This is Lugarno - September, 2000

This is LUGARNO
Published by Lugarno Progress Association Inc.
Volume 36 - Number 356 September 2000 Priceless

A MESAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Two major areas of concern were discussed at our August meeting. These were:

the level of crime that is happening in Lugarno
the proposed improvements to Evatt Park by Hurstville Council

There was a great deal of concern shown at the meeting about recent vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Lugarno. This included recent tyre slashing episodes in Allwood Crescent, Renway Avenue, Valentia Avenue and Blackbutt Avenue. Also a recent attempt had been made to fire-bomb Big Daddy’s (the hamburger take-away shop) at Chivers Hill. It was also apparent that not all residents in Lugarno are aware of what is happening in the different parts of the suburb. It was suggested the LPA set up a “hotline” for residents to report vandalism and anti-social behaviour so we can report it in the newsletter. In this manner if all residents are kept informed of what is happening in our suburb and we keep our eyes and ears open and report all incidents to the police, we may be able to stem the tide of what seems to be an ever rising vandalism rate.

The second issue for discussion was the planned improvements to Evatt Park. It appears the main concern is with the proposal to add a further 15 car spaces. Many of the other improvements such as additional toilets, enhanced disabled access, sealing of the dirt road, seem to have some support. We are planning to discuss the matter again at the September meeting, so if you have a view (of support or otherwise) please come to the meeting so all points of view can be discussed.

As our next meeting is on Monday 11^th September 2000 before the Olympics start! we expect to see a lot of members renew their attendance as the warmer evenings come upon us. Look forward to seeing you there!

Rob Clarsen - 9153 5158

Neighbourhood Watch

It is apparent that there is increasing concern in the Lugarno community regarding the incidents of vandalism, theft and other anti-social behaviour that seems to be on the rise in our suburb. This matter was discussed extensively at our August meeting as well as some action that could be taken to increase policing levels in Lugarno.

After some debate, it was agreed that the police cannot be in Lugarno 24 hours a day and we as the community must assist in being diligent and report any suspicious activity to the police. Also if we are to try and get an increased police presence in Lugarno, we must ensure the statistics that the police have show a need for more policing in and around the locality. Therefore it is imperative that any incident regarding crime or vandalism be reported to the police. If the incident is minor this can be done via the Police Assistance Line (PAL) - 131444 or if the Police need to be in attendance call Hurstville Police on 9375 8599. If incidents are not reported then there are no statistics to support our claim for a greater police presence.

It was discussed that we also need to tell each other what is happening in our suburb so those parts of Lugarno which have not yet been affected by some types of incidents can take precautions to ensure if possible it doesn't happen in their area. The LPA has set up a "hotline" for residents to ring and report any incidents so we can include it in the newsletter. The number is 9530 7986 and please leave your name, address, phone number, what the incident was, the date it happened, whether it was reported to the PAL line and any other details that are relevant. Alternatively, you can drop a line to our PO Box, email us or fax us on 9596 2220.

We will collate the data, report it in the newsletter and also send a copy to Kevin Greene our MP for Georges River and the Hurstville Local Command Superintendent Paul Lowe, to ensure they know what is happening in Lugarno.

However, please make sure that all incidents are reported to the PAL line as well for without these "official" statistics our case for increased police patrols and presence is severely weakened. We understand that the Lugarno statistics currently on record through the PAL line and Hurstville Police are very low.

Crime statistics for March were:

Stealing	Lugarno Public School
Break, enter and steal	Cypress Drive Renway Avenue Linden Crescent Bimbadeen Crescent
Break, enter and intent to steal	Bimbadeen Crescent x2
Stolen Vehicle	Oak Street
Steal from motor vehicle	Linden Crescent Valentia Avenue Gannons Park during a sporting event x 2

There have again been four incidents of stealing from motor vehicles; so please ensure you lock your vehicles at all times.

Pedestrian crossing at Chivers Hill

At present it appears that a pedestrian crossing at Chivers Hill to cross Forest Road will not be proceeding. The RTA has instead requested Council review the delineation of the northbound traffic lane and bus zone on the western side of Forest Road adjacent to the existing pedestrian refuge and that they review the landscaping on the western side of Forest Road between the pedestrian refuge and the Grandviews Avenue roundabout.

Cleaning of stormwater drains

Some time ago we asked Hurstville Council about the frequency of cleaning the stormwater drains in Lugarno. Council has advised that Hurstville City is divided into 12 regions for the purpose of stormwater pits and pipelines cleaning. Lugarno (and part of Peakhurst) are in region 1. Each region takes approximately 2 months to cover with present resourcing levels ie 2 years to cover the whole of the Hurstville City. Area 1 was last serviced from 10th September 1999 to 5th November 1999. Hence it will be another 12 months (ie 2001) before our drains are cleaned again.

However, council has advised that there are pits within the City area which are known to frequently block and these pits are attended to approximately every 2 weeks within the normal cleaning programme. So if you have a pit near you that frequently blocks please advise Council direct or drop us a line and we will bring it to Council's attention.

Foxes

We have received some encouraging support for our letters regarding foxes and their control. Kogarah Council and the MP for Kogarah, Ms Cherie Burton, are both happy to participate in any joint programme that might be able to be started. Rockdale Council on the other hand have informed us that they have no recent sightings of foxes in Rockdale City and therefore will not be taking part in any fox-hunting programme. Perhaps they forgot to look in their urban bushland areas and parks!

We are still waiting for the response from Hurstville Council, but will be passing to them the support of Kogarah Council for any joint effort.

Transportable Skateboard Ramps

This matter is progressing and a meeting was held on 21st June 2000 between Council, the Riverwood Community Consultative Committee and the Georges River Community Baptist Church. It was outlined at that meeting that the ramps would be 100% supervised and the facility is not for professionals but for young skateboard riders who find it difficult to locate suitable places to skate and hence use the local shopping centres and the streets.

The skateboard ramps will also be able to be used by local established community groups such as Scouts, Guides, Brigades, Lions, Rotary, Church Groups and Schools. Council has identified sites which may be suitable and these include Penshurst Park, Gifford Park and Olds Park.

WHAT'S ON?

NEXT MEETING Monday 11th September - 8.00pm (Come along and join us)

   »  St Stephen's Church Hall (Opposite Allwood Crescent)
   »  Discussion of Evatt Park improvements
   »  Tea & coffee available after the meeting
   »  Oatley Flora and Fauna - next meeting Monday September 25th at 7.45 pm - Uniting Church Hall, Cnr Frederick & Letitia Street Oatley. Nostalgia Night - Escape from the Games! Members' slides of past events

Delivery of "This is Lugarno" is generously sponsored by:
SANDERS FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE of Lugarno, Oatley and Mortdale
Contact Ian Ludlam or Ross Stewart at the Lugarno Office, Chivers Hill Shopping Centre

Lugarno Progress Association
Reg No. Y16702-28
Website:
www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/lugarno.html

Phone: 9153 5158
Fax: 9596 2220

PO Box 21,
Lugarno, 2210
email: lpa40@hotmail.com