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Name: BorisEmail:
Date: 19 Feb 2010 00:49:52 GMT

Comment: Everyone knows Sydney needs more high rise development, but just not in their backyard! Most of you people I assume are baby boomers. The generation who are responsible for the ridiculous real estate prices, who are now profiting off the misfortune of younger generations. Now you want to push new home buyers out all together! These changes are needed, so deal with it!

Name: Patricia     Email: couldntbehelped@hotmail.com
Country: AUSTRALIA Date: 10 Feb 2010 05:34:35 GMT

Comment: Jason! Thanks for calling us morons. There are many areas of Sydney that can benefit from development more so than the North Shore - try West Ryde, and Victoria Rd Gladesville. As for giving the younger generation a fair go, do you really think these unit developments are going to be affordable for you the younger generation? Personally I think they will be snapped up by investors and leased out to those who flat share. Build spacious, low rise unit blocks that can house a family comfortably in areas that could use a boost!!!! A much better idea I think than putting the boot into those of us on the north shore, and remember not all houses in this are are $5million dollars!  

Name: Matthew McGreger   Email: jasn_168@hotmail.com
Country: AUSTRALIA Date: 8 Jan 2010 12:53:11 GMT

Comment: We need our buildings to be higher how else are we going to be more environmentally friendly or encourage public transport? This is being plain selfish opposing high density. Hypocrites these days. YES TO DEVELOPMENT! 

Name: Eco-ratEmail: richy_ch_2000@yahoo.com
Welcome Page:  http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1027501&goto=newpost
Country: AUSTRALIA Date: 8 Jan 2010 03:20:45 GMT

Comment: Sorry guys, but Kuringgai needs to accomodate more people, as does Sydney. More people are coming, millions more, and your attitude is that rural land can suffer just so you can keep it just so. Private property rights give you control over your own little block, but no rights over anyone elses. I support appropriate development - up to 50 storeys over a railway station and up to 20 within 500 metres.

Name: Mark from Turramurra

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 30 Sep 2009 07:07:48 GMT

Comment: What we now have in this state (and across Australia generally) is the illusion of democracy. Liberal or Labor, it is the same flavour. We also have a corporate feudalism where the corporate elite have the gold and make the rules. Barry O'Farrell will be the next Premier of NSW but, sadly, he will not prevent the rape of Ku Ring Gai by developers and he knows it. Perhaps the major parties may listen more seriously & more carefully to residents if Ku Ring Gai and Bradfield became marginal seats.

Name: Richard from Roseville

Country:                           Date: 29 Sep 2009 09:10:11 GMT

Comment: Congratulations on a well-organised rally. While I was a little disappointed that more Ku-ring-gai residents weren't there (given that everyone I speak to is horrified at what is happening) I was surprised at how many people from elsewhere were present and the large number of groups which were represented. I hadn't realised that the State government's planning disasters were so widespread. It's heartening to have such support, but disheartening that the damage is apparently occurring everywhere.

Name: Justine                    Email: justine@goldfish.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 30 Sep 2009 01:27:06 GMT

Comment: I am appalled by the governments behaviour in relation to planning our town centres and even more infuriated when I see that Ms Keneally thinks that Double Bay is such a special case that its character needs to be protected whilst she is showing complete disregard for the character of the town centres in Ku-ring-gai. What about the inconsistency of your proposal with the character of our town centre?!

Name: Di Haskell    Email: dihaskell@bigpond.com

Country: ITALY                 Date: 28 Sep 2009 19:37:10 GMT

Comment: Rob Oakeshott, the Independent member for Lyne nailed it this weekend - the only way we can survive this is to lose our reputation as the country's safest Liberal seat and elect strong local independent candidates to both State and Federal parliaments. Independent seats are NOT taken for granted by either side of politics. Anne Carroll, relentless in her fight for Ku-ring-gai, immediately comes to mind as the perfect candidate, someone who has a genuine concern and commitment to our area. With organisations like Not So High and FOKE already in existence, we have structures in place to support LOCAL candidates. The sad loss of Adrienne Ryan and Michael Lane at the last Council elections illustrated the power of locally organised support groups. It's time to aim higher and show both the Labor and Liberal parties that we're not just the polite conservatives that they think we are!

