August Winds Have Caused Cool Weather And Collapse of A Fence - Shennan Walkway Mount Druitt

The month of August of each year, in relation to weather is commonly called the 'August Winds'. This is sue to being the windiest month of the calendar year, based on specific locations in Australia, although sometime it might also be towards the end of month July of each year.

Still being part of the winter season, officially the last month of winter -  it is the change that comes  before commencing the season of Spring before the 1st September.

I have just noticed recently, the dividing fence between a private property of flats and Shennan Walkway, Mount Druitt has collapsed due to these 'August Winds' over the last weekend. I though stake holders would have been on it already.

It doesn't pose a high risk to the community as where the fence has fallen, is not where  the community walks. That being that I'm sure that the residents on the block of flats would like it to be more secured.  Closer inspection of the fence, posed a question to myself. Did this fence have proper posts cemented into the ground? To me it appeared not.

We hope that Blacktown City Council with the Strata Managers of this block of flats, remove this fence and provide a better secured fence to prevent the fall of the fence in  other times of potential high winds.







Click onto Weatherbase for full Sydney Region Weather details

Removal of Fallen Tree on Shennan Walkway - Response Blacktown City Council

We have had an instant response from Blacktown City Council officers, in reference to a left over bent over  tree branch that would have been affecting pedestrians, after a storm occurred within our area. This happened on the top of Shennan Walkway, Mount Druitt.

A letter of response From Blacktown City Council, can be viewed here

Click here for previous post


I suppose the question, now asked is does the tree get replaced or  will there be no more trees there. What do you think should happen, as community members.

Fallen Trees Not Attended Too - After Sorms

Here is a Face Book Video - on a Fallen Tree that has been  left as it is for about 2- 3 weeks on the top of Shennan Walkway, Mount Druitt Click here to watch it or here.

Being aware that after storms it talks time to get a community back into order and place, sometimes parts of the community can be overlooked. So, by taking videos of community improvements can  speed up the process for  proper improvement by relevant stakeholders. This is all we are asking for.

Hail Storms Ravage Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs - 'whyilovemountdruitt Face Book Group'

Oblivious to storms occurring whilst I work inside office, it appears that storms that ravaged our area, have chopped down trees in had fallen across pathways, roads, parks and houses.

At Mount Druitt Train Station, Sydney trains Officers were dealing with a southerly blast of hail  about a size of a 10 cents piece/ marble and rain, hitting from The Avenue and causing  flooding at the Mount Druitt  vestibule area and Train Station Office. As well between 3.30-4.30pm, 3 lifts at Mount Druitt Train were stuck with commuters unable to get out for about 10 minutes.  Whilst this occurred Emergency Services Crew were dealing with a commuter having a seizure, on one of the platform.

 We understand that Mount Druitt doesn't have enough commuters to have a paramedic, like Parramatta and Blacktown Trains Stations. Probably some thing our local State Member for Mount Druitt, Hon Edmond Atalla, could follow up, for us on NSW Parliament.

The lights heading to the bus interchange and escalators on the northern side were out to night, including all lifts, except the Mount Druitt Commuter Car Park lifts.

Currently lifts are out of service until maintenance can be conducted, until further notice, as per phots above.

I believe that all the storm and  hail stretched through to Kingswood/ Penrith.

In Mount Druitt Town Square, no major damage can be seen at night, except a slight puddle and mud to go with it, which can be cleaned and swept up

 At  Shennan Walkway in Mount Druitt, fallen tree on the top of the Walkway. Hopefully no one got hurt. Also around the area Energy Australia were seen actively fixing up light poles, as seen here on the right.

From 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Group, Ron has provided photos, on what has happened in his block of houses, included is a photo from RAAF Memorial Park:

Lucky no one was walking here

 

RAAF Memorial Park

  

Soil Erosion By People Kindly Causing A Potential Risk To Community: Accidents To Pedestrians

Time after time, as people make man-made pathways and as each step is taken, towards the top of Shennan Walkway, Mount Druitt, the soil will deterioration and be eroded by mankind, Then it presents a potential risk, to the local and wider community, who use it as a common walk way.

