Presidents Report – 2019

This report is kept to provide an example of the extensive activities of DFRA. 

Dear Residents of Duffys Forest and Terrey Hills,

The Duffys Forest Residents Association works hard to protect and enhance the amenity of this beautiful corner of Sydney. We also try to encourage Community Spirit by organising Social gatherings and supporting the Duffys Forest Volunteer Fire Brigade. Residents are welcome to join our committee and to support our community activities by becoming members.  Residents can become members by paying a $50 annual fee for a Household membership or $25 annual fee for an Individual membership. The membership year runs from January – December. 

Membership fees are put to good use.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Over the last few years the Association has:

• Hosted the annual Christmas fundraiser for the Duffys Forest Rural Fire Brigade. 
• Hosted seminars on ‘Understanding our soils’, ‘Management of weeds’, & ‘Horse Management on Small Properties’ in conjunction with the GS LLS”.
• Worked with CSIRO & Council in an endeavour to eradicate Crofton weed.
• Engaged extensively with Council and Pittwater MP to support the permissibility of granny flats/ secondary dwellings in RU4 zone of Duffys Forest &Terrey Hills.
• Worked with Council to maintain the Duffys /Terrey Hills Bridle trail
• Liaised with Council to achieve an assessment of trees affecting the safety during emergencies.
• Worked with local residents to host a Music Festival at Waratah Park
• Created & improved recreational & walking trails in the area.
• Liaised with Optus and residents seeking high speed cable connection.
• Coordinated the restoration of Waratah Park with regular monthly volunteer weeding programs.
• Awareness programme to provide information to target environmental weeds affecting the native eco system.
• Worked collaboratively with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) toward the creation of Gai-Mariagal National Park, using Waratah Park as its Headquarters.
• Supported NPWS with participation in Major Day out bush regeneration programme.
• Lodged submissions to NPWS to support new equestrian trails.
• Funded interpretive signage for Slade Lookout and Duffys Wharf.
• Collaborated with the Duffys Forest RuralFire Brigade to establish beehives & develop the Bee Prepared Fire Season Campaign.
• Provided ongoing donations of funds to Duffys Brigade through honey sales
• Negotiated with Crown Lands to authorise bushcare and the restoration of various public walking/riding trails.
• Actively participated in the discussion and lodged submissions re the proposed new planning laws to be introduced into the NSW Parliament.
• Lodged submissions to NSW Planning responding to Planning White paper.
• Met regularly with local MP Rob Stokes to discuss issues affecting non urban lands.
• Responded to new legislation re proposal to restrict keeping of poultry in RU4 zone.
• Lodged submissions responding to Crown Lands review paper.
• Lodged submissions to RMS in response to Mona Vale Road upgrade.
• Restored & refenced the Anembo Road Horse Arena.
• Project managed construction of a second horse arena in Kinka Reserve                             

Applied and awarded Grants for: 

• $15,000- Weed eradication by the local Bush Care Group on 3 public trails
• $35,000- Bush regeneration at Waratah park
• $800- horticulture books and weeding equipment
• $100,000-Environmental Trust for bush regen @ Waratah Park
• $1000- Tree Planting
• $15,000 GS LLS for Bushcare in Wyong Gully
• $10,000- Signage at Slade Lookout & Duffys Wharf
• $1500- LLS Bee Prepared Campaign to support RFS
• $1000- Beards on to screen plant the Waratah Park fenceline.
• $35,000- Construction of horse arena in Kinka Reserve
• $30,000- in conjunction with MLALC to educate 2 Aboriginal youths in Land & Conservation Management 

In 2019, our aims are to:

• Continue to work with Council, Rob Stokes and Jason Falinski re issues affecting non urban lands of Duffys Forest & Terrey Hills.
• Co-ordinate Clean Up Australia Day for Duffys Forest and rural Terrey Hills
• Organise and host an Astronomy Night at Waratah Park
• Continue to lobby DOP re Seniors Living Proposals affecting non Urban lands
• Continue with the Trail maintenance programs.
• Host further seminars on small property management in association with NSW LLS.
• Coordinate with NSW Local Land Services toward rabbit eradication.
• Organise the annual Residents Christmas Party BBQ, to both raise funds and provide a social venue for the residents of Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest.
• Continue working at various bush regeneration locations.
• Continue with awareness programme to provide information to target environmental weeds affecting the native eco system.
• Continue to support the Duffys Brigade with honey sales.
• Work with MLALC to develop and mentor a training programme for Aboriginal Youths in Land & Conservation Management.
• Organise a Poet Reading and Campfirefire night at Waratah Park
• Organise and host a guided bushwalk in Waterfall Gully

Kind Regards

Richard Smallwood

President