Name: Gayl Wilkinson              Email: wilkingg@tpg.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 28 Sep 2009 23:35:56 GMT

Comment: We have been fighting these developments for many years but became worn down by the lack of listening to the people. We had a development of 180 units behind our home in Pymble and NSW Planning thought 350 units was a more suitable number. This is where we threw up our hands and though it was all for nothing. I want to thank Chris Drummer for his new blood and enthusiasm. It is fantastic to have new ideas and I thought the funeral procession (which I participated in) was a great eyeopener for the State Government. It may all be totally ignored but it was a massive effort to show how unhappy we are and we also have the privilege of paying taxes and rates to be this unhappy. Thanks guys you are doing a great job and keep us posted!

Name: Robert                 Email: blackwell.robert@ymail.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 29 Sep 2009 00:00:09 GMT
Comment: Congratulations on a well organised event on Sunday. I was impressed and pleased that so many people were motivated to get out and tell this pathetic State Govt. that destroying our history and heritage is unacceptable.

Name: Roslyn

Country:                           Date: 29 Sep 2009 02:13:31 GMT

Comment: Just wanted to congratulate the organisers of Sunday which progressed very smoothly. I was present as I share the concerns expressed regarding lack of consultation, lack of heritage properties, ugly blocks of apartments which will age dreadfully, and no thought of the required infrastructure to support this rapid population growth.

Name: Former Resident      

Country:                           Date: 28 Sep 2009 04:18:38 GMT

Comment: With Sydney's population ever expanding we all recognise that development must occur. With the state of our Government's finances we all realise that new infrastructure cannot be provided without spiralling NSW into the abyss. So how do we as a community over come this? Development along existing corridors of infrastructure appears to be a logic approach. Are we saying that's OK but not in our back yard? What are we really trying to say? If we want support from other Sydney areas, think again.

Name: Peter Hutchison     Email: peterhutchison@hotmail.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 28 Sep 2009 05:32:39 GMT

Comment: I have a 5 storey development overlooking my house in Turramurra. The developer knocked down 5 federation houses to build it. The development has taken away the morning sun as well as privacy. The balconies of the development look down on my house which was built in 1913.

Name: Waitara Resident

Country:                           Date: 28 Sep 2009 06:28:36 GMT

Comment: I feel for you all, Waitara was also raped by the bulldozer. The one thing I learnt from our futile efforts to stop development was that there is no democracy in NSW. Nothing us residents can do to, sorry but been there done that...

Name: Jason                                                         

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 28 Sep 2009 06:40:15 GMT

Comment: Boo hoo, welcome to the 21st century you bunch of conservative morons. What you are seeing is something called population and economic growth and it is a normal part of today's world. People need somewhere to live and not everyone can afford a $5 million mansion on Burns Road (I'm guessing most members of NSH will be residents of such high value homes with a swimming pool and 2 SUVs parked on the driveway). Get real and let the younger generation have a fair go for a change.

Name: David

Country:                           Date: 28 Sep 2009 08:35:04 GMT

Comment: Congratulations to Chris Drummer and the team for a brilliant piece of organisation yesterday. Slightly disappointed that more people didn't turn up. Politicians are impressed by numbers so if you are reading this and object to what's happening get involved. Thanks to the efforts of the Alliance we are getting momentum. Join us!

Name: Gerry                    Email: stevteam@bigpond.net.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 28 Sep 2009 11:54:29 GMT

Comment: I was there and it was a well organised event. Great press/TV. Congratulations Jeffrey et al. Finally we as residents are getting a stronger voice. Too many times my heart has been broken to see my favourite places in my home suburbs now destroyed. It is late but lets keep up the effort! Next thing? A call for Kristina to address us in Turramurra park ?? Nathan Rees to be there as well? Invited by Brendan Nelson or Barry O'Farrell ??

Name: Margaret               Email: margstuckey@iprimus.com.au

Country:                           Date: 28 Sep 2009 12:28:17 GMT

Comment: Well done to the organizers of Sunday's rally - I was there and it certainly gained much needed media attention to our cause. I live in what used to be a sleepy little leafy cul-de-sac with very little infrastructure. Now we have a towering mass of concrete looking down on us with another proposed 48 units to be built next-door! Not a pretty sight and no longer the quiet little leafy cul-de-sac but a teaming mess of noise, dirt, trucks, road-blocks, mud plus the demolition of fauna & flora, which has been going on for almost three years and still not finished!

