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Feedback Sought For Proposed Extended Lighting at Nagle Park

Feedback is being sought for a proposal to trial extended lighting of the sports fields at Nagle Park in Maroubra.

Read: Op-Shop Finds New Home in Maroubra After Temporarily Operating as a Pop-up Store

Nagle Park’s lights are currently in operation for three nights a week until 8.30 p.m. from April to September, during Randwick Rugby Club’s training on the sports fields.

To promote informal and passive recreation in the park during winter, Randwick City Council plans to conduct a trial by extending the lighting days to five days a week (Monday to Friday) until 8.30 p.m.

This trial aims to accommodate residents who walk their dogs in the park and use its off-leash dog areas, as dogs are not allowed on the sports field.

Feedback from the survey will be thoroughly reviewed and presented to the Council to determine whether to move forward with the trial. If approved, the trial will begin in June and end in September 2023.

Following the trial, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted, including additional community consultation, to determine if the arrangements should continue.

To take the survey, go to Randwick City Council’s website. The feedback period is open from 5 April until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, 3 May 2023.

About Nagle Park

Photo credit: David Kenwright/Google Maps

Nagle Park, situated on Walsh Avenue in Maroubra, provides amenities for various organised sports such as rugby union, cricket, baseball, and school sports.

Read: Here’s the Draft Masterplan for the Transformation of Matraville Town Centre

The park features vast shaded areas from large trees and screen plantings around the perimeter.

In addition to organised sports, Nagle Park is utilised for walking and dog exercises. A playground is also located on the premises, within 10 metres of the park.

The playground is fenced and suitable for toddlers and older kids. There is a swing set, spring toys, slippery dip, rock climbing set and monkey bars.

Published 13-April-2023

Teens Whisked to Safety After Jumping Off Mistral Point in Maroubra

Photo Credit: Hooked/YouTube Screengrab

Two adventurous teenagers had luck on their side and only sustained minor abrasions and a couple of bruised egos, after they were rescued off Mistral Point in Maroubra.

The boys, aged 16 and 17, became stranded at the base of the cliff and had to seek refuge inside a cave as the waves crashed against the rocks.

According to the NSW Police, members of the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and Marine Area Command, as well as the rescuers from Surf Life Saving NSW, Randwick Council Lifeguards and NSW Ambulance paramedics, were on the scene to help the trapped teens, whose friends informed emergency services.

Though their injuries were minor, the boys were still taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital as a safety precaution.

Chief Inspector Tracy Ford, the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command Duty Officer, commended all the agencies that worked hand in hand to save the teenagers.

“Whilst the area does attract adventure seekers, it must not be forgotten that the area is still extremely dangerous,” Chief Inspector Ford said.

“Thankfully, the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit are trained for such retrievals – and thanks to the quick response of all first responders – we were able to avoid a tragic outcome this long weekend.”

Mistral Point is a popular but dangerous scenic spot in Sydney.

Published 13-April-2023

New $44.4 Million Mixed-Use Development Proposed on Maroubra Road

Did you know that a nine-level, mixed-use development could soon be built on Maroubra Road, offering 57 apartments plus retail and commercial spaces once approved?

Lindsay Bennelong has lodged a proposal for a mixed-use development project in Maroubra. The 1,512 sqm site, located at 138 Maroubra Road, was acquired by the company in 2022.

The current office building on the site will be demolished to facilitate the proposed nine-level building that is estimated to cost $44.4 million and will offer a mix of retail, commercial, and residential spaces.

Under the proposal, 57 apartments will be constructed, offering a range of one to four-bedroom units. The ground floor will feature two retail spaces, while the first floor will house a commercial office space surrounded by a landscaped outdoor area.

The outdoor spaces will include outdoor kids’ play space, an outdoor gym, and built-in seating around turfed areas, providing residents with access to a range of recreational facilities.

New $44.4 Million Mixed-Use Development Proposed on Maroubra Road — Photo credit: Randwick City Council / onlineservices.randwick.nsw.gov.au

On the eighth level of the building, there will be two outdoor spaces. The first space will have an outdoor barbecue and kitchen area, communal dining space, and community garden planters. The second outdoor space will be smaller but will have similar facilities as the first.

Beneath the building, car parking is situated and mechanically ventilated, with entry available from Piccadilly Place. Access to all residential floors is provided through stairs and lifts directly from the basement levels, ensuring safety and ease of movement. The vehicular entry point is set into the site off Piccadilly Place, providing sufficient circulation and waiting space.

