Effective 5 pm on 2 June 2022, ABDC Holdings was ordered to cease construction works at 80 Yorktown Parade, Maroubra except for building work that is carried out to stabilise the site. The NSW Building Commissioner conducted the inspection on 23 May 2022 on the excavation works, installation of pilings and a capping beam that was being undertaken at the time.
It was observed that the pilings at two identified locations showed cracks, rendering them ineffective in supporting the soil and the structures above it. Particularly, a cracking measuring more than 10cm in the concrete driveway slab was noticed as well as the soil was already collapsing between the pilings.
“I consider that pilings are a key element of a building. The proper performance of this element is critical to the safety and integrity of the building, as it provides support for the other structures,” Building Commissioner, David Chandler, said.
He furthered that in circumstances where the pilings are not able to support the structures above it could lead to “failure of the element” and result in significant harm to the property and to the workers on the site “ as a result of movement.”
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au
The $1.86-million development which was approved on 9 August 2018 involves the establishment of a 3-level residential building comprising nine 2-bedroom apartments, of which, three are affordable housing units. Included in the plan are 12 parking spaces spread across the ground and basement levels.
The winter riding season is officially open with the return of pop-up pedal parks, which now include an additional location in South Maroubra. Time to have a wheely good time at these outdoor recreational spaces! Don’t forget to wear your helmets!
The South Maroubra pop-up pedal park along the Arthur Byrne Reserve, 1R Marine Parade, Maroubra, officially launches Thursday, 9 June 2022, at 3:00 p.m. with Mayor Dylan Parker. It will remain open until August, alongside the pop-up pedal parks at the Clovelly Beach and the Chifley Sports reserve car park on Bunnerong Road.
This initiative was originally set up in June 2020 to encourage the kids to have their exercises and physical activities amidst the lockdown when many sports facilities were temporarily shut down and the children have to homeschool.
The Council proposed to install safe and accessible pedal parks for winter exercises every year. With its re-opening in 2021, Council added ramps and tunnels so that kids could develop new skills as well as allow families more time for outdoor recreation.
“It’s wonderful to be able to build on it and expand the pedal parks so more kids can take part in the time-tested fun of riding a bike or skateboard[ing] with your friends,” said Mayor Dylan Parker.
While the pedal parks are installed, the parking spaces will be closed to cars.
Following the success of Wylie’s Baths pool coping restoration, three more ocean pools across NSW are set to receive upgrades, including Mahon Pool, which is located to the north of Maroubra Beach at the base of Jack Vanny Reserve.
Scope of works for Mahon Pool involve removing existing hand rail, preparation and installation of new timber posts, removal of existing hand rail and installation of new hand rails, grout repair, removal of loose materials.
The upgrades are part of the Ocean Pool Restoration Program, which is one of the major projects of Randwick City Council in 2022. A grant of $300,000 has been provided by the federal government for this project.
Photo credit: Randwick City Council
Aside from Mahon Pool, the Malabar Ocean Pool and Ross Jones Pool were also identified as needing restoration work around the outer edge of the pool, known as the coping.
A product called Cement-All was used when coping was redone at Wylie’s Baths, and the end result is of excellent condition, even more than a year later. It will now be applied at Malabar, Mahon and Ross Jones Pools to upgrade and renew the coping. In addition, minor civil works will be done at each pool.
Wylie’s Baths (Photo credit: G Yours/Google Maps)
Cement All is a highly engineered cementitious grout product that can be applied from feather edge to as much as 100mm thick in single passes. It’s also a rapid set product, enabling its application to set within one-hour, prior to tides returning and compromising the bond to the substrate or the curing of the product.
Meanwhile, locals are being reminded that ocean pools will be closed whilst the work takes place.
The timeline for work at Mahon Pool will be from Tuesday 14 June – Thursday 30 June 2022.
To stay updated about the project, visit Randwick City Council’s website.
McKeon Street, one of the busiest streets in Maroubra, is about to undergo a transformation that will make it pedestrian-friendly and will encourage people to make more use of public spaces.