Name: Secrets

Country: MINE                  Date: 27 Sep 2009 23:59:01 GMT

Comment: Secrets is my name you can see, and secrets I will share with thee, cryptic it will be, but only for me safety and them with eyes to see will know what I mean. Secrets. It is my De-Iemma to share with you a family tree that grew and grew, any one who does know a family by many names go. Who is developing who is showing and by what name are you knowing? And then look at policy's passed look deep in that hour glass. Generation one two import export no one knew. A politician with a mission, that may not be in the best interest to you and me. And even though he bow and scrap to the Pope who is his mate, I will debate he wont be let through the pearly gates. Take my words at last, look in the past the past, where the Grass grows greener, Grassed by, it all started then and now here we are like horses with blinkers who don't see, unless THEY point our heads in that direction of THEIR intention.


Name: Natasha           Welcome Page:  http://www.otfordprotectionsociety.com                   

Country: NSW AUSTRALIA        Date: 27 Sep 2009 08:31:35 GMT

Comment: WOW well done on your march today & TV news coverage. Our region on the southern edge of Sydney's Royal National Park faces a similar battle. Years of earlier LEPs, environmental studies & previous State Government orders to protect the water catchment& wildlife corridor, are to be overwritten by the current state planning minister & a council under administration. 7(d) environmental land is recommended to be rezoned for cookie cutter housing development.  Any advice to give/receive welcome:)

Name: Kym                  Email: albemarle@optusnet.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 27 Sep 2009 08:50:39 GMT

Comment: I missed today because of personal problems. So did the Minister for development,who doesn't care. She does not care, does not belong. Let's get rid of rubbish like her before we lose our heritage. How can i get involved next time?

Name: Fixit              Country:                           Date: 27 Sep 2009 09:42:30 GMT

Comment: We moved from Chatswood after the developments there made it impossible to move in the traffic. We paid a premium for peace and quiet and now the State Government wants to change that. I don't think so.

Name: Rachel, North Turramurra      
Country:                           Date: 26 Sep 2009 04:33:49 GMT

Comment: Yes Ku-Ring-Gai needs to build more residential areas to cope with an increased population, as do all areas of Sydney. But this 'free-for-all' development mentality is outrageous. Our suburbs are not just there for the taking. Ku-Ring-Gai is not rich pickings for developers who have discovered just how easy it is to demolish our beautiful buildings. All these apartments are just plain ugly, there is no increase in infrastructure and the eyesores we currently see are only 20% of what they have in store. All this without any local consultation - how can that be??? Ah yes, it's a safe Liberal seat, so the NSW govt could not care less.

Name: Jonine Penrose-Wall                                Email: jonine@iimetro.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 26 Sep 2009 23:43:57 GMT

Comment: The destruction of our Northern suburbs shocks all of us in Sydney. Any high-rise on the main roads should never be tolerated. Govt's plans to overpopulate Sydney is the problem. GO GREEN and keep all remaining heritage and historic buildings, as they are now few. Build highrise only to replace blond brick 1970s slums throughout our city. Governments, we do not want these developments AT ALL, unless in the Western Suburbs at disused commercial areas. Join "NOT AT ALL NEWTOWN AND BEYOND" We say No to overdevelopment in the inner west. We oppose demolitions pre 1930s to preserve our historic villages: Summer Hill, Newtown, Glebe, Annandale, Darlington, Erskinville. Stop overpopulation in Sydney, is the answer and rethink housing and family policies, not oversupply of housing for singles in high rise slums. ph 0409 741414

Name: Janine Kitson           Email: janine_kitson@tpg.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 25 Sep 2009 08:00:07 GMT

Comment: Dear Not So High My very best wishes for your rally this Sunday. Please accept my apologies as I am unable to attend due to prior commitments. I believe you should nominate for the Nature Conservation Council's [www.nccnsw.org.au] World Environment Day Awards - particular the MARIE BYLES AWARD for the most outstanding new environmental campaign. The winning group will receive a prize of $1,000 worth of printing from EcoDesign EcoPrint. I am happy to recommend the nomination form with your support. Good luck and best wishes Janine Kitson 9598 2402 • MARIE BYLES AWARD for the most outstanding new environmental campaign. The winning group will receive a prize of $1,000 worth of printing from EcoDesign EcoPrint.