Peter Campbell, a renowned property figure, established Lindsay Bennelong in 2007. The company is currently involved in projects at Bondi Junction (Whitton Lane) and Crows Nest (Delano). In the previous year, the company submitted plans for constructing five beachside apartments at North Steyne’s dress circle in Manly.

Published 12-April-2023

New Pedestrian-Friendly Masterplan For Maroubra Unveiled

A new masterplan for Maroubra, also known as the Maroubra Junction Public Domain Masterplan, has been unveiled as part of plans to transform the area in 20 years’ time.

Read: Here’s the Draft Masterplan for the Transformation of Matraville Town Centre

Randwick Council’s plans include the development of two plazas and pedestrian walkways, aimed to make the area more accessible and enjoyable for pedestrians while also reducing traffic movements and speed.

The first of the two plazas, Wild Street Plaza, will be created by closing Wild St to cars and closing the slip lane from Maroubra Rd to Bunnerong Rd. This plaza will feature new seating, trees, landscaping, and public art, providing an inviting space for pedestrians to relax and enjoy the surrounding area.

Artist’s impression for Wild Street Plaza (Photo credit: randwick.nsw.gov.au)

The second plaza, known as the Robey Street Plaza, will be a shared zone at the junction of Robey St and Maroubra Rd. It will be created by closing the slip lane between Maroubra Rd and Walsh St and will also feature seating, green space and trees, and public art.

Artist’s impression for Robey St Plaza (Photo credit: randwick.nsw.gov.au)

In addition to the plazas, the pedestrian-friendly masterplan also includes the development of new cycleways throughout Maroubra. There are new bi-directional cycleways being proposed along central Anzac Parade median, on the eastern side of the central median, and on Maroubra Rd.

One of the key benefits of the pedestrian-friendly masterplan is the reduction in traffic movements and speed. By making the area more accessible to pedestrians, the plan aims to reduce the number of cars on the road, thereby reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Read: Op-Shop Finds New Home in Maroubra After Temporarily Operating as a Pop-up Store

Council developed new masterplan for Maroubra based on feedback from community consultation undertaken in 2021. Outcomes of the community consultation will be reviewed to finalise the Masterplan and presented to Council for adoption.

Published 7-April-2023

Achieve Your Fitness Goals! Two New Outdoor Gyms Open in Maroubra and Matraville

No excuses! Time to get your fitness goals sorted out as two new outdoor gyms have opened at popular parks in Maroubra and Matraville.

Located at Snape Park in Maroubra and at Barwon Park in Matraville, these fitness spaces offer heaps of choices for shaping up and getting fit regardless of one’s skill and abilities. Council has ensured that the equipment provided at these new outdoor gyms is “a mix of static and dynamic fitness equipment” so that anybody can benefit from the facilities, whether one is just starting out with their goals or has been exercising regularly.

Based on the community’s feedback during the consultations, the Snape Park gym has been installed with gorilla bars, body dips, leg raisers, roman rings and pull-ups, an aerobic cycle, a step-up station, and an elliptical trainer. The ground has been fitted with solid and sturdy rubber softfall, while garden edging, footpaths and a walking track complete the facility’s functional aesthetics.

New outdoor gym Maroubra — Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil/YouTube

Barwon Park has a shade structure and a rubber softfall as well, along with a variety of fitness equipment like the chest press, aerobic cycle, leg press, elliptical trainer, body dips, and dexterity builder.

New outdoor gym matraville — Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil/YouTube

Aside from helping locals achieve their fitness goals, these new outdoor gyms are also social recreation spaces for older people. These projects are part of Randwick City Council’s Open Space and Recreation Strategy aimed at providing the community with access to free, informal outdoor recreation opportunities.

Published 28 March 2023

Blue Dragons at Maroubra Beach: Emerging Threat Brings Worse Pain than Bluebottle

Photo Credit: Philippe Bourjon and Elisabeth Morcel/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

An unprecedented number of sea slugs called blue dragons have been seen in Maroubra Beach and other beaches in NSW, posing a dangerous threat for swimmers.

While blue dragons have been reported before, specifically in 2018 and 2021, the numbers that have recently washed up at Maroubra beach, as well as Bondi beach, were higher than ever in late January 2023.

Compared to bluebottles, blue dragons have a more potent sting that isn’t life-threatening or venomous but could deliver the most excruciating pain, according to marine biologist Julian Obayd. He has been sharing information about blue dragons and other unique sea creatures on his TikTok account.

