Wednesday 18 January 2012

Welcome to 2012. I hope you had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. During the holidays I attended a great event where well-known, local boardmaker Mango and Bondi’s Hurricanes Grill donated boards to each of the local surf clubs for their nipper groups. Good on everyone involved.

One of my priorities for 2012 is the transport, traffic and pedestrian issues in and around Bondi Junction. I have established a working group with Council officers to look at short- and long-term improvements in pedestrian and traffic movement in Bondi Junction. Westfield and property owners, Woollahra Council, and traffic and transport groups will be consulted.

The bike path that goes through the Oxford Street Mall has resulted in too many accidents and near misses between bikes and pedestrians. I have shifted Council’s priorities to address this issue. Over the next few months a new bicycle path will be constructed in Spring Street with associated landscaping works. When completed, bike riders will need to dismount while in the Oxford Street Mall.

Council encourages and supports people in changing their mode of transport and minimising their reliance on cars. We have expanded our bicycle network and provided bike facilities throughout the Waverley Local Government Area, resulting in increased bicycle use.

Are your kids into computer games? A free, two-day workshop is being held at Waverley Library for 14–17-year-olds where they will learn how to make their own computer game with help from the UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering. On Saturday participants will Learn ‘GameMaker’ and on Sunday they’ll be able to create their own game. The workshops are free and run 10am–3pm. Places are limited, call Waverley Library on 9386 7773 to reserve your spot.

Finally, on a negative note, I was disappointed to hear of the recent vandalism in Bronte Gully that caused serious damage to the beautiful native plantings. Council has increased Ranger patrols in the area and anyone caught damaging or removing plants, animals, rocks or soil will be fined up to $1,000. If you become aware of any anti-social behaviour in the gully please call Council’s Rangers on 0414 884 393.

Mayor John Wakefield, Waverley Council