Name: J & P Armstrong

Country: TURRAMURRA AUSTRALIA     Date: 25 Sep 2009 04:52:03 GMT
Comment: Re Sydney comment 23 Sep 2009 21:56:39 GMT. We are not a bunch of nimbies. Residents of Ku-ring-gai are well aware of what has happened in other municipalities. We are prepared to bear our share of housing Sydney's increasing population. Our target was for 10,000 new dwellings by 2031. What is now proposed is too open-ended and could result in up to 18,000 new dwellings which is massive 55% increase on the current number of dwellings in Ku-ring-gai. All with no planned upgrade to rail or road infrastructure. Heritage and environment are now being destroyed. ALL FOR WHAT! Ugly box style developments that are totally out of character with the area. This organisation we are supporting stands for sympathetic development and is not anti development. Anyway, why is everything proposed just units, units and more units. Why not a mixture of units, townhouses and villas with courtyards. This whole thing appears to have been done by political motivation.

Name: Comrad                    Email: blake161@hotmail.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 24 Sep 2009 13:43:27 GMT

Comment: Part1 or 3 sections: I am not a resident of Ku-ring-gai but grew up in what was the leafy Northshore. I will be at your march on the NSW parliament on Sunday - representing the people of Darlinghurst opposed to a gross over development of the ST Vincents/ Garvan Institute Campus which is currently being assessed by the Minister for Planning.


Name: Penny Edmonds                            Email: savewaratah@gmail.com

Welcome Page:  http://savewaratah.blogspot.com/         

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 24 Sep 2009 02:31:25 GMT

Comment: Hi Everyone, I to am trying to save a little of our Aussie heritage along with Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater the residents of Duffy's Forest and loads of other people around the community. I hate the over developed housing estates that you now see popping up also over the place and I do not want this to happen to Waratah Park located in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.!! It makes me so angry!

Name: Sydney 

Country:                           Date: 23 Sep 2009 21:56:39 GMT

Comment: What a bunch of nimbies. I suppose it is all right for other municipalities to bear the burden of housing Sydneys increasing population. Why is the conservation of Ku-ring-Gai residents "lifestyle" more important than any other? If this organisation had really stood for sympathetic development rather than anti development then the power would never have been taken away from you and your hamstrung councils. You reap what you sow.

Name: liz thornton       Email: lizthornton@netspace.net.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 22 Sep 2009 23:33:04 GMT

Comment: I think Apathy in the communities allows for corruption in the Parliament. People voted for Liberal and Labour stooges who stood as independents! See the connection that both Rev,Nile and the Shooters have to this Labour government. Very cosy!! Check on the candidates in order to be able to say I truly participated in a democratic election

Name: Turramurra Resident

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 22 Sep 2009 11:33:21 GMT

Comment: This situation is appalling. My family moved from the Inner West to escape the over development and now we are facing it here. I do understand the need to house more people, however, the developers should not be allowed to build the hideous over-sized dwellings where once there was only a humble house. Give the planning back to council and perhaps we can get a good mix of sustainable, attractive development which enhances Ku-ring-gai, rather than detracts.

Name: Local resident

Country:                           Date: 19 Sep 2009 06:35:07 GMT

Comment: as a schoolgirl who lives in Turramurra and attends a school in Wahroonga i am completely outraged by these proposals for our shire walking to school each day i shudder to think of the death of the lovely old homes nature animals which shall occur if this goes forward. Ku-ring-Gai is a very special part of Sydney one that makes up her unique identity if our shire is to be ravaged by development then a part of Sydney’s history will be lost. continue to support this cause for it is a very worthy one

Name: swiftaveger                Email: swiftretaliation@gmail.com

Country: CANADA            Date: 18 Sep 2009 15:57:05 GMT

Comment: Well, from experience, my advice to your group is "Take them out" take them out of power and position, find every single incident of corruption, nepotism, cronyism, padded expense accounts, self-serving decisions, and decisions made with a blatant lack of knowledge and distorted facts. Drag every single one of these characters, kicking and screaming on the public stage, of the net, YouTube them until they are household names, take away their piggy-banks and their positions......................It works.

