According to the Sutherland Shire Council, the recent run-off from the heavy rain from Oyster Bay Oval is harmless. So, while it doesn’t look all that healthy, and at times can have a rather bad odour, any pollution fears have been dismissed.
A council worker in 2004 was the first to notice the run-off in nearby Carina Bay Reserve. Tests were carried out, with high levels of calcium and sodium detected. When a resident contacted the council last year, as they did again this year, further research was carried out.
The research found that the areas in question are termed “reclaimed salt marshes”. During dry spells, the water table in these areas contract, leaving behind crystallised salt deposits.
Then, when rain comes, the water table fills and rises again, flushing out the deposits mixed with peat from the marshes. The crystallisation of the salt produces a white run-off.
The iron sulphate in the peat oxidises into a weak sulphuric acid and puts out what you would describe a rotten egg smell. Due to this rather unpleasant egg like smell, one could be forgiven to think that they were in Rotorua New Zealand rather than Oyster Bay NSW.
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Keeping the beaches safe
Operation Beachsafe has been hailed a success according to Police Minister David Campbell. Recently released results show that a total of 1170 people were searched and 518 arrested on beachfronts in the St George and Sutherland Shire areas. During this time, only three weapons were found.
Operation Beachsafe was established to avoid a repeat of the Cronulla riots, the events leading up to the riots and subsequent ‘revenge’ attacks. The operation stretched from Cronulla to Bondi.
The operation involved mobile rapid response teams deployed from the air, sea and land. The land teams included mounted police and police dogs.
In the Sutherland Shire, 300 people were arrested and 287 charged, 1144 infringement notices were handed out and 25 cautions issued. Four hundred and thirty-eight people were searched, during which only two weapons were found. To help prevent further conflict, 280 people were ordered to move along.
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Council assisting parents and children for school
The first day of school can be a traumatic experience – for both parent and child. To help parents and children during this time, the Sutherland Shire Council offers free information evenings on the transition to school process.
While the debate continues as to who is more traumatised, the parent or the child, the free information evenings provided schools in the Shire a chance to explain to families about how they can best assist with their children with the transition from their home environment to school.
With a diverse community, the information nights took into consideration families from culturally or linguistically different backgrounds, as well as Aboriginal families and children with additional needs.
The aim of the program was to ensure that children were ready academically as well as socially and emotionally.
For more detail on information nights being held later in the year, please phone 9710 5158.
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Road upgrades continue
The upgrade of major roads in the Sutherland Shire continues with work due to start this month on resurfacing the Princes Hwy at Sylvania. Work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am and is estimated to take between 2 to 3 months.
Over the past year, Princes Hwy at Gymea and Kirrawee and The Kingsway between Caringbah and Cronulla have had similar improvements made.
Close to $1 million is being spent on the latest upgrade, which should be finished by the end of July.
Improvements include the resurfacing of both sides of the highway between Port Hacking Rd and Clare St, repairs to kerbs and gutters with improved drainage.
Whilst the night works could mean that nearby residents may have disrupted sleep, the end result of the resurfaced roads will be an improved ride for motorists and less road noise for nearby residents, according to MP Barry Collier.
Cyclists will also benefit with improved drain grates providing an improved surface for narrow bicycle tyres to cross smoothly he said.
All affected residents have received a written apology from the RTA for any inconvenience caused, and also thanked them and motorists for their patience.
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Dean loves living in the Sutherland Shire. In fact he was born, raised and schooled in the Shire and currently lives with his young family at Engadine. In his younger days he was an accomplished sportsperson and is still actively involved in local amateur sports administration. Dean operates his own business in the area and is keen to support and promote the wider community in any way he can with his new role.
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