While we’re on the subject of wharves, the Trust conducted a very interesting boat trip on Saturday April 4th as part of Heritage Week. Once again, the good ship “Reliance” was our conveyance, and we set off on an overcast afternoon from Huntley’s Point to explore the Parramatta River. On board was our knowledgeable guide Graham Percival , and as a bonus, we were joined by David Meggitt, who was able to give us an illuminating run-down on his family’s linseed oil milling business, started by his grandfather, Harold, in 1923. The business, known as Halmeg, continued running till 1974 on the shores of Looking Glass Bay, taking in what is now Banjo Patterson House and the Reserve.
We continued upriver past Homebush Bay as far as the sadly polluted Duck Creek, calling in at interesting bays and byways. It’s fascinating what a different perspective you get from the water. If any members haven’t been on one of our Reliance trips, we recommend you look out for the next one which will be in November
From the President’s desktop
Included in this Journal is The Trust’s submission on the draft Local Environment Plans and Development Control Plans for Gladesville and Victoria Road, which have been prepared by Hunters Hill and Ryde Councils.
In it we point out that the big picture planning issues of global warming, an unsustainable “continuous growth” economy, peak oil and population growth have not even been acknowledged let alone planned for. We also point out that the plans are out of step with the NSW Department of Planning’s latest advice regarding the health impacts from living near major roads. Read More »