Clean Up Australia Day 2022

Clean Up Australia: We had 7 people (including 3 volunteers not associated with MDA who saw the ad in CN) despite the dreadful weather. 25 bags of rubbish were collected in less than 2 hours. We decided that we will continue with this important annual event. We agree that the date in early March is not ideal, but we will continue to participate. Other groups, e.g. the scouts, clean up on other dates. The artworks created by the students at Somersby School were a colourful way to advertise Continue reading Clean Up Australia Day 2022

Mangrove Mountain Landfill Update

Mangrove Mountain Landfill Court case. Many of you would be aware that the Land and Environment Court case between Verde Terra Pty Ltd and Central Coast Council / EPA has recently been determined. This court case was very complex, commencing 28/10/2019 and completing 18/11/2020. Not only was the hearing spread over 12 months, it took the judge over 16 months to write up her judgement. The judgement is 136 pages in length. Initially, we were extremely disappointed to hear that Verde Terra had won. Judge Pepper declaring that the waste operator may lawfully carry out the works that were outlined … Continue reading Mangrove Mountain Landfill Update

Presidents report 2022

Mountain Districts Association. A.G.M. March 9, 2022 Presidents Report Welcome everyone and thank you for supporting our Association. Our aim is to represent our local rural community at all levels of Government and to encourage initiatives that will enhance our local area, its environment and the lifestyles of our residents. We have experienced another year of disruption in 2021 with our biggest challenge being Covid 19 lockdowns as well as severe weather events that have impacted our community and a continuing Local Government crisis that has had repercussions for us all. We have been able to continue monthly committee meetings … Continue reading Presidents report 2022

Bushfire Survey

As we recover from the bushfire, the MDA will be keen to contribute to the many reviews which are likely to eventuate. In order to represent community opinion as accurately as possible, we have designed a two-pronged approach: Firstly, a short survey (2-3 minutes) which we hope will let us gather, and categorise, feedback from a wide variety of people Secondly, a chance to come together and learn something of the stories behind those responses at the AGM on the 12th February So, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey, and if you’d like to come along … Continue reading Bushfire Survey

AGM Rescheduled

After the bushfires interrupted our AGM in early December, we promised to reschedule as things calm down. While many people are no doubt continuing to deal with the aftermath, not to mention the occasional new event, we thought it best not to delay any longer, and so we cordially invite you to the … AGM on Wednesday the 12th February at the Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club at 7pm There is often a reluctance to attend such meetings for fear of being ’roped-in‘ to serving on the committee. So let us assure you up front that all current office holders are … Continue reading AGM Rescheduled

A Day in Court

The issue of the Mangrove Mountain Landfill will finally gets it’s in court, with the issue coming before the Land & Environment Court today (18/11/2019). Central Coast Council is now taking action against the landfill operator, Verde Terra Pty Ltd and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for its failure to prevent the alleged illegal dumping. The hearing is expected to run for three weeks. The media release from the Environmental Defenders Office, which has been assisting the MDA for a number of years on this, and other issues, can be found here. Continue reading A Day in Court

Central Coast Council has “Declared a Climate Emergency”

From the Coast Community News … Central Coast Council has “declared a climate emergency” on the motion of Cr Kyle MacGregor.Three councillors left the room before the debate, declaring pecuniary interest conflicts did not allow them to stay. Three other councillors voted against the motion. They were Crs Greg Best, Chris Burke and Troy Marquart. The declaration directs the CEO to prepare a report on the costs to implement a series of measure including: immediately implementing council’s climate change policy and setting council emissions reduction target below 2017/18 levels. Cr MacGregor, a Labor councillor, also asked the report to identify … Continue reading Central Coast Council has “Declared a Climate Emergency”