Sutherland Shire Council is looking at a strategic plan for land use along the Kurnell peninsula which includes the Australand site at Wanda. The council is looking to put forward a balanced master plan showing development strategies and approvals so they and the community are fully aware as to what is going to be built as each site is cleared.
Rather than lose each site to industrial development the council would like a comprehensive plan prepared so the community and landowners can make decisions based on win-win situations.
This move toward a master plan has meant that the nature of the development at Wanda remains uncertain as the developer has court approval to build light industrial units. The council are proposing that the land be residential.
The council has until the end of the year to make a decision as once work is started on the sub-division, due to start early next year, it cannot be changed. Earthworks on the site over the last year have dramatically changed the face of the former sandmining site.
The area has been cleared, stabilised and revegetated, and frog ponds and a
man-made lake also have been built. Work on Captain Cook Drive is the next step in the process. This will include widening a section and incorporating a roundabout. A sealed road accessing the estate needs to be built as well.
Futuristic facility for high voltage cables
Energy Australia is proposing to replace two existing sub-stations at Kurnell, on either side of Captain Cook Drive, with a new single futuristic indoor facility, as part of Energy Australia’s project involving the underground installation of two twin high voltage cables along the bottom of the bay to another sub-station at Matraville.
Energy Australia says the project is necessary to ensure reliable electricity supply to the inner metropolitan area, including the CBD. A provision is included to provide reliable back-up to the existing electricity transmission supply for homes and businesses on the Kurnell peninsula.
As a way of appeasing the residents of Kurnell through expected disruptions, Energy Australia have used architects to come up with some unique designs for the new building, to be put forward for the general public to choose.
Energy Australia said that the design of the new facility should reflect the values of the Kurnell area and that they were committed to undertaking the replacement work with minimal impact on the environment.
Bonna Pt boat ramp upgrade
The boat ramp at Bonna Pt is to undergo an upgrade as the gates across Charles Parade at Kurnell were closed, restricting vehicle access to the area.
The upgrade to the ramp will include extra lighting, a fishing table, fresh water close to a boat wash down area and rubbish bins, with the possibility of a public telephone being installed.
The upgrade will be carried out in stages with stage one to include the ramp and jetty. The car park and ancillary facilities will be upgraded later. Plans for the upgrade were put on public display last month, which included any disruptions such as road closures. No public comments were received.
Holiday maintenance in our schools
Schools throughout the Shire received much needed maintenance work during the recent holiday break.
Works included gas heaters being installed at Gymea Bay Public School and gas heating upgraded at Woolooware High. Lilli Pilli Public School received a canteen upgrade while ramps, a gutter crossing and toilet modifications were carried out at Heathcote High.
Waterfall and Woronora River Public Schools also received upgrades to their toilets with Engadine High receiving upgraded laboratories and Sylvania High having a lift installed for the use of disabled students.
Other upgrades and maintenance works are expected to be carried out during term three which are all part of a $1.8 million campaign by the State Government to counter criticism of maintenance problems in our public schools.
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