@julianobayd Replying to @J̷o̷e̷l̷ 🎶 (PART 1) Forgot i did this informative video on Blue Dragons with help from @The Dodo thank you Carolina if you’re reading this 🙂 🐉 #venomous #dangerous #bluedragon #beach #beachvibes #alien #rescue #manowar #fish ♬ original sound – Dragon Hunter

If stung by this sea creature, the experts advise rinsing the area with seawater and never freshwater. It’s also best to avoid rubbing the area and instead soak the sting in comfortable hot water for at least 20 minutes.

The heat should help with pain relief but if hot water is not available, ice packs may be applied to the area as well. If pain persists, medical assistance must be done as soon as possible.

Blue dragons usually appear in late summer but with the water temperature rising, its numbers have been inevitably increasing.

Professor David Schoeman of the University of the Sunshine Coast believes that more unusual occurrences will happen in marine life as the heatwave continues. The waters in Bondi or Maroubra beach will not only get warmer but such a temperature will be longer in duration by 2050.

Published 9 March 2023

Home Ownership To Be Easier With The Expansion Of First Home Buyer Choice Program

Home ownership in Maroubra and the rest of NSW will be easier following the expansion of the State’s First Home Buyer Choice program.

Read: Did You Know That Netflix’s Heartbreak High Was Filmed In Maroubra Bay High School?

Under the scheme, eligible first home buyers now have a choice between paying stamp duty or a smaller annual property tax. The First Home Buyer Choice may also help lower the upfront costs for first home buyers looking for a property up to $1.5 million.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this was all about giving families more choice throughout their home ownership journey so they can live in the right home at the right time of their life.

“We know that stamp duty is a significant barrier to home ownership, particularly for young people and families trying to break into the market for the first time,” Mr Perrottet stated.

Stamp duty also known as transfer duty is a tax you have to pay when you buy a property including your home or holiday home, an investment property, a vacant land or a farming property, commercial or industries properties, or a business which includes land.

Those who signed the contract of purchase between 11 November 2022 and 15 January 2023 can now claim a refund of transfer duty before 30 June 2023 through the Revenue NSW Portal online.

To be eligible for the choice of an annual land tax or stamp duty in NSW, one must be an individual (not a company or trust) and must be above 18 years of age. If you’re planning to have a co-owner, you or at least one person you’re buying with must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

It also applies to citizens who have not owned or co-owned residential property in Australia, nor received a First Home Buyer Grant or duty concessions. Eligible parties must also move into the property within a year of purchase and live in it continuously for at least six months.

Read: Op-Shop Finds New Home in Maroubra After Temporarily Operating as a Pop-up Store

To learn more about the First Home Buyer Choice scheme, visit NSW Government’s website.

Published 6-March-2023

Enjoy the Beach and Burritos Whilst Watching Aussie Surfers in Action at 2023 Mad Mex Maroubra Pro

Some of Australia’s best surfers will be seen in action at the 2023 Mad Mex Maroubra Pro as part of the Vissla NSW Surf Series where athletes will be competing in the third event beginning on 3 March 2023.

To run between 3 – 5 March 2023, the elite three-day World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 event is the third of the four events of the NSW leg of QS, where participants compete to earn points to qualify for the Challenger Series.

Meanwhile, Mad Mex has confirmed that there will be two rounds of burritos available for competitors and spectators to enjoy and keep everyone’s energy going throughout the series.

“2023 marks the third consecutive year we’ve been part of the Mad Mex Maroubra Pro. We’re very excited to support the team at Surfing NSW bring together the Pro Surf Series once again. The pathway for Australian surfers is strong and we’re excited to play our part in supporting the next generation through not only this partnership, but our Fresh Fuel for Life program,” said Mad Mex GM of Marketing, Nick Cook.

Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden said that Maroubra and the Sydney region have a rich history of surfing, “so it is a great privilege to host a QS event where each competitor can feel one step closer to becoming an Australian champion by surfing on the same waves that many elites have once surfed on themselves.”

The Mad Mex Maroubra Pro will also be available to watch via live webcast on the 4th and 5th of March courtesy of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Mad Mex.

Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series 2023 Event Schedule

Event 1: Camplify Great Lakes Pro (Mens and Womens) QS3000: Tuesday 21st – Friday 24th Feb

Event 2: Surfers Rescue 24/7 Port Stephens Pro (Mens and Womens) QS1000 – Monday 27th Feb: Wednesday 1st March

Event 3: Mad Mex_Maroubra Pro (Mens and Womens) QS1000: Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th March

Event 4: Men’s Vissla Central Coast Pro presented by Mad Mex QS3000, Women’s Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro presented by Mad Mex: Monday 13th – Saturday 18th March

The Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series 2023 is made possible through the support of the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with:

Vissla
Sisstrevolution
Destination Sydney Surrounds
Randwick City Council
Central Coast Council
Mid Coast Council
Port Stephens Council
Barrington Coast
Mad Mex
Camplify
Storage King
Southend Hotel
PRD Real Estate
Surfers Rescue 24/7
#NoTxtNoWrecks
WSL
Surfing NSW

Published 21-February-2023

Matraville Sports High School Picked for the Olympic Pathway Program

Seven high schools in New South Wales, including Matraville Sports High School, have been picked for the inaugural Australian Olympic Pathway Schools program.

This Australian-first initiative is in conjunction with the Australian Olympic Committee to help boost NSW’s future generations of Olympians and Paralympians.

Aside from Matraville Sports High School, the other six include Endeavour Sports High School in Caringbah, The Hills Sports High School in Seven Hills, Hunter Sports High School in Gateshead, Illawarra Sports High School, Narrabeen Sports High School and Westfields Sports High School in Fairfield West.

“Our 7 Sports High Schools in NSW are the only secondary schools in Australia to have this prestigious recognition,” Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said.

“This reflects the great strength of our sports high school network, and their excellent track record in fostering both sporting high performance and academic achievement. I can’t wait to see the next generation of medal-winning athletes coming from our public schools as we look to Brisbane 2032.”

Photo Credit: Matraville Sports High School/Facebook

“The students at our sports high schools today will be our heroes standing on the podium at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and this partnership will strengthen their opportunity for international success,” Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said.

“The first-of-its-kind in Australia, this initiative will encourage even more high school students to reach for the stars, as well as provide programs to help young people stay focused and motivated while they’re studying and trying to forge a pathway in their respective sports.”

In line with this program, the NSW goverment has also committed to a $1.5 million funding for Olympics Unleashed, enabling Australian Olympians to visit primary school kids to share their experiences and life lessons. The initiative is expected to run until 2026.

“The key to sporting excellence is to align participation, pathways and high performance. To have this alignment at high school level is powerful, particularly as we look to Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll said.

“We have seen Olympic Training Centres recognised around Australia and overseas, but never at the school level.

“The AOC is also thrilled by the extension of the Olympics Unleashed program. Our Olympic athletes can deliver these sessions across the state, including regional areas and Indigenous communities. We will reach 1800 schools across the 3 years.

“It’s important that our young people pursue a passion – we want people to get active but finding your passion may lie beyond sport.”

Published 17 February 2023

Construction Of New Matraville Youth And Community Hall Begins

Works on the new Matraville Youth and Community Hall are well underway, with plans to replace the current structure with a single-storey building featuring the community hall and a covered outdoor space adjoining the hall.

Read: Here’s the Draft Masterplan for the Transformation of Matraville Town Centre

It will also have its own kitchen, storage area, bin / waste area, services room, male and female bathrooms, an accessible bathroom and entry foyer.

The existing structure, footpaths and retaining walls at the site were demolished before works commenced in January 2023.

The demolished structure located at 1-5R Knowles Avenue Matraville, was constructed in the 1960s, was in poor condition and was not serving the community well.

Based on the feedback received from the community during the consultation period, locals wanted a space for activities such as dance or exercise classes, youth programs and indoor sports.

The old Matraville Youth and Community Hall (Photo credit: Randwick City Council)

Matraville Youth and Community Hall, located on the corner of Knowles Avenue and Pozieres Avenue has been used by locals for a range of activities including karate, dance and music classes, exercise classes and children’s birthday parties. The hall also provides a large space with toilets and kitchen.

Once the upgrades are complete, the new community hall expected to cost $4 million will also be equipped with new sustainability features, including solar panels and battery storage, rainwater tanks for water reuse, energy efficient hot water, lighting and heating, fans and large louvre openings to assist natural ventilation, and EV charging station on the street.

Read: Did You Know That Netflix’s Heartbreak High Was Filmed In Maroubra Bay High School?

Based on Randwick City Council’s projected timeline for the project, works would be complete by March 2024.

For further updates, visit Council’s website or call Council’s senior project manager at 02 9093 6759.