I have suggested, in the  past to join the straight walkway to the  fitness "S" walkway (am I use this one), at this point and yet to no avail. The height of the  footpath to where the soiled ground is is getting deeper and deeper.

What ever is done to prevent potential accidents, I hope is acted on as soon as possible and although, it may confuse the community hopefully they will find, it will help the community.

Personallt, I would like a sign on top of the "S" walkway  and at the bottom walkway, indicating to the community that this "S" walkway is a fitness walkway preference. What do you think?

Man Made Track Requires Offical Footpath AT William Mason Reswerve, North Mount Druitt

At William Mason Reserve, North Mount Druitt, we  have one man-made track (or people-made track), which makes the  Reserve look very unprofessional, messy and unrealistic.

It is about time that engineers, parks and garden experts, Councillors and other relevant stake holders, make walking, jogging and running easier by adding a new footpath from east of Meacher Street and joining it southwards to the  figure of eight great pathway that was  constructed a few years ago.

I personally understand it is a a cost factor and Blacktown City Council may be limited to funding for short pathways as they move on to create new footpath infrastructure. Yet, I hope they can fit in this new footpath within their budgets within the new 4 years.

Community improvements are based on  rate of importance and funding  (Also known as Funding), someone could fall on the  'People made track; and then all hell will break loose for public liability insurance.

If Council can place railing so quickly at Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt (Click here for last years post), which prevents accidents/falls. Why not do the same here?

 Click here for previous post on new required walkway/pathway

After The Storm - Left Branch Debris Left To Burn - Shennan walkway, North Mount Druitt

After the Mount Druitt Storm that occurred on 14th January 2016, left a lot of mess with trees felled, branches laying everywhere, power lines down and some houses destroyed by fallen trees.

A majority of the clean up has been completed, yet we have  some branch debris that has been left behind and aside at Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt leaving open opportunities (unfortunately) for possible burning of branches by arsonists,which has happened!

We now need these branches cleaned up as soon as possible, to prevent further burning of branches by arsonists and hope that Blacktown City Council Officers act on this immediately!

Do you have any debris in your community left over from the storm in January 2016 and have you contacted Council to assist? If not send your photos, location of the site and provide your name and suburb. Then email to  nsjpas@gmail.com.

 Click here for previous post

More Suggestions To Make Mount Druitt Pedestrian Walk On Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt, Safer On Completion Of Construction!

So we have been continually been discussing physical improvements much needed in our Mount Druitt area, we still need to ensure that whilst the improvement(s) will come and be completed, all areas are covered to ensure everyone is happy by searching for more improvements, all the time.

We refer to the NSW Roads & Maritime Services approved Pedestrian Walk Way, Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt (Eastern end), whilst we are waiting this improvement to be completed, after it was announced, as approved recently.

Handrail to be constructed on the right side of footpath

Further thoughts arise that, whilst  pedestrians walk up and down Shennan walk way, they may still walk across Luxford Road illegally, when the new Pedestrian phase way or walk way is constructed. So what is the solution to prevent this  resulting in accident and/or death? Simply, "Handrails" constructed right from the eastern side of the Shennan walk way entrance on Luxford Road, right up to the pedestrian walk way at the traffic lights. What do you think?

Actually, I think it can be constructed now, prior to the construction of the new Pedestrian Walk Way/Phase way on Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt - why wait? Well, that would be up to Blacktown City Council Traffic area to decide on!

Click here for previous blog 

Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt Potential Accident Attended Too By Council Engineers!

I honestly do not know what the Blacktown City Council record is for fixing up community issues , making it a safer walking pathway and preventing community members to fall over man-made pathways! Maybe Council can tell me!

There are times we need to congratulate Blacktown City Council Officers for taking such immediate positive action from blogs provided from social media, to make an area safer for the community. Whilst there are a lot of people that think that blogging is just an exercises in just letting out 'steam' from oneself, it could be at times, yet the way I look at is: if you represent the community and you want improvements to be made blogging is the quickest and fastest way to get the 'RIGHT' message across, especially with photographs (evidence)!
 
Also being a recognised advocate and community improvement representative you are not getting in everyone's hair and looking at messing it, you are looking at getting across to the readers that what is suggested does happen and attention has to made to take either immediate action or 'later on action'.

So a personal 'Thank you' to the engineer that got the handrails fixed up on the top of Shennan Walkway, to prevent potential falls from man-made walking tracks. The simple and costly resolution may made the grass grow in the area where the man- made track is and community members will be stunned that the handrail is there and may be disgruntled unless they read this blog.

Here  is the new Handrail at Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt:

What do you think about it? Will community use it properly?



Click on original Blog published 16/8/2015

Man Made Track Causes Community Member To Fall - Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt!

On last Friday morning as I was literally walking to work along Shennan Walkway when as I was reaching the top of the man made short-cut track, leading to Luxford Road. I witnessed a man called  Pablu, fall face down on the concrete walk way.

This is where it happened!

This happened as he tripped and that made him fall face down. I assist him up, yet he seemed quite alright. This could have been life-threatening because if he landed awkwardly he could have rolled onto the road at Luxford Road and then there could be a potentially a fatal accident as a worse result.

Another potential risk could have been that he could have ended up with a broken neck or back bone or even legs. Pablu was lucky as he ended up with minor bruising on his left hand. It was quite a shock to see him fall and it should be a warning to the community that this could happen to you! It is a Work Health and Safety issue that needs to be investigated!

This is a man made short cut track!

We hope that stake holders reading this blog do something about it: either block the top of the man made short cut walkway or create a short cut concrete filled walk way as it is obviuosly seen this is what the community needs!
 

More Walkway Lights Out Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt!

We have more walk way lights out at Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt. We notice that audits may not be conducted by Endeavour Energy to ensure these lights are maintained.

We hope that this issue is improved as soon as possible, so the community can see more light!

Email query with Endeavour Energy, so far

Please enter your details below:
Thank you, your request has been received.
Your reference number is: 1426376466432

Light Poles Need Improvements Along Shennan Walkway North Mount Druitt!

As I was walking past a light pole along Shennan Walkway, North Mount Druitt, I noticed important improvements required on the bottom of the light poles - broken metal pieces that need to be addressed and attended too. This would improve the way the poles look in the community and provide a better great community.

We ask that Blacktown City Council supervise and ensure this issue is attended too as soon as possible. The quicker  this is completed, the quicker the community can get on with having a great life in our wonderful community. Oh by the way, this wasn't the only pole that needed to be attended too in Shennan Walkway, I did notice another one as well!

No Joined Pathways For Easier Access - Shennan Seating Walk Way & No New Seating - William Mason Reserve

Council Officer 
Craig Hopfe

We have a response from a Blacktown City Council Officer, Craig Hop 2 improvements in relation to improvements to Shennan Walk Way foot paths to be joined appropriately - The answer is no!

And extra seating in the playground area in William Mason Reserve, Mount Druitt - No!

E-mail response from:

Craig Hopfe

Hello Mr Svoboda,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the Shennan Walk Way and the play equipment that is located within  William Mason Reserve.

Blacktown City Council encourages all of its residents and visitors to our region to utilise the provided facilities for both their own safety as well as the safety of others.

Due to the aesthetics of the area Council will keep the pedestrian pathway and the shared pathway separate. Council encourages pedestrians and cyclist alike to utilise the pathway along Luxford Road  to gain access to the newly constructed shared pathway.

Thank you for raising your concerns about seating at the play equipment in William Mason Reserve. An inspection has identified that that there is a bench seat provided for the community members to utilise whilst enjoying the facilities.

Kind Regards

Craig HOPFE

BEng (Hons), Dip Eng Prac

Engineer - Civil and Open Space

Address: 62 Flushcombe Road Blacktown

PO Box 63, Blacktown NSW 2148

Phone: (02) 9839 6320

E-mail craig.hopfe@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

My feed back is in relation to seating in William Mason Reserve the are 2  children areas and only one has seating, here is photographic evidence:

In this children's playground area

there is a seat

 

Here there isn't one!

And definitely not here! Used for both adults and children!

Under this case, there should be more available seating, provided to the community, providing the correct open space for the community: a more comfortable living for waiting parents/guardians, supervising  young children!

Click here for previous story 

North Mount Druitt Community Member - 2 Great Suggestions For Community Improvements!

People in the community can be inspired to speak and provide creative suggestions to enhance and improve the image of the community, as soon as they hear about this website, I have created.

It is an eye opener that community members can see that using modern technology like a mobile phone with a camera and laptop, that the entire world can be notified of ideas that can be passed on automatically, to Blacktown Council officers and Councillors. From there it can all change the community! And it has!


Voya from North Mount Druitt would like to see two major improvements in North Mount Druitt. Both of them I have never thought of:
 

1. Although, Blacktown City Council have completed the new path way/walk way along Shennan Walk Way, Mount Druitt, there is a suggestion from Voya to join the first right hand curve (facing North) to the new foot path/path way. Hard to see in below  night picture, yet you might pick it up. He says that a lot of people don't walk on the zig zag curve walk up and down.

    2. The next suggestion relates to William Mason Reserve, where
      there is the children's play amenities, there is no seats/benches
      for parents/carers to sit on while watching their children play.

These are great suggestions from a community member that of others. We will refer to  Blacktown City Council to act on this straight away. We have to ensure that the Mount area is properly maintained and  improved to cater for community needs.

Final Upgrade Of Foot Paths at Shennan Walkway.Mount Druitt - Great Job Blacktown City Council!

I have  recently been  showing Blacktown City Council, how these path ways/walkways needed improvements. They Read, the studied, they would have done their cost and engineering reports and they heard as they  accept approval this walkway - which is part of Bicycle Rout number 10, improves the condition, by making it better for community members footwear and cycling bikes to  using proper walkway infrastructure.

I am so proud of the General Manager, mayor of Blacktown City Council and all of its officers that have  taken steps to provide these essential improvements for the North Mount Druitt community. My  humble thanks goes to every one of them. Here is the final result:

And not not that there was  cycling and pedestrian marking placed on the walkway straight away, even better!

Shennan Walkway 2nd Day of Upgrade Pathway

According to the Blacktown Local Environmental Plan recently conducted the North Mount Druitt is part of the the expansion to cater for the population growth that is expected within the next 20 years or so. These are investigated by professionals with Council in consultation with NSW State Government future  plans. Although the community may treat as a low key issue to be dealt with now, it is important as it monitors  the progress and important of providing  much needed community improvements that                                     have have been not catered for in some areas                                      before.

So if we do not ask for necessary improvements to be made now to improve the community we live in, it may not be done as stake holders look at  new growth areas and leave old growth areas as it is.

Blacktown City Councillors are the people that can make these desired improvements. They represent the community and they should be ensuring  that areas like Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs are not neglected. We can see that the current Blacktown City Council is not neglecting Mount Druitt, by making  very important upgrades to footpaths pathways that are regularly used.

Here is the 2nd day of the pathway upgrade of Shennan Walkway Mount Druitt. This is great as this walkway  leads to the main  shopping hub of Westfield Mount Druitt, Mount Library and community rooms hub and further east, down Luxford  Road, to Mount Druitt hospital. It is an important and vital link that provides community access to home and community services.

If a bus a Mount Druitt Free Bus Shuttle  is introduced, it will provide great access to a mode of public trans that will make it easier reaching all community events and venues.

It is to me and I hope to other important  that we focus on getting improvement on the small items of the community improved and then one day, Town Planners/General Managers of Councils will focus on providing modern improvement in community requirements matching the Blacktown Local Environmental Plan.

What do you think?

Click here for previous blog on Shennan Walkway Upgrade

Shennan Walkway Is On The Improvement With Pathways!

Sometime people ask me why do you do this. I do this so that people in the community get  the necessary improvements they deserve to get. We should not be living in a backward society or living in the past with no improvements provided in the area. I'm not saying that we need to get primary first rights to the improvements requested. I'm say we should be in the forefront of being  looking, feeling and living in the best place in Western Sydney and  in in Sydney.

Another win  for the community for walkers  using Shennan Walkway in Mount Druitt. Here  is current construction of upgrading of pathways that all was needed was photos to be taken and refer to Council and here  is the beginning results:

Now this may be a small inconvenience  to local community walkers but after  a long time of using an out of date pathway, the community should be proud!

 We are pleased that Blacktown City Council, is acknowledging our website and what we are doing to the community to get this done!










Click Here For Shennan Walkway previous blog