents

o Removal of vegetation to improve visibility at intersections, particularly at the Heath Road – Araluen Drive intersection and the Noble Road – Hardys Bay Parade intersection

o Safe pedestrian and bicycle access around the congested intersections where Araluen Drive meets Killcare Road and where it meets Heath Road

o Seawall east of Killcare Road for safety and to stop erosion to Blythe St.

o Restricted parking near the shops

o Movement of the bus stop to a safe location

o Appropriate but minimal signage and road markings to adequately control traffic around the shops and minimise unnecessary traffic into Araluen Drive cul-de-sac and Hardys Bay Parade

o Maintaining as much public space along the waters edge as possible

o Small shade trees – not Casuarinas which grow too high

· HBRG does NOT support:

o A new playground – use funds to improve Turo and Stanley Streets

o Gym equipment – unnecessary, potentially dangerous and subject to vandalism

o Angle parking – Dangerous and uses too much green space

o Wide concrete path – if we must have a path, it should be half normal width and along the sea wall

• HBRG’s expressed at Council’s meeting the items HBRG support and do not support.  We need Council to recognise this as a group’s collective view, and also encourage everyone to put in a submission. (soft copy to HBRG when you send it to Council). We know Council listens to HBRG and we want to give it a positive view.
• Cut off date for submissions to Council has now been extended to 25 January, 2008.  Foreshore Plans and forms available from our website www.hardysbay.com and also on display at Killcare Cellars.
• General discussion about widening the road, speed limits and size of roundabouts at Araluen Dr – Heath Rd and Killcare Rd – Araluen Dr. Roundabouts should be minimised, but workable and capable of handling future traffic. 
• A suggestion was made that rather than reclaim the corner of the bay at Araluen Dr – Heath Rd, a boardwalk could be erected to cross the creek giving more room for the roundabout and roadway. This would safely keep pedestrians and bikes away from the traffic without affecting surrounding residents and adding to the ambience of the bay.
• It was agreed that as a group we don’t think we can be specific about the size - we can advise Council the principles but not design it for them.    
• Motion by John Brown:  To wait until after Council’s next meeting on Thursday 10 January, 2008 - to send a letter to Council stating the points HBRG support and do not support - subject to the mood of the next meeting and prior to 25 January cut off date.  Seconded: Allan Lambell.

Marina – Michael Sparkes to present new plan at next meeting on the 19^th February, 2008.

• Interim measure have formed a sub-committee with Rob Hill as the chairman – will keep us informed.
• Currently doing the environmental assessment – plans are not even out yet – want to involve the community – rumour mill in action so if anyone wants information call in and have a chat to Mick.  When released plans will be available through our website link www.hardysbay.com.

Website – getting fantastic response 1,800 hits a month on our site.

New/General Business Updates:

Current Issue updates –

Mosquitos -  Received letter from Minister for Climate, Energy & Water.  Bit of traction with State Govt.  Recognising the issue.  National Parks & Wildlife applying for further grants to study impact on food chain with spraying.  This is a waste of time as all studies have been completed overseas.  Nervous about ongoing costs once commenced.  Adrian has been on radio twice re this issue.  Support from Council with Jim Macfadyen, Trevor Drake & Chris Hartcher.

Oysters – Terry has done a fantastic job.  Just under 400 tons of debris has been removed from the old leases.  The sand is coming back and you can use the foreshore again. Almost finished.

Newsletter – Would like to publicly recognise all the hard work Allan Wilson puts into our quarterly newsletter.  Next issue out just prior to Christmas.

Self funded through advertising.

Gosford City Council’s rate rise for Infrastructure Plan – At last meeting Council advised one element of the rates, currently 3.5% and wanted to raise this by another 3.5% which has to go to State Govt. for approval.  Told this was to be a 5 year period and subsequently appears it may be longer.  Have asked Council to clarify this.  Hold until reply is received.

Motion by Michael Sparkes: While HBRG supports GCC Infrastructure Plan it considers the amount of rate increase is excessive and needs to be reviewed.

Seconded: Bill Egan.

Sports Venue – Kel Gulliver requested we look into this further.  Council had advised Kincumber was the closest area.

Mardi – Mangrove Link – flyer available from Adrian.

Community Christmas Party – Tue 18 December - tickets available at the shops.

Correspondence – Emails re foreshore development.

• Emails and replies re mosquito issue and letter from Minister for Climate Change.

Next meeting:  Tuesday 19 February, 2008, 7.30 pm Hardys Bay Church Hall. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.30 pm.