This comes after Randwick City Council qualified for the second round of Streets as Shared Spaces program with a $500,000 grant that will be used for public alfresco dining and general seating, public art and activations.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker is looking forward to seeing how residents and businesses enjoy the additional outdoor amenity once McKeon Street becomes more pedestrian-friendly.
He highlighted some of the benefits of creating people-centred spaces, such as fostering connection, reinforcing a sense of community and allowing the local economy to flourish, to name a few.
“I have no doubt this new space will bring a freshness and vitality to the area and when people engage with the space they will come away having had a positive experience,” Mayor Parker said.
The trial closure of a section of McKeon St, adjacent to Marine Parade, will kick off in September 2022.
About Streets as Shared Spaces
A carpark transformation in Griffith as part of the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Photo credit: dpie.nsw.gov.au)
The Streets asShared Spaces program allows local councils to apply for grants that will increase public space, amenity and connection all over bustling streets of their communities.
The NSW Government has allocated $20 million for the second round of funding in October 2021, which was awarded in March 2022. The program started in 2020 as a pilot to enable improvements across the state during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was backed by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment research, which revealed that people in NSW were using and appreciating public space more than ever during the pandemic.
They conducted a survey where they learned people want high-quality public space that’s
easy to access and more people felt less safe in public spaces, especially because of crowding.
For more information about the program and a list of all the Streets as Shared Spaces Round 2 projects, visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au.
Did you know that an average of eight people die each year in NSW from rock fishing-related accidents? Despite the dangers that come with it, rock fishers continue to flock to Sydney’s beaches, including Maroubra beach for this ‘pastime.’
A research by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) in partnership with the University of Melbourne revealed that over 1.2 million people in Australia – around 8 per cent of the population – go rock fishing each year.
The NSW Government declared rock fishing as one of the most dangerous sports in Australia, highlighting that it’s the second most common cause of drowning, next to swimming. The sport has led to 192 deaths between 2004 and 2019.
With rock fishing becoming increasingly popular, authorities continue to remind rock fishers to follow these safety tips:
Stay alert to weather forecasts and warnings
Photo credit: Randwick City Council/Facebook
According to SLSA, previous safety measures were based on the belief that rock-fishing deaths were usually caused by unpredictable, ‘freak’ waves. The research team disproved this belief after discovering that danger arises instead from inexperienced rock fishers’ failure to recognise hazardous ocean conditions.
Check severe weather warnings or coastal waters forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology before leaving home.
Choose the safest location
Maroubra beach (Photo credit: Gordon/Google Maps)
Ask local people and experienced anglers (rod and line fishers) about the safest areas to fish.
In Maroubra, there’s a popular spot for rock fishing, also known as “The Stake.” If you’re not that familiar with the area, simply avoid it when you can. There have been a total of three deaths in the said spot, according to Council’s signage.
Wear the right clothing
Photo credit: Uwe Dahlke/Pixabay
The Marine Area Command of NSW Police Force recommends wearing an approved lifejacket and appropriate non-slip footwear and light clothing.
For adults, lifejackets must meet Australian Standard AS 4758 level 50S or greater. In NSW, there’s a wide range of approved lifejackets to suit different activities and conditions. To see which one is right for you, check out this list of approved types of lifejackets.
Lastly, never fish alone. Inform others of your plans or have an escape route in case you’re washed in. For more information about rock fishing lifejacket law and declared areas, visit NSW Government’s website.
A rate increase has been proposed in the 2022-23 Operational Budget that will see the completion of facility upgrades across Maroubra, Malabar and Matraville.
