www.newcastlepost.com.au NEWCASTLE F
or the past couple of years, the council has been working hard to improve what is arguably Newcastle’s most
precious natural asset – our coast. Last week, we revealed a draft plan for upgrading the Bathers Way, a six-kilometre coastal walk that links Merewether Ocean Baths and Nobbys Beach. T e plan proposes a range of improvements including wider shared pathways as well as more shade, seating and viewing areas. T e Bathers Way is popular
with walkers, joggers, cyclists and sightseers and it’s estimated up to 500 people use it per hour in some locations. Upgrading the pathway was shown to be a high priority among community members who provided feedback on the Newcastle coastal revitalisation masterplan. T e proposed improvements will
cater for the diverse needs of the people who use the Bathers Way and help us make the most of our spectacular coastline. Under the plan, the path will be upgraded to a minimum width of four metres, including additional width where viewing and gathering occurs. New facilities will be installed at key locations along the path including bench seats, picnic tables, seating walls, bicycle racks, bins, drinking fountains and barbecues. New shade trees, shade structures and viewing platforms are also proposed in the plan, along with upgraded signage.
all council matters:
newcastle.nsw.gov.au
LAKE MACQUARIE L
ake Macquarie has one of the highest numbers of microchipped and registered dogs in NSW with a thankfully
low ratio of reported dog attacks in comparison. In the 12 months to June 2011, council rangers issued 44 fi nes for owners of dogs or people in charge of dogs that have attacked a person or animal. Council rangers deal with
thousands of dog and general animal complaints each year, ranging from barking and nuisance dogs, to straying dogs, injured dogs and dog attacks. At times, it can be very diffi cult for rangers to deal with these complaints, as under legislation, they must have suffi cient and conclusive evidence to be able to issue orders and prosecute. In some cases, they must refer complaints to other agencies, as again, the legislation renders them powerless to act. A recent example where a woman
at Mirrabooka was attacked is a case in point. T e council and the RSPCA had
received complaints about the dogs on the property but neither felt that they had the grounds for any action against the owner. Hindsight showed that there was
a danger, but it is diffi cult to see how authorities could have acted on the previous evidence; indeed, if they had, there would likely have been claims over “heavy handed” action.
all council matters:
lakemac.com.au
15
MATTERS by Cr Greg Piper
MATTERS by Cr John Tate
State of Origin fund-raising event for Fiji H
unter Christian School at Mayfi eld is kicking goals with excellent academic results for HSC and NAPLAN.
T e school is developing confi dent
students positioned for success in whatever pathway they choose. “Over many years, our team of
experienced Christian teachers have carefully and intentionally developed a culture of high standards in a nurturing and supportive environment,” head of
secondary Ron Bulley said. “T e result is that our students
enjoy a very settled, safe and secure environment with exceptional peer support that helps our new students integrate quickly.” T e school will host a Subject Market
on Wednesday, May 23 from 3.30pm, showcasing the unique and innovative secondary courses and programs on off er, including university pathways, VET metal and engineering and retail
services, distance education, leadership and citizenship, Duke of Edinburgh, community service day, excellent sports opportunities and activity and motion daily sports program for years 5 to 8. It will be followed by the school’s
State of Origin event, from, 6pm with a barbecue and catering provided by the Food Technology and VET retail services students. T e event will raise funds for the school’s Fiji Mission Team project in Raki Raki village next month.
LOCAL NEWS
The Newcastle Post
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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