"INCONVENIENT" CONVENIENCES

The subject of public toilets has been a ongoing topic across the Northern Beaches however particularly in Manly where 6 million visitors explore annually.

This was a topic that Clr Sarah Grattan had taken to the election as a promise to look into as the local sentiment was one of horror and embarrassment.

Clr Grattan tabled her Notice of Motion along with this background and it was pleasing to note that it was voted through unanimously by all Councillors.

BACKGROUND FROM COUNCILLOR SARAH GRATTAN The provision of safe and accessible public toilets is an important function of local government. The current standard of public amenities on the Northern Beaches, and particularly in the Manly CBD, is a source of concern of the Northern Beaches community. This is highlighted in the Northern Beaches Council Community Satisfaction Survey 2017, which raised the condition of public toilets as a Top 3 concern and area for action. I believe that now with a single Council for the Northern Beaches we have an opportunity to use our increased capacity to provide high quality public toilet facilities across the Northern Beaches. Manly is the gateway to the Northern Beaches and sets the expectations of the entire peninsular as a tourist destination and so should be an area of particular focus. Other Council areas in Australia have achieved significant improvements to public amenities using modern principles of design and establishing guidelines for implementation. Examples include Brisbane City Council and City of Townsville. With the new scale of the Northern Beaches Council we now have the opportunity to achieve similar results for our community.

#Toilets #ManlyWard #ClrGrattan

DOGS

DOGS ON BEACHES

• YNBIT has already drafted the agenda item to reverse the Administrator’s controversial ban of offleash exercise at Queenscliff (Manly) Lagoon • YNBIT Councillors will call for an immediate and widespread review of the off-leash dog areas across the Northern Beaches

#LocalIssues

CALMING THE WATERS FOR SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS

Your Northern Beaches Independent Team have taken the bold step of writing to all Surf Life Saving Clubs in the area to reassure them there are no plans afoot to restructure the way that patrols are carried out across the region's beaches.

Before amalgamation, Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Councils each had slightly different regimes in place for patrols of their local beaches with Manly and Warringah employing Council Lifeguards, whereas Pittwater Council entered into contracts with a private provider.

Over recent weeks, rumours have been rife that if elected, Michael Regan and his team of independents would abandon the contracts and employ Council lifeguards at all 21 surf beaches.

The letter, sent to all surf clubs on the Northern Beaches last Thursday, seeks to reassure club members that there will be no changes to existing arrangements once the new council is elected on 9 September.

Michael Regan says the group were compelled to send the letter after hearing consistent rumours that his group would change the status quo.

"It's really disappointing that some candidates are using the surf clubs as their political plaything - starting rumours and fear-mongering to stir up trouble where there is none" said Mr Regan. "The truth is that current arrangements are set in stone. Existing contracts will remain in place and if possible, extended where need be. If elected, Your Northern Beaches Independent Team will work to enhance the service, and work with each club and group of clubs to maximise community benefits."

Mr Regan said that there will be no 'one size fits all approach' to patrols. "Every club is different - they each have their particular needs and processes. Council should be working in genuine partnership with them to identify those needs and to deliver the best results for them and the community they serve".

Mr Regan went on to say that the Surf Life Saving movement should be one of the key beneficiaries of the amalgamation process. "One of the biggest advantages of bringing the three councils together was to pool resources in order to produce a higher level of service" said Mr Regan. "Our 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs are a classic example of the type of community organisations that should be benefiting from that more considered approach to service delivery. The election on 9 September presents a unique opportunity to get these foundations right so we can deliver the best outcomes possible - not only for surf life saving clubs but for the wider community."

Mr Regan pointed to the fact that some of his running mates are members of the clubs, including Rohan Fisher, who is Duty Operations Advisor for Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches, and Sita Mason, who is a National Surf Life Saving Champion. "Our team includes members of local surf life saving clubs across the region" said Mr Regan. "There is no way they would be part of something that would damage the movement. I encourage anyone with concerns to approach their candidates with their questions and hear from the directly."

A copy of the letter sent to all clubs on Thursday 17 August 2017 is here.

Media Comment: Michael Regan 0425 220 618

#Sport #LocalIssues