From the Mayor - 28 August 2019
Twelve months ago the lead comment in my Mayoral Column was the news that Woolworths was interested in developing a supermarket and residential complex on Military Rd. At the time I voiced my concerns regarding adverse environmental impacts for our village, especially traffic flow and congestion. This month the potential Woolworths development has again been the big news story on the streets of Mosman and beyond.
I am already on the public record saying that the initial concept plans when shown to Council did not receive support from the majority of Councillors, and Council does not have an appetite to co-develop the site with Woolworths.
Our village is special for so many reasons, not least because there are so few like it left. Every current Mosman Councillor campaigned in 2017 on preserving and protecting our village and I predict it will again be a major commitment for candidates at the local government elections in September 2020.
Council received a significant number of submissions addressing all aspects of our Local Strategic Planning Statement. The comments are being collated by our Planning staff and will be presented to Council before the end of the year.
Mosman residents have a long and strong tradition of actively protecting what they love. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work of the many active groups that flourish in Mosman and thank you for your support and commitment to your community.
Staying with the community, on 3 September I will award 25 grants valued at $70,000 in total, to local community organisations as part of Council’s 2019/20 Community Grants Program. Each of these organisations, including 10 first-time grant recipients, provide services that enhance the community life of Mosman residents. It is wonderful that Council is supporting them over the coming year.
The opening of the 2019 Mosman Art Prize will take place next month, and I am delighted to announce that former Mosman Art Prize winner and highly respected international artist Guan Wei will judge this year’s prize. The exhibition will be open from 11 September to 27 October and is not to be missed.