Latest news with #LowerNorthShore
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why residents in upmarket suburb are at war over Taronga Zoo's new $77million 'Sky Safari' cable cars
A proposed $77million upgrade at Australia's Taronga Zoo has sparked controversy among residents of Sydney 's ritzy lower north shore. The world-famous zoo has unveiled plans for a new cable car following the closure of its original Sky Safari in February 2023. First launched in 1987 and last upgraded 25 years ago in 2000, the iconic Sky Safari transported more than 20million passengers during its lifetime, including locals, tourists, celebrities, and even royalty. The zoo is now planning to remodel what it describes as an 'ageing asset' that has 'reached the end of its workable life' with modern features. The accessible gondolas will transport guests on an extended route and offer improved access to the zoo for visitors of all ages and abilities. The larger cars would fit 10 people each, compared with the previous system's six, and have flip-back seats to allow larger wheelchairs and prams. However, the plans have drawn criticism from some community groups and residents. The Headland Preservation Group (HPG) argues the visual impact of the Sky Safari will be 'enormous,' citing concerns over its proposed height of 36.5metres and the potential for excessive lighting from the gondolas. The group is also against the removal of 13 trees to make way for the new cable cars. While Taronga Zoo has committed to planting new trees, the HPG argues that the mature trees slated for removal are irreplaceable. The community group said they plan to meet with representatives from Taronga Zoo to voice their concerns over the proposal. The HPG is also encouraging residents to write to their state MP and the Mosman Council to urge them to oppose the project. However, not all locals share the group's concerns. Some residents have spoken in support of the $77million redevelopment, accusing the community group of overreacting. 'View from the top would be great. Looking forward to it. Stop NIMBYing everything. We have a world-class zoo only getting better,' one person wrote online. 'The care they've taken in their landscape architecture and preserving biodiversity gives them a track history of excellence. Push forward please.' Others said that the negative attention had actually encouraged them to support the project more actively. 'Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I have made a submission in full support of the proposal – what a wonderful addition to our city,' wrote another. 'I take particular issue with your point around traffic – given the entire point of the skyway is to move people out of cars and onto ferries. 'Talk about grasping at straws.' Mosman Council has also weighed in, submitting its response to the NSW Government's planning portal in support of the project. In the submission, the council noted that the previous Sky Safari and the waiting area had not been compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. The council also highlighted capacity issues, stating that the previous system failed to meet demand during peak visiting hours, causing long queues. The proposal remains under review by planning authorities, with the timeline for public submissions to close on June 10. Taronga Zoo says the new cable car is expected to open in between 2027 and 2028.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
An old Sydney pub has been given a huge makeover - but you'd never spot it from the outside
A popular pub has been given a mega makeover after owners splashed $1.6million on a new look and dining experience. The Crows Nest Hotel, affectionately dubbed 'The Crowie' by Lower North Shore locals, has been a go-to for years thanks to its friendly atmosphere, sports nooks and wild late night dance parties. But it looks a little different when you walk through the doors today, with a whole new Mediterranean vibe, slick decor and very modern bar space. Despite its fresh new feel, staff insist it will continue the venue's legacy of live music and late-night entertainment, with a brand new roster of live DJs and bands across the weekends. In addition, the hotel will also offer a new lunch and dinner experience, serving elevated pub fare with a Mediterranean twist and a dedicated dining room on the the ground floor. The new menu boasts levelled-up pub classics as well as souvlaki plates, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with lemon potatoes and fresh Greek salad. Ingredients across are sourced from local NSW suppliers including seafood from Poulos Bros and meat and steaks from Andrews Meats Industries. Head Chef Nathaniel (Nico) Madrangca (ex-Kirribilli Hotel, Rey's Place, Bill & Toni's) and Sous Chefs Claudette Cabaron and Pablo Martinez will lead the kitchen and their menu will be available in the dining room, main bar and rooftop. The hotel's reputation for a great steak continues too with options for a 250g Black Angus Rump or 400g Riverina Op Rib served with lemon roasted potatoes and a choice of sauce. The former One Willoughby events space has been converted into a public bar to host casual drinks and a curated dining menu and new screens have been hung so guests can catch all live sporting matches. The Lounge Bar now goes by the Main Bar; this is where guests can go for their live entertainment hit as live music, trivia and drag bingo will be back better than ever. The rooftop has also been given an upgrade with a DJ booth and dining space. 'The Crows Nest Hotel has always been the place to go on the North Shore for a night out with mates with great music and vibes – everyone has a memory here,' Bronte Williams, the Venue Manager, said. 'We are still continuing that legacy of nightlife where you can dance until 6am, but also making it a spot for a great pub feed any day of the week with a fresh menu and dining room.' The upgrades were by leading pub and hospitality designers Cayas + Ward - the architects behind The Newmarket Hotel and The Forest Hotel - while Paul Kelly designed the gaming room. The hotel is open daily until late and is located at 1 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Shocking new footage emerges of the brutal brawl that broke out at a family fireworks night on Sydney's ritzy north shore
Confronting new footage has emerged of the moment a community fireworks event descended into an all-out brawl between teens. A 17-year-old boy was allegedly assaulted during the incident witnessed by shocked families at Northbridge Oval on Sydney 's lower north shore on Saturday night. Two other boys aged 15 and 16 were arrested following a foot pursuit, NSW Police allege. 'The older boy is alleged to have resisted arrest, assaulting officers,' a spokesperson said. 'The 17-year-old was treated for facial injuries and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.' New footage, which emerged on Wednesday, showed a group of teens viciously beating a boy in a grey hoodie. The teen, at one point managed to escape the flurry of blows and tried to flee. But the other teens gave chase and caught up with the boy. They threw him to the ground and continued to pummel him until a security guard intervened to break up the altercation. Young onlookers could be heard screaming in the background. The video was shared by Sydney radio station 2GB, who turned it into police. 'Fair chance that a kid who was previously let go is now going to charged. Not sure which kid he is on the video,' breakfast host Ben Fordham said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for further comment. Northbridge Rotary hosted the annual community fireworks event, which included rides, family entertainment and live music by local school bands. A young woman who witnessed the brawl told Daily Mail Australia the incident was 'quite scary'. She said the fight 'came out of nowhere', with the event descending into chaos when 'hundreds of teenagers' ran away from the scene after the police were called. Police also instructed bus drivers heading into the city not to stop near the oval to prevent the incident from escalating. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mosman Collective (@mosmancollective) Gates opened at 2.30pm and the brawl broke out after the scheduled fireworks at 7pm. In the original footage captured by an onlooker and shared by Mosman Collective, a group of teenage boys could be seen fighting as several men and women tried to intervene. A huge crowd of teenagers was close by as adults attempted to disperse the group. The two teens arrested were taken to Chatswood Police Station, where the 16-year-old was charged with several offences which included common assault and affray. He was also charged with behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place or school, armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, two counts of hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty and assaulting a police officer during public disorder. He was bailed to appear at a children's court on June 3. The other boy, 15, was released pending further investigation. Investigations into the incident continue.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Star reporter blows up at offensive rumour about her husband. Plus, two Hollywood A-listers (and Nigella) drop into Peter and Lisa's leftie love-in election party: INSIDE MAIL
Leftie Christmas on the lower north shore Forget winning a seat in parliament - the biggest prize on election day was winning a seat in Peter FitzSimons and Lisa Wilkinson's lounge room as the live vote count got underway.