Council announced that it’s pushing for a 2.5 per cent rate increase and a 2.5 per cent domestic waste charge for the incoming financial year, which should generate enough revenues to deliver the following projects:
MAROUBRA
Finishing the Heffron Centre, the newest community sporting facility at Maroubra’s Heffron Park
Construction of new seating and shaded netball court area at Heffron Park Netball Centre
Stage one of Heffron Park Criterion Loop construction
Replacement of the Des Renford Leisure Centre indoor pool roof and upgrading the poor filtration system
Construction of a new amenities block at South Maroubra Beach
Upgrade to the Heffron Park irrigation and drainage systems
Upgrade to Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club
Local road upgrades – Burnie Kelly Dr, The Causeway, Gale Rd, Scott Lane, Portland Cres, Wride St, Maroubra Rd, Osprey Court, Hughes Ave, Beauchamp Rd
Local footpath works – Anzac Pde, Malabar Rd, Torrington Rd, Fitzgerald Ave
Photo Credit: RCC
MALABAR
Design work on Pioneers Park Club House refurbishment
Upgrade works to Malabar Memorial Hall and Malabar Community Library
Local road upgrade – Victoria Ln, Fishermans Rd
Local footpath works – Zions Ave, Howe St.
MATRAVILLE
Upgrade works to Malabar Memorial Hall and Malabar Community Library
Thus, residents are encouraged to fill out their inputs on the 2022-23 Operational Plan and Budget online.
The consultation period for the rate increase will run until Friday, 27 May 2022. Council said that all submissions will be considered before finalising the plans.
Residents may also send their inputs through email – council@randwick.nsw.gov.au or snail mail – 30 Frances Street, Randwick NSW 2031.
Did you know that shark mitigation technologies are being trialled along Randwick’s coastline? These technologies – SMART drumlines and shark listening stations – were rolled out in February this year, along with drones flying over NSW beaches, including Maroubra Beach.
Following Randwick Council’s decision in April 2021 approving the deployment of shark mitigation technologies in cooperation with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), SMART (Shark Management Alert in Real-Time) drumlines and listening stations were deployed along Randwick coastlines in February 2022.
These tools were put in place in at least 21 locations, 500 metres off the coastline to catch, tag, release and monitor dangerous sharks, and will complement the two shark nets already positioned in Maroubra and Coogee.
What exactly are SMART drumlines and listening stations?
A SMART drumline is a baited hook attached to two buoys and equipped with a GPS that can send alerts to contractors when an animal takes the bait. The contract boats then go to the site to tag the shark with an acoustic tag before taking it about one kilometre offshore and finally releasing the animal.
SMART drumlines are shown to be 15 times more efficient than nets in catching target sharks and are less likely to catch non-target animals. As a result, animals caught by these tools have 99 per cent of survival as compared to 40 per cent in nets.
Listening stations, on the other hand, are buoys that are capable of sending real-time alerts to the SharkSmart app, website and Twitter account whenever a tagged shark is detected to be within 500 metres. It provides the date and time, the location where it was previously detected and where it was tagged.
“They don’t often stick to one beach and ‘lurk’,” said Dr Paul Butcher, Principal Research Scientist with the DPI who has been tracking sharks since 2015.
“They move quite vast distances. We’ve seen one white shark travel to WA and back three times. It’s covered more than 40,000kms since it was first tagged in 2016.
“The benefit of this program is that we primarily catch the species that are responsible for most serious shark bites in NSW.”
Non-lethal alternatives
Along with these technologies, drones are also being used on 50 NSW beaches including Maroubra Beach. Dr Butcher is currently working on a program that would make autonomous, image recognition software-equipped drones that could fly over beaches and detect shark presence close to the beach and alert lifeguards who would usher beachgoers to safety.
Another research project aims to eliminate the need to capture sharks altogether. The project involves some environmental DNA sampling of water columns to “detect spikes or troughs that would indicate the presence or absence of white, tiger and bull sharks.” Dr Butcher said that a one-litre sample of water is enough to determine the presence of dangerous sharks in the region.
According to International Shark Attack File data, Australia ranks second in the world when it comes to the number of unprovoked shark bites in 2021. There have been just 12 unprovoked incidents recorded in 2021 which is lower than the region’s recent five-year annual average of 16 and significantly lower than the top ranked USA’s 47 incidents.
New South Wales recorded six incidents – two were fatal – whilst Western Australia had four and one of which was fatal. Queensland and Victoria have one incident each.
The Maroubra woman was expecting a call that would confirm her million-dollar windfall after watching the Division One draw on Wednesday, 20 April 2022.
She was holding the proof in her hand when the Division One winner was announced but she wanted to hear the official call.
