From the Mayor - 24 June 2020

As Council continues to carefully and cautiously relax COVID restrictions, a number of significant changes at Council’s community facilities will commence over the coming week and, in very positive news, selected Seniors and Youth Services will resume, including one-on-one youth support. To keep abreast of these ongoing changes please click here. The current spike in COVID cases in Victoria is a salient reminder that we all must remain extremely vigilant and fully comply with physical distancing and hand hygiene guidelines.

On the development front, the NSW Government has terminated Mosman’s previously successful halt to the introduction of the 2018 Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code. The ‘one size fits all’ Code which will come into effect on 1 July represents an erosion of local development assessment powers and puts to an end Council notifications to surrounding neighbours and the ability of residents to have their say on these complying developments.

On a positive note, the final report of the Independent review into the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has been released. Significantly, the review agrees that the sites managed by the Trust, including Georges Heights, Chowder Bay and Middle Head Parklands, are unique and nationally significant because of their heritage and environmental value and should remain under Commonwealth Government management for the benefit of all Australians. The reviewers acknowledged the significant contribution of extensive community interest, input and community consultation, largely driven by the Mosman-based Headland Preservation Group.

I am excited to announce that Council has collaborated with the Mosman Chamber of Commerce to support the Chamber’s ‘THINK MOSMAN FIRST’ shop local and support local businesses initiative. Local businesses, which are the heart and soul of Mosman, are slowly emerging from the COVID-19 lockdowns and need our sustained support and loyalty. We all want to see our local businesses regenerate and recover during these challenging times and, staying very positive, for new businesses to open. Mosman retailers need every Mosman resident to get behind this vital project by shopping locally.

In another important community announcement, Councillors have given their full support for Council to proceed with the 2020/2021 Community Grants program. Online applications will open on 1 July and close on 5 August. $70,000 in grant monies will be available to assist non-profit community groups deliver projects that will contribute to many much needed community projects and programs.

In closing, I wish everyone about to embark on the July winter school break a safe, healthy and happy holiday period.