‘Slow shopping trail’ map launched in Mountains
Posted in: Events, Food, Sustainability, Tourism, Youth | Comments (1)
There’s a certain “couture” unique to our region - an “edgy” , eclectic mix of strong colours and layers, with a pooling of eras from vintage through to retro and beyond interspersed with art clothing, thanks to the wealth of textile artists living here in this Inaugural City of The Arts!
Well-known dressmaker and textile artist Dawn Wigge describes this “style” as . . . ”not seasonal where items are grabbed because they’re trendy for the moment and then discarded: It’s more a brooding, deep-seated creative individualism, where people make statements with their style, allowing experimentation with colour, for example. Clothing becomes a drama”.
Slow Food Blue Mountains and Cittaslow Katoomba Blue Mountains have just produced a SLOW SHOPPING TRAIL FOR FASHIONISTAS to highlight the Mountains’ unique style and at the same time support local small businesses, our artists , charity shops and the environment. Woven through the Trail are some suggested delicatessen, cafe and restaurant ’stops’ along the way…
admin @ April 15, 2009
BM groundwater restrictions to continue
Posted in: Environment, Sustainability, Wilderness, Wildlife | Comments (1)
Restrictions on the use of groundwater by Blue Mountains residents will continue until March 2010, the Department of Water and Energy has announced.
“Since June 2007, Blue Mountains homeowners have not been able to use groundwater to hose hard surfaces or run sprinkler systems,” the Deputy Director General of Water Management, Mr David Harriss said.
“These restrictions are necessary to ensure that precious groundwater is not wasted.”
The restrictions apply to stock and domestic bores on properties within the Blue Mountains City Council Local Government Area that are connected to town water supply.
They stipulate that groundwater cannot be used for hosing hard surfaces, such as paths or driveways, or to run watering systems, such as sprinklers.
“The Blue Mountains is a heritage listed area with many environmentally significant groundwater-dependent ecosystems, such as the hanging swamps,” Mr Harriss said.
“Groundwater from the region’s aquifers must be used wisely and not wasted.
“The restrictions will help ensure there is enough groundwater to meet the needs of the environment and the community long into the future.”
Mr Harriss said the Blue Mountains council and community should be congratulated for adhering to the restrictions over the past year and a half.
“The people of the Blue Mountains are conservationists who deeply value their environment and their continuing support in following the restrictions is appreciated,” he said.
admin @ April 14, 2009
Easter alert - Police to blitz roads
Posted in: Emergency services, Transport | Comments (0)
Police are hoping for a repeat of last year’s fatality-free Easter period which contributed to a record low road toll, but are taking nothing for granted and will be out in force across the state over the next five days.
“Operation Tortoise” begins at midnight tonight (Wednesday) and concludes at 2359 hours on Monday, April 13. Double demerit points apply for all speeding and helmet and seatbelt offences during this time.
“Having a fatality free Easter last year was very encouraging but the year before we had ten deaths, police will be saturating the State’s roads again this Easter,” Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens said.
“We hold grave concerns that the NSW road toll has crept up to 115 so far this year, which is 15 more than this time last year.
“Eighty five (74%) of this year’s crashes have occurred on regional roads throughout the state, with many occurring on back roads rather than main highways.
“As a result, part of Operation Tortoise we will be paying particular attention to these back roads in regional areas.
“Police enforcement has been just one of many contributing factors to slashing the road toll over the last 30 years. Other factors include better roads and safer cars, but just as important is the attitude and vigilance of our drivers.
“If every driver in NSW sticks to the speed limit, wears seat belts, takes regular breaks and doesn’t drink and drive, it will go a long way towards minimising our Easter road toll and getting our annual road toll figures back on track.”
“No-one wants to lose a family member or friend on the road. Police will be out in force during the Easter period to help everyone arrive at their destination safely,” Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens said.
“NSW Police have zero tolerance for speed, drivers and passengers not wearing their seatbelts or helmets and drink driving. All of these are factors in fatal accidents state-wide.