When she finally got the life-changing call, The Lott informed her that she had won $1,093,753.75.
“I checked my ticket last night on The Lott app and saw that I’d won division one,” the woman said.
“I couldn’t believe it! I was shaking so much.
“I screamed out to my daughter to check my ticket for me. We were so happy. There were lots of hugs and kisses.
“I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I just felt so happy and excited! I didn’t want to miss your call, so I stayed by the phone all night.
“My family kept calling me last night, too, checking to see if it was real. It was hilarious!
“It’s a dream come true.
“I want to get a bigger house for all the kids and grandkids to enjoy, so they can come and visit whenever they want.
“I’ll help my kids and then use the rest to enjoy retirement.”
The winner bought her ticket at Pacific Square News along Anzac Parade in Maroubra. The shop’s team was thrilled for the Maroubra mom and wished her all the best.
So far, The Lott’s Division One winners have reached over 360 this financial year and 119 have been from New South Wales.
Several ‘Plant With Us’ events are going to take place in Maroubra from May to October 2022, as part of the city’s project to promote greening, combat climate change, and help preserve the planet.
On Thursday, 28 April 2022, Plant With Us will be underway from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Heffron Park. The ‘Greening Our City’ tree-planting activities are done during the cooler months of the year to ensure their survival.
Everyday is Earth Day in the Eastern Suburbs, so those who cannot make it to Heffron Park in April may still join the other scheduled planting days at the following dates and locations:
DATE
LOCATION
Sunday, 8 May 2022 Mother’s Day
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Friday, 20 May 2022
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Sunday, 5 June 2022
Cromwell Park, Malabar
Sunday, 26 June 2022
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Friday, 29 July 2022 Sunday, 31 July 2022
Heffron Park, Maroubra
Thursday, 1 September 2022
Environmental Park, Randwick
Saturday, 8 October 2022
Latham Park, Coogee
Participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes, a hat, long sleeves, and long pants. They also need to bring their own gloves and a water bottle. While face masks are no longer mandatory, participants may use them if they are unable to maintain a safe distance from others.
Meanwhile, residents may also fill out a Request a Tree form to support the Greening Our City project and receive an appropriate tree for planting outside their own home on the nature strip or verge.
Photo Credit: RCC
Per Council, “If you request a tree as we approach summer or early autumn, you may find it takes longer for your street tree to be planted. As most of our street trees are native or indigenous trees that we often source from our Community Nursery, they are usually better suited to local weather conditions and this tends to give the trees the best possible start to a long life.”
“The final decision on tree species and planting approval will be made by the assessing tree officer.”
Randwick City Council has unveiled its plan to establish a new outdoor fitness facility at Snape Park as part of its Open Space and Recreation Strategy which aims to provide more access to free, informal outdoor recreation opportunities. The gym is proposed to be located on the corner of Percival and Storey Streets, next to the children’s playground.
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / yoursay.randwick.nsw.gov.au
Beginning with the installation of Randwick’s first outdoor gym in 2013 at Maroubra Beach, the number of installations has since grown including gyms delivered at Clovelly, Chifley, Frenchmans Bay, Kensington, Coogee and Malabar. Another new outdoor gym is also being planned for Barwon Park in Matraville.
Once complete, the Snape Park Gym will deliver a range of equipment for personal fitness including pull down, leg press, elliptical trainer, aerobic cycle, dexterity builder and a challenge station with roman rings and gorilla bars. Made from corrosion-resistant metal with attached instructional signage, each outdoor gym equipment is designed for use regardless of one’s age, abilities and fitness level.
Plan view | Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / yoursay.randwick.nsw.gov.au
The plan also includes a walking track around the perimeter of the fitness gym complete with distance markings to allow older users to determine the farthest they reach in 6 minutes and encourage them to improve it by regularly using the track.
Dropping a pin on the map – to suggest a different location to the one being proposed
Sending comments to the General Manager via email with the subject “Snape Park outdoor gym” to Council@randwick.nsw.gov.au or by post to 30 Frances Street, Randwick 2031.
