The Mayor's Column
Wild, wet and windy, storms raged across NSW, bringing floods, devastation and tragic deaths to some areas. Following Sydney’s hottest May on record, temperatures plunged and we were lashed by thunderstorms, heavy rains and high winds. This is the reality of climate change and weather extremes. There will be more of the same.
Mosman was relatively lucky, although the SES was kept very busy. These people, highly trained as they are, are volunteers. The conditions in which they work are often hazardous and require exceptional skills and bravery. Mosman Council is hosting a dinner for the SES to express in a small way the gratitude of the community.
Mosman Rangers must also be commended for their dedication and were out responding to calls and working overtime to deal with emergencies.
The most significant damage was on high or east facing areas which were most exposed to the destructive winds.
Large trees at The Spit, Clifton Gardens and Balmoral were lost or damaged; a fig and a coral tree were lost in Parriwi Lighthouse reserve and had to be removed by crane. Council thanks the residents of 55B Parriwi Rd for their patience during this operation.
At Rawson Park Oval, one floodlight tower crashed down and the others assessed at risk. The oval was closed for their removal. Council is arranging as quickly as possible to restore facilities.
Sand has dramatically shifted on our beaches and bays. The sea has bitten into the coastline causing some erosion.
It was fortuitous that the week before the storms, Mosman appointed a sub-committee of Councillors to liaise with the STA about their neglect of the three wharves located in Mosman. Unfortunately, Cremorne wharf sank, leaving ferry commuters without their transport for some time to come.
Mosman and North Sydney Councils are investigating assisting our neighbours in the Newcastle/Central Coast region, who have been hard hit and have a huge clean-up task.
Mosman Council is proactive in environmental matters and bravely published an ecological footprint, which illustrated that we all need to change our lifestyles if we are to make any difference in reducing green house gas emissions.
Join the Women for Change Alliance, which was launched in Mosman last week. Attend Mosman’s Environmental Expo to be held on Saturday 4 August in the Grand Hall of the Art Gallery and Community Centre with lots of ideas on how to improve your household’s sustainability.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