“I urge motorists to slow down, drive to the conditions and take every safety precaution possible including wearing seat belts and wearing a helmet if riding a motorbike
“Don’t be complacent when on the road. Police will target back roads, not just the highways. Every life we save is someone’s loved one.”
During last year’s Easter operation police booked 6711 people for speeding, conducted 200,463 random breath tests and charged 508 people with drink driving offences. Police attended 705 major crashes.
admin @ April 9, 2009
Vic Cherikoff - Blue Mountains tucker
Posted in: Food, Indigenous, Sustainability, Wilderness, Wildlife | Comments (0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oitgGEYzU0
In this episode of Dining Downunder, Vic Cherikoff visits Echo Point in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney and drops in to the neighbouring Blue Gum and Leura Post Office restaurants. Echo Point attracts visitors from around the world and offers postcard views of the Three Sisters and out across the Jamison Valley.
Scientists provide the unimaginative explanation that the Three Sisters at Echo Point were carved from the surrounding sandstone cliffs over thousands of years by erosion which can still be seen in action today during a heavy rainstorm as water gushes down between the cracks between the pinnacles.
However the Aboriginal dreamtime story has it that three sisters, ‘Meehni’, ‘Wimlah’ and Gunnedoo’ lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. The three sisters fell in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe but their tribal laws forbade their marriage. The three brothers did not accept this law and tried to capture the three sisters by force. This caused a major tribal battle and the lives of the three sisters were thus threatened. In order to protect them, a kaditcha man (the tribal magician) turned the sisters into towering stone pillars intending to reverse the spell after the battle. Unfortunately, he was killed in mêlée and the three sisters remain as the enormous and beautiful rock formations until today standing tall at 922m, 918m, and 906m respectively.
After visiting Blue Gum restaurant at Echo Point and delighting in a Wattleseed bread and butter pudding, Vic takes us a short way over to the Leura village and the popular, Leura Post Office Restaurant where chefs Mark and David demonstrate their take on modern Australian cuisine. Drop in for a visit today and enjoy their new menus using native Australian foods. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily.
For native Australian ingredients visithttp://www.cherikoff.net/shop
admin @ April 8, 2009
Our railway station staff on chopping block?
Posted in: Politics, Transport | Comments (5)
Will Blue Mountains railway staff be headed for the chopping block? That’s the question that has Blue Mountains residents buzzing.
Opposition Transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian raised the initial alarm about station staff disappearing, and the State Government has in the past few hours confirmed that cuts are planned, but stressed that all station employees will be redeployed, not sacked.
That doesn’t help Blue Mountains commuters who often need the help of staff when ticket machines malfunction…and it appears to merely add to the overall public transport chaos plaguing Sydney and its surrounds.
Former Olympic transport chief Ron Christie has blown the whistle on Labor’s wrong public transport priorities, saying the Rees Government is ‘doing nothing’ to help families in Western Sydney, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said today.
“Ron Christie’s comments support the NSW Liberal/Nationals plan to give priority to building rail links to Sydney’s South West and North West,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“The South West and North West rail links will deliver much needed public transport to Sydney’s major growth centres to support sustainable growth into the future – something the Labor Government has failed to do,” he said.
“Ron Christie is right: the Rees Labor Government can’t abandon the thousands of families moving into South West and North West Sydney if this city is to continue to be a good place to work and live.
“Nathan Rees must build the South West and North Rail Links before he spends $5 billion on a metro to Rozelle.”
Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Liberal/Nationals were committed to meeting the transport needs of families and businesses in Sydney’s South West and North West.
“The decision to axe the North West and South West rail links makes no sense, especially considering the Labor Government’s plan to move 300,000 people into the South West region over the coming 20 years, and only recently having announced plans for another North West industrial park,” she said.
“Ron Christie’s comments support the NSW Liberal/Nationals priority to build rail links to Sydney’s South West and North West.
“Building rail links to Sydney’s western suburbs is the only way to avoid complete traffic gridlock across this city.
“Nathan Rees ought to listen to Ron Christie instead of pursuing a rail policy focused on Labor’s electoral prospects and not the transport needs of families in Western Sydney.
