Mosman residents are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to local ferry services which would result in a reduction in frequency of services at Mosman Bay during peak periods and longer travel times, but more frequent services, on other routes.

The changes to the F2 Taronga Zoo and F6 Mosman Bay ferry services are being proposed by Sydney Ferries operator Transdev which, if endorsed by Transport for NSW, would be introduced in 2021.

Mosman Council has resolved to submit a report presented to the Council Meeting held on 4 February to Transdev, which details concerns that the proposed changes would result in some disadvantage to Mosman commuters and therefore cannot be supported by Council. A meeting with NSW Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson MP and NSW Minister for Transport and Roads the Hon. Andrew Constance MP will also be sought to discuss the ferry service and alternatives which would not disadvantage Mosman commuters to the extent proposed.

Mosman residents are being encouraged to find out more about the proposed changes and have their say via yoursay.transdev.com.au before the consultation concludes on 14 February 2020.

To improve safety for playground users Council will be installing a fence between Allan Border Oval and Memorial Park playground. The fence will be permanent and is designed to prevent balls entering the playground area during cricket matches. The fence will be 30 metres wide and 6 metres high. The fence will be located on the top of the embankment between the existing picket fence and row of Cypress trees. Please see image below.

Council‘s Heritage Advisor raised no objection on heritage grounds and the safety fence is Exempt Development pursuant to provisions of clause 66(1)(a)(vi) of State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.

The visual impact has been minimised by the use of black mesh and its location directly adjacent to the row of cypress trees. If you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact Greg Keys on 9978 4033.

Mosman Council has extended its rollout of free public Wifi.

The service is now available around Spit Junction, along Military Road between Cowles Road to Mandolong Road, and parts of Spit Road, between the Civic Centre and up to the B1 bus stops.

This follows the introduction of the service in April 2019 around Mosman Square and the Civic Centre Precinct including Myahgah Mews, Mosman Village Green, and outside Barry O’Keefe Library and Mosman Art Gallery.

The service has proved popular with residents and visitors, and the coverage area will be further extended to Mosman Junction later this year.

To connect within the coverage area, find and join the ‘Mosman_Free_Wifi’ network using a Wifi enabled phone, tablet or notebook computer.

For further information on the service click here.

The new Bondi to Manly Walk was officially opened on Sunday 8 December. This spectacular new walk is a continuous 80km track that includes South Head, the Harbour Bridge, and North Head Sanctuary, and links the existing coastal public walking tracks in six Council areas. The section through Mosman incorporates the Curlew Camp Artists’ Walk, Taronga to Balmoral including Headland Park, and the Spit to Manly Walk.

Mosman Council voted on 12 November to declare a Climate Emergency, stating that climate change poses a serious risk and should be treated as an emergency.

“This declaration is in keeping with Mosman’s longstanding commitment to reducing its impact on the environment, and educating our community about living more sustainably,” Mayor Carolyn Corrigan said following the meeting.

“We join with and support other councils and Local Government NSW in calling on state and federal governments to take urgent action to at least meet the Paris Agreement emissions reduction targets.”

At the following Council meeting in December, Council resolved to continue its advocacy with State and Federal governments seeking action on climate change, and to develop a Climate Change Action Plan that will look at options to further reduce Council’s CO2 emissions and build environmental resilience in six key areas: energy use, biodiversity and trees, water cycle, waste, transport, built environment, and engaging and educating the community. The Plan will form part of a Resilience Strategy to replace Council’s existing Environmental Management Plans, and build on capacity to respond to a changing climate and set a clear policy direction for Mosman.

• A commitment to convert lighting in residential streets to LED by December 2020 and planning for potential main street light conversion.
• Retrofitting Council buildings and carparks with LED lights, saving an estimated 216,000kg in CO2 emissions annually.
• Monitoring council and community energy and water usage for potential improvements.
• Upgrading solar panels at the Marie Bashir Sports Centre and planning for Civic Centre installation.
• Supporting local schools in converting to solar power through the Solar My School program.
• Expanding Mosman’s bicycle network by 22km and developing a new Active Transport Plan to reduce car usage.
• Recycling or reusing Council’s green waste from public land.
• Public education and monitoring programs that have helped to reduce Mosman’s landfill waste by 17kg per capita in the last 4 years.
• Initiatives to improve Mosman’s recycling rates, with more than 90% of paper, co-mingled and garden waste currently being recycled.
• Actively protecting 38ha of bushland, and street and park trees, to improve carbon absorption and protect flora and fauna.
• Promoting and facilitating car sharing.
• Supporting the Mackie Lane Community Garden with its composting initiative.
• Planting over 300 trees since April 2019.

• Educational and hands-on local community events such as its ‘Rethink Rubbish Pop-up Beach Series’, ‘Seaside Scavenge’ clean ups, and ‘Ocean Action Pod’.
• Hosting two free e-waste drop offs each year.
• Providing free energy and sustainability assessments for apartments through the Mosman apartment and strata savings program.
• Providing free recycling guide stickers and signage to help improve effective household waste recycling.
• Hosting various events and workshops for residents throughout the year including clothes and toy swaps, free guest author and speaker talks, and practical workshops on topics such as repairing small electrical appliances, decluttering, eco-gardening, living with less and using foods for organic skincare.
• Conducting environmental audits, and educational and eco-gardening workshops for local schools.
• Co-ordinating a number of volunteer groups involved in natural resource and environment care; BushCare, HarbourCare and HarbourCare Teens, and GardenCare.

Council’s ‘Living Mosman’ Facebook page and newsletter keep residents up to date on sustainability initiatives and ways to get involved, and more information, including comprehensive tips on how to live more sustainably, is available in the ‘Sustainable Living’ section of our website.

Mosman Council has been acknowledged for its innovation in converting its permits from paper to digital, winning the Excellence in Technology and Innovation – On Street award at the prestigious Parking Industry Awards.

Council was also shortlisted for its supporting marketing communications in the Outstanding Marketing and Communications category and also as Parking Organisation of the Year.

The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams and organisations for excellence, outstanding facilities and innovation throughout the parking sector.

While Mosman Council has moved to a digital format through its online vPermit system, Council customer service staff can provide support for residents who need assistance at its self-service internet kiosks in the Civic Centre foyer.

More information and a video guide on how to use vPermit is available here or contact Council on 9978 4000 between 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Mosman Council supports the Lower North Shore Domestic Violence Network in marking ‘16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence’.

The ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ is an annual international campaign that runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Visit the Network’s information stall at Mosman markets on Saturday 7 December.

Information on domestic and family violence and local services is available on the Network’s website here.

Council has completed refurbishment of the amenities along The Esplanade at Balmoral in time for summer. The public bathrooms located at Balmoral Baths, the Balmoral Tramshed opposite Hunter Park, and at the end of the Bathers’ Pavilion, have been repainted, tiled and fitted with new fixtures, partitions, lighting and ventilation. The work was conducted over the winter months to ensure minimal disruption, and will provide an improved experience for residents and visitors to the beach and promenade area.

Also underway are repair works to the jetty at the southern end of Balmoral. Refurbishment of the boardwalk will be completed at the end of this month so it can be open for summer, and further work to the structure will be undertaken in February 2020.

These latest upgrades follow Council’s major renewal of Balmoral infrastructure and extensive refurbishment of the promenade over the past two years, including new stairs, improved lighting and footpath upgrades.

Seven floral towers have been installed around Mosman’s retail areas. The displays, along Military Road, Mosman Square and outside Bridgepoint, feature a range of lush, colourful plant species chosen for their foliage, floral display and durability. The displays will remain in place until December.

The expanded program follows last year’s successful trial of five displays which received positive feedback from the community.

A VIEW Club chapter, promoting the voice, interests and education of women, has been established in Mosman.

The women’s volunteer organisation operates in 300 communities around Australia in support of The Smith Family’s work and members sponsor students, volunteer, fundraise and advocate, to improve the outcomes of disadvantaged Australian children and young people.

Mosman Council has supported efforts by members of the community to establish a local chapter and provided a venue for them to meet and build sufficient numbers until the required level of membership had been achieved.

Mosman’s VIEW Club was inaugurated at a morning tea at Boronia House attended by Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan and Jan Roberts, Maryanne Maher and Jeanette Cassidy from VIEW. For more information visit view.org.au

Pictured from left to right: Jan Roberts, Jeanette Cassidy, Maryanne Maher, Cr Carolyn Corrigan