Name: Brian Buckley         Email: clareboy@bigpond.com.au

Country: WAHROONGA    Date: 19 Sep 2009 06:38:00 GMT

Comment: Its great to see your campaign underway and particularly the funeral cortege to Parliament house on Sunday September 27, 2009. I am against the rape of KURINGGAI with this awful and chaotic State government's plan for EXCESSIVE HIGH -Rise and Over Development recommend by the Ku--ring-gai Planning Panel set up by the boofheads in State Parliament. I am standing as an Independent candidate for the coming by - election in Bradfield expected early November 09, and have this issue as one of my policies, and although a State responsibility the Feds are behind this re their excessive immigration policy. When I distribute my election dodgers to the letterboxes of voters, I can possibly include your dodger with it. with say some help from your supporters in distribution. I can be contacted on the email address or by telephone on 94891276. Regards, Brian Buckley

Name: Peter A

Country: TURRAMURRA AUSTRALIA     Date: 21 Sep 2009 11:51:20 GMT

Comment: Death of Democracy, it is so true. If the Government is not listening to us, the residents of Ku-ring-gai, who are they listening to? Developers AND their big bucks??

Name: Resident of Turramurra

Country: TURRAMURRA           Date: 21 Sep 2009 12:05:39 GMT

Comment: Is Ku-ring-gai still part of NSW. If so, why isn't the NSW Government listening to us, the people of Ku-ring-gai? Could it be they are not really a Government for NSW, just a Government interested in core Labor and marginal areas AND bugger the rest of us!

Name: Annette Freeman        Email: annette.freeman56@gmail.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 20 Sep 2009 23:33:26 GMT

Comment: http://writeonwords.com/wordpress/?p=42

Name: Resident

Country: AUSTRALIA                                                   Date: 22 Sep 2009 11:56:52 GMT

Comment: What continues to take place in Ku-ring-gai is an absolute disgrace. We chose to live in St.Ives 11 years ago because of its natural and unspoilt landscape. The picture today is quite different and what infrastructure is there in place to cope with all this development? What a terrible shame for Ku-ring-gai residents and their children.

Name: JILL AULD                  Email: jauld@fastrac.net.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 17 Sep 2009 10:24:15 GMT

Comment: The Ku-ring-gai situation I can barely think about because it makes me cry to see the 'rape' of this once beautiful shire. I am disgusted that no rail/road/bus infrastructure was put in place before the 'rape'.

Name: Mary Buckett           Email: hbuckett3@bigpond.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 17 Sep 2009 10:33:52 GMT

Comment: How tragic that so many of us in our LGAs are facing these problems driven by greed and lack of thought for now and the future. In the Hawkesbury LGA we have lost the beautiful historic village of Pitt Town to a developer's greed and now Nth Richmond is subjected to a proposal to more than double its size in an area which is grossly underserviced and with inadequate infrastructure. Loss of farmland - one day the very same people who are making these decisions will be complaining of having to freight food in because there will be no land left in the greater Sydney basin. Best of luck with your campaign and with winning the battles ahead.

Name: Lindfield resident                                                      Email: 

Country:                           Date: 16 Sep 2009 07:56:36 GMT

Comment: Waiting for the next election won't make any difference. Too much damage is being done right now, with both the rezoning and high rise construction. Both sides of politics are complicit in this destruction of Ku-ring-gai.

Name: Rhondda                  Email: armaltby@bigpond.net.au

Country:                           Date: 16 Sep 2009 01:36:13 GMT

Comment: I have been so angered by these developments that I have created another video of the destruction, called "Ku-ring-gai for Sale" See it on the FOKE website and YouTube soon. The video says it all. Sadly 8 minutes of video cannot show all the destruction, but conveys the tragedy.

Name: Richard Bell                Email: bell@16wardell.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 14 Sep 2009 08:47:38 GMT

Comment: Let us hope this is one of many successful initiatives to preserve the area as best we can not just for ourselves but for future generations. I can only imagine the stress and heartache felt by many older residents or those who are uncertain as to their future who never expected they or their neighbours would be treated in this way.

Name: St Ives resident Country: AUST                 Date: 13 Sep 2009 04:26:00 GMT

Comment: Neill Tridgett 16 Aug is right, both Parties are complicit - check out Hansard - both Parties voted to amend the legislation giving powers to a single Minister, the Planning Minister to override community input, concurrence from independant agencies for Environment and Heritage. Then look at voting patterns for Liberal Party Councillors in Ku-ring-gai. Who is voting for integration of public land in 9 storey shopping centres? We need