“Building the South West and North West rail links will get people out of their cars and help ease traffic congestion.
“The State Labor Government originally costed the South West, North West and new Harbour crossing rail links at $8 billion – building one $5 billion metro to an area already well serviced by public transport simply makes no sense,” Ms Berejiklian said.
admin @ April 7, 2009
Dog off-leash areas trial - have your say
Posted in: Council, Wildlife | Comments (1)
Paul and 'Jack' the dog trial one of the off-leash areas.
Blue Mountains City Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the trial dog off-leash areas before the community consultation period closes on Friday 15 May 2009.
A 12 month dog off-leash trial has been in place at eight sites across the Blue Mountains: Katoomba Falls; Bureau Park North Katoomba; Leura Oval; Pitt Park Wentworth Falls; the former Lawson Golf Club; Tom Hunter Park Faulconbridge; Sun Valley Reserve and Lapstone Oval.
Mayor, Cr Adam Searle said, “Council is continuing to seek community feedback on the trial dog off-leash areas by way of a survey and a new on-line community consultation forum.
All interested residents are encouraged to make a comment on the trial dog off-leash areas and complete a survey.
The comments received from residents will be used in determining the future of dog off-leash areas in the Blue Mountains.”
Residents can view information, download a survey and participate in an on-line forum on the trial dog off-leash areas at www.bangthetable.com/blue-mountains-city-council. Information and the survey is also available on Council’s website (click here to view). Hard copies of the survey are available at Council’s Katoomba and Springwood offices and local libraries.
Completed surveys should be sent by mail to:
Post?Dog Off-leash Trial Survey?Blue Mountains City Council?Locked Bag 1005?KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Fax?(02) 4780 5562
Email?council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Delivery?Council’s Springwood or Katoomba offices
Mayor Adam Searle continued, “The trial dog off-leash areas will remain in place after the community consultation period closes on the 15th May. After this time, Council will evaluate the community response to the trial and consider the options for on-going dog off-leash areas within the City.
Council would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners that the trial dog off-leash areas are subject to time and day restrictions and that dogs must at all times be under their owners’ effective control in public, including designated dog off-leash areas.
“It is also the responsibility of dog owners to pick up their dogs faeces when in public spaces”, concluded mayor, Adam Searle.
admin @ April 6, 2009
Draft Council plan up for comment
Posted in: Council, Environment | Comments (0)
Blue Mountains City Council’s 2009-2010 management plan is on exhibition until Friday, May 1, 2009.
The document details draft fees and charges for the year ahead, and a proposed capital works program and budget.
The Management Plan describes Blue Mountains City Council’s strategic focus over the next four years and provides information about how that strategic intent will translate into action on the ground, particularly in 2009-2010. It represents the Council’s response to implementing the community endorsed 25-year City Vision to achieve a more sustainable Blue Mountains.
Copies of the Draft Management Plan can be obtained during business hours at the Council offices in Springwood and Katoomba and libraries from Thursday 26 March 2009. The documents are also available by contacting Vicky Frank on (02) 4780 5504. Alternatively, download at right.
Residents are invited to drop-in during an open information session to view and discuss Council’s Draft Management Plan. Open information sessions will be held:
- Tuesday 7 April 2009, 10:00am to 12 midday, Springwood Civic Centre, Macquarie Road, Springwood
- Tuesday 7 April 2009, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Council Chambers, 2 Civic Place, Katoomba
- Wednesday 8 April 2009: 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Springwood Library, Macquarie Road, Springwood
Tell them what you think!
Written submissions on the draft 2009-2010 Management Plan are welcome and should be marked “Draft 2009-2010 Management Plan Submission”. Written submissions can be sent via:
- Post
General Manager
Blue Mountains City Council
Locked Bag 1005
KATOOMBA NSW 2780 - Email
managementplan@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Submissions must be received by 5:00pm on Friday 1 May 2009.
You can also provide general comments on any aspect of the Draft Management Plan and send a written submission from a new on-line consultation tool at www.bangthetable.com/bmccmanagementplan09.
