Latest news with #RandwickCityCouncil
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Council's innovative solution to quiet crisis in Aussie suburbs leads to exciting change
As Australia's cities continue to grow to keep up with the demands of our skyrocketing population, native wildlife populations are facing increasing pressure from threats such as habitat loss and predation from invasive species like cats and foxes. To bridge the gap, authorities are exploring new ways to support the survival of our wildlife, with everyday Aussies regularly being called on to help solve the growing issue. Planting nesting boxes can help backyards can become more hospitable to birds, possums, sugar gliders, microbats and insects. But in public spaces, more needs to be done. One inner-city council is now trialling innovative new technology to offer new shelter options for Aussie animals in public parks with exciting results. Randwick City Council recently announced a trial in partnership with the University of New South Wales whereby researchers are trialling two types of artificial tree hollows at the Randwick Environment Park in Sydney's East. In May, ten 3D-printed nesting boxes were installed, along with artificial hollows drilled into trees. Just weeks later, rainbow lorikeets were sighted nesting in one of the hollows. "When council collaborates with research institutions and other community groups, we can achieve real change for our community, native wildlife and environment," Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker. He called the move 'a significant step forward" in enhancing Sydney's biodiversity and urban wildlife conservation. 🪹 Aussies urged to make one 'critical' backyard change to combat national crisis 🏡 Woman's 'fantastic' garden solution to controversial problem in Aussie suburbs 🦊 Council under pressure as iconic species ravaged by invasive predator Aussies have long been urged to install simple nesting boxes to give native species a helping hand and provide much-needed shelter. However, the drawback with traditional nesting boxes made out of wood, according to council, is that they can often fall short because of poor insulation and limited durability. The UNSW-designed 3D printed nest boxes are made from long-lasting, weather-resistant plastic, which they say offers better thermal stability. Along with the plastic shelters, fake hollows were drilled into existing trees with a 'Hollowhog' tool that creates large internal cavities through small entry holes in both living and dead wood, which fast-tracks the natural process that creates hollows within trees, which can take centuries. As well as rainbow lorikeets, there are hopes that the new features will attract microbats, parrots, and smaller birds such as kingfishers and pardalotes. In the coming years, researchers will monitor the artificial hollows to determine their use by native animals. Habitat loss is a huge issue connected to housing and infastructure development. Roads and new housing developments encroaching on the habitats of native plants and animals and harming their populations in doing so. Clearing land and habitat trees leaves the hundreds of vertebrate species that rely on tree hollows without a home, exacerbating Australia's extinction crisis. Since European settlement, we have lost more mammal species than any other continent, with over 100 species declared extinct or extinct in the wild. Local governments elsewhere around the country have sought to boost the presence of nesting boxes and urged locals to join them. The City of Parramatta Council has installed over 450 nest boxes and roost boxes across the LGA while also using chainsaws to carve entrances in dead trees. What's more, researchers like Professor Sarah Bekessy from RMIT's Centre for Urban Research have been calling for a rethink of how urban areas can be shared with native plants and animals. 'At the moment we do development in a way that sees (nature) as a problem,' she told Yahoo News Australia. 'Biodiversity is actually seen as a 'constraint layer' rather than an opportunity we should maximise in the planning process. 'The evidence is now absolutely compelling that connection to nature is really critical for our health and for our mental wellbeing, for our physical wellbeing and for our immune response." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie councils push for tougher fines for millions of pet owners amid worrying trend
Major city councils are calling on the state government to implement much tougher pet laws, including higher fines and stronger enforcement powers, amid a rise in irresponsible owner behaviour and attacks from dogs. Over the last 20 years Randwick City Council, in Sydney's east, has reported a sharp rise in dog attacks, from 900 in 2004 to an incredible 5,000 last year. It said pet owners have also dropped the ball, with reports that many had stopped picking up after their dogs, while failing to monitor them adequately at off-leash parks, particularly around children and wildlife. In response, as part of the state government's review into the Companion Animals Act 1998, Randwick has asked the NSW government for higher fines and stronger penalties. "Randwick City Council is calling for tougher pet laws, stronger enforcement powers and better education," it stated in a council meeting in late May. The submission, endorsed by councillors, also recommends mandatory cat containment, more public education on responsible pet ownership, and expanded powers for councils to act on dangerous dogs and nuisance animals. Roaming domestic cats can have a devastating impact on native wildlife, hunting and killing birds, reptiles, and small mammals, even when they're well-fed at home. In NSW, dog owners can be fined up to $330 for walking their pet off-leash in areas where it's not permitted, and $275 for failing to clean up after their dog. While councils enforce these fines, they do not set them independently — the amounts are dictated by state legislation. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the law currently states that a dog that attacks another dog attracts the same fine as when it attacks a child. "Clearly, that's not right," he told 9News. "Everyone loves their dog until something goes wrong, and that's why we want to make sure we get the rules right for the 21st century." Adjacent council Waverley is also joining the campaign, reportedly calling on pet owners who break the rules to attend training courses. "We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety and that everyone, including our four-legged companions, can enjoy our parks and community," it said. Yahoo News Australia has contacted Randwick and Waverley councils for comment. New rule change legalises common pet act in graveyards Inner city suburb terrorised by roaming dogs as locals report attacks Aussie's five-year legal battle with council over pet dogs With an estimated 4.7 million cats and dogs in NSW alone, responsible pet ownership is crucial to minimising their impact on local ecosystems, public spaces, and community safety, both councils say. Pet ownership nationally experienced a significant surge during and directly after the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by lockdowns, remote work, and a collective search for companionship. Figures suggest households with pets rose from 61 per cent to 69 per cent. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
9 News
7 days ago
- Health
- 9 News
Councils want bigger fines for poor 'pet etiquette'
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Randwick City Council has submitted an application to the NSW government to review the Companion Animals Act 1998, saying they want bigger fines and harsher penalties for dog owners caught doing the wrong thing. The application refers to "irresponsible" dog owners, including actions like "off-leash dogs harassing children or wildlife" and "owners neglecting to pick up droppings." Two Sydney councils want stricter penalties for dog owners. (Getty) They say they've seen a significant increase in dog attacks, from 900 reported attacks in 2004 to over 5000 in 2024. "Submissions from our community highlight a need for clearer rules and etiquette to guide dog handling in shared spaces," the submission reads. "Key expectations include keeping dogs under control at all times, respecting other people and animals and cleaning up after pets. "Unfortunately, these common-sense practices are not universally observed." Cat owners aren't out of the woods either, with the application saying the council's goal is to "move toward a norm of responsible cat ownership" It says cats should not be allowed to "roam and threaten wildlife or cause a nuisance." The council recommended "significantly higher fines" for those caught doing the wrong thing, specifically in instances of a dog attack. In NSW, the maximum fine a council can issue is $330 for breaking off-leash walking rules, while the fine for not picking up after your dog is $275. Waverly Council is also considering making the change, arguing tougher penalties are needed, as well as advocating for dog owners to attend pet ownership training classes. has reached out to Waverly Council for comment. national New South Wales Sydney CONTACT US
Sky News AU
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Jackie 'O' Henderson fires back after furious neighbour called her 'disgusting' amid multi-million dollar dream home build
Radio star Jackie 'O' Henderson has fired back after a neighbour labelled her "disgusting" amid the allegedly disruptive construction of her dream home in Clovelly. Henderson began extensive renovations on her $13.25 million oceanfront property overlooking Gordon's Bay in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs in early December. While the project received council approval, some locals have voiced frustrations over the ongoing noise and disruption, with one disgruntled neighbour branding the 50-year-old star "disgusting" in a recent interview with A neighbour named Lynn told the outlet, "They (Henderson's tradesmen) have no consideration for the white lines that have been painted outside my house." When asked if she listened to Jackie O's controversial breakfast show she co-hosts with Kyle Sandilands, Lynn replied, "God no. They're disgusting. "I can't imagine what kind of person she is with all of her potty humour." Fresh from a luxury Italian holiday with her 14-year-old daughter Kitty, Jackie addressed the controversy live on-air alongside Sandilands. "There's always going to be one complainer," she said. "But the funny thing is that every neighbour has gone out of their way to say how great my builders are and how thoughtful and considerate they are." Jackie added that she had been unaware anyone on her street was unhappy, saying most feedback had been overwhelmingly positive. Living in the same cul-de-sac as her best friend and manager Gemma O'Neill, Jackie said several neighbours had praised the construction team for being "so great". However, when a producer asked if she felt guilty about disrupting the suburb, Jackie admitted it wasn't ideal. It's understood that part of the frustration stems from Henderson's building team allegedly taking up one of the few available parking spots with their site caravan. "It's difficult when building in a big city and there's limited parking," she said. "It's really unfortunate, and I hate that I would ever be putting people out. "But everyone is entitled to complain if they have an issue." Jackie also directly addressed the stinging "disgusting" comment, telling Kyle: "She did say that we are disgusting, you and I." Kyle responded with a laugh: "You can't blame old people for thinking we're disgusting. Even my mum's dance teacher thinks we're disgusting." The KIIS FM host snapped up her prized home at auction in March 2023, in one of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs, where the median house price sits at $4.6 million (as at March 2025). According to Randwick City Council's Development Application report, Henderson sought approval for the "demolition of existing structures and construction of a 3-storey dwelling house with a double garage, in-ground swimming pool, ancillary and landscaping works". Since the $5 million build commenced, Jackie has kept fans in the loop, regularly posting updates of her dream home's progress, designed by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects and built by Bill Clifton of Robert Plumb Build. Despite rumours she was planning to build a lavish "wellness centre" on the property, Jackie clarified the truth on air. "It's not really a wellness centre," she laughed. "It's just a little area with a sauna- that's it." Kyle replied: "Ah that is a wellness centre."
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie neighbours celebrate as council backflips on 'appalling' tree plan
An Aussie council has backflipped on a controversial decision to remove a towering tree. The decision follows an angry response from residents who waged a sustained campaign to save the weeping fig that had sheltered their Sydney street for decades. Yahoo News first reported on Randwick City Council's plan on March 6. Its councillors were accused of rushing through the decision after an apartment owner complained roots from the 24-metre-high giant were damaging his lawn, fence and driveway. On Thursday night, residents of Quail Street, Clovelly broke open champagne and celebrated under the tree. Local woman Zoë Wilesmith told Yahoo News the council's decision was 'a common sense reversal' of what had been an 'appalling' plan. 'I can't tell you the high, honestly. It's absolutely fantastic… They certainly underestimated the community of Quail Street,' she said. Another resident Maria Bradley said supporters of the tree received emails from Aussies 'far and wide'. 'They could see that the tree didn't need to have come down,' she said. Petrana Lorenz, whose apartment looks out onto the tree said, "this decision is a win for the tree, a win for our community, but most of all it's a win for showing that it's worth fighting for what's right". 🌳 Aussie neighbourhood erupts over council's plan to axe 80-year-old tree 😟 Fate of 80-year-old tree to be decided in days after neighbourhood uproar ❌ Call for overhaul of Aussie council powers after controversial tree decision Council had previously claimed it had no choice but to cut down the tree because its insurance agency would not cover future liability if it proceeded with the resident's damage claim. But residents commissioned their own independent engineering and arborist reports which disputed the tree was responsible. 'Something had clearly gone wrong with council procedures for it to have got to the point of removing the tree. Anybody with two eyes and half a brain could see that there was no property damage caused by the tree,' Zoe said. Residents now plan to create a "how to" guide to support other residents fighting councils that want to destroy trees. Following the uproar from residents, councillors met for an extraordinary general meeting last week to hear from residents and reevaluate the tree's future. But the meeting concluded with them voting once again to cut it down. This prompted Professor Sarah Bekessy from RMIT and the Biodiversity Council to call for mature trees in cities to be federally protected because they are being destroyed at a rapid rate. 'There's always an excuse for getting rid of a tree, whether it's safety or damage to infrastructure. But that's just missing the point about their enormous benefits,' she told Yahoo News. Residents were preparing to take the matter to the NSW Land and Environment Court, when council backflipped on its decision. They had requested internal documents from council, so they could scrutinise the process that led to the removal plan. In a statement, the council's mayor Dylan Parker said it had reached an agreement with its insurer, Statewide Mutual, to obtain partial insurance cover for the tree. 'This positive change of circumstance means that our risk exposure has now been reduced to a level that no longer requires removal of the tree,' he said. 'While some branch pruning of trees may still be required, this is an excellent outcome which I am confident the community will be pleased by as it in practice saves the tree.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
