I am sad to report that the LPA banner that we hang at the Chivers Hill Shopping Centre 3-4 days prior to our meetings on the second Monday in the month was again vandalised on Sunday morning 12th March. The banner was slashed and the bottom section torn off. We have been lucky enough to have the bottom section returned by a parishioner of St. Stephens Church, which we can use again, but the logo part remains missing. (Thanks very much to Rev. Owen Goddard for returning this to us).

Don’t forget 2000 memberships are now due.

Rob Clarsen - 9153 5158

During April, Hurstville City Council (in association with St. George Earthworks and the National Trust) – is giving away trees to each resident. The tree giveaway will be held in one location this year and arrangements can be made to deliver trees to our elderly residents or those with physical disabilities. Residents will be given two free trees to suit their location after presentation of a Hurstville City Council rate notice.

Click here to see Tree Giveaway Poster.

Hurstville Council is proceeding with the start of a number of works as part of their Riverwood Mainstreet Programme including:

• re-paving both sides of Belmore Road in a grey slate coloured material with a lighter gray border;
• planting trees and increasing lighting;
• erecting a new fence along the railway overpass;
• upgrading the taxi rank to create a holding and turning bay type effect;
• erecting signs indicating where parking is available in Riverwood;
• major works to the Littleton Street car park which includes painting, removal of graffiti, dismantling a Besser Block wall to let light in and create surveillance from the street and general upgrading the car park to encourage it to be used.

The March 2000 Hurstville Police Report is now on the web-site. Hurstville Police and the community have been working together over the past 6 months to reduce the incidence of house break and enters. While they have been reasonably successful, carelessness by householders often makes it easy for a thief to access homes and garages and steal property. Failure to lock doors, windows and leaving spare keys under the doormat or in the planter box makes it easy for an intruder to gain entry and steal property.

Crime statistics for February were:

Congratulations to Lugarno Lions for another great Jazz in the Park afternoon. Funds were raised to purchase new equipment for the Illawong Fire Brigade and a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

Council have purchased 74 new bus shelters. These shelters contain lighting that provides security and also carry some advertising. 30 of the shelters are on Olympic main roads and will begin to be installed shortly.

Hurstville Council has commissioned the installation of a swing for children (and adults) in wheelchairs. The swing is the first of its kind in Australia and has been designed by a local business from the Mortdale Industrial Estate. The swing will be located in Olds Park behind the Penshurst Library. A key will be required to access it and it promises to provide all the thrills of swinging to the younger (and older!) disabled residents of Hurstville.

Further to the information in our last newsletter regarding Council’s proposed change to Hurstville’s garbage collection format, Councillor Morris also informed us that:

• Australia’s per capita waste output is second only to the USA;
• a clause exists in the contract that Council has with the garbage collector to ensure recycling is achieved;
• a video to explain the new system will be sent to households closer to the time for introduction as well as a timetable for when to put out which bins;
• there will be an increase in garbage charges in Rates given the new system;
• clean ups have been reduced to 2 a year as statistics show that some 50% of clean-up material collected is green waste and given this will now be collected fortnightly the general clean-ups have been reduced to two.
• major works to the Littleton Street car park which includes painting, removal of graffiti, dismantling a Besser Block wall to let light in and create surveillance from the street and general upgrading the car park to encourage it to be used.

At our February meeting the issue of street sweeping in Lugarno was raised. It was agreed that we would write to Council to obtain some information on the frequency of street sweeping. Kevin Greene our local MP also raised the matter on our behalf with Council who responded with the information requested. The log of information provided indicates that 50 streets in Lugarno have been visited at least once a month for the period May 1999 to March 2000. Council have informed us that they try and sweep every resident street within a 3-4 week cycle. A full copy of the log Council has sent to us will be available at our April meeting or call Toni Hulme, the LPA Secretary, to obtain a copy on 9584 0410.

The perennial Lugarno problem!! The Riverkeeper programme has advised us of an interesting product call “The Hedgehog” which aims to maintain efficient waterflow in household gutters. The Hedgehog is a 3 dimensional concept that keeps gutters clear while moving water off the roof. For more information on the concept, phone Ken Wootton of Global Care on 0412 527725 or by email: gatewaycoc@smartchat.net.au

   »  St Stephen's Church Hall (Opposite Allwood Crescent)
   »  Mary Moody from Peakhurst Garden Centre will be attending to advise us how to prepare the garden for winter
   »  Tea & coffee available after the meeting
   »  Oatley Flora and Fauna – next meeting Monday April 17 at 7.45 pm - Uniting Church Hall, Cnr Frederick & Letitia Street Oatley