For more information on the Draft Management Plan or how to make a submission please contact Vicky Frank on (02) 4780 5504.
admin @ April 2, 2009
Leura in top 100 towns of Oz
Posted in: Art, Tourism, Wilderness | Comments (0)
Leura has been nominated as one of the top 100 towns in Australia to visit, by Australian Traveller magazine.
The magazine said Leura, no. 28, was ”the wealthy neighbour to tourist-cluttered Katoomba, perched on a vast ridge in the Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains two hours west of Sydney”. It went on to say: “Leura is leafy and lovely, hitting our Top 100 for its winning combination of regal gardens, toys in a mansion, sweet shop delights and impressive arts and crafts stores”.
The magazine highlighted several must-see destinations in the picturesque township including Leuralla and its extensive toy museum, and the beautiful Everglades house and gardens.
admin @ April 1, 2009
Summer challenge nets 4000 books
Posted in: Council, Literary | Comments (1)
Challenge winners with Vicki Edmunds, Manager Blue Mountains Libraries and Family Day Care; Cr Chris Van der Kley; Mayor, Adam Searle; Phil Pinyon, General Manager BMCC; and Aniko Koro, Children and Youth Team Leader, BM Libraries.
As summer drew to a close so did the inaugural Summer Reading Challenge organised by Blue Mountains Libraries.
A total of 316 children registered in the program with more than 4000 books read over a period of eight weeks beginning December 1, 2008 and concluding January 31, 2009.
Mayor Adam Searle presented the awards to the prolific readers of the Mountains at the Wentworth Falls Library recently.
“The 2009 Summer Reading Challenge has strengthened the relationship between parents and their children, reinforced the value of reading, helped children to discover for themselves the joys of reading, stimulated their imagination and is continuing to give our children a great start to their education,” he said.
The winners of the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge are:
Best Reader - Eleanor Bock, Katoomba
Runners Up - Mirabai Robinson, Lawson and Isabella Ruming, Katoomba
Best Family Readers - Paterson-Henemann family, Katoomba
The Paterson-Henemann family read an impressive 300 books during the eight week competition.
The Summer Reading Club is one of many activities of the Australian Library and Information Association and was offered by Blue Mountains Libraries for the first time this year.
“The Summer Reading Program introduced children to many new books and authors,” Mayor Adam Searle said.
“The Program also served as a reminder of the value that libraries add to our lives, providing the community with equal access to knowledge and to that magical world with no borders - books.”
admin @ April 1, 2009
Businesses fined; cigarette found in bread
Posted in: health | Comments (0)
Several businesses in the Blue Mountains have been fined over breaches of hygiene and food safety by the NSW Food Authority, and have been listed on its website.
Blaxland Bakery The Crusty Loaf was fined $550 for selling a loaf of bread that contained a cigarette butt in December 2008; the Burmah Service Station at Katoomba was fined $330 for not having hand towels available in November 2008; and the York Fairmont Resort was fined $660 over several non-functioning hand basins in December 2008.
The popular name and shame website of food law offences is now even more accessible with the addition of multiple search functions, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said today.
The NSW Food Authority’s website now has a fully searchable online database, which provides consumers with easier access to food law violations.
“This website is extremely popular, it’s an Australian first, it’s less than 12 months old and we have already made improvements to make it more user-friendly for consumers,” Mr Macdonald said.
“We have had cockroaches, rats, a band-aid and now a cigarette butt found in food premises in NSW – so the public has a right to know this essential information which this website provides.
“For example, it now allows people to search by trading name, suburb, postcode, date and even type of violation.
“So if you want to find out offences by food outlets in your specific area, simply enter your council name or postcode.
“You can also search using a keyword or sort by name.”
Mr Macdonald said that the website has had more than 1.5 million hits since its launch in July.
“There are now over 470 premises on the Food Authority’s name and shame list and over 800 penalty notices have been issued,” Mr Macdonald said.
“NSW is continuing to take the national lead by making it easier for people to access this important information.”
The new name and shame list is available at: http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/penalty-notices/
admin @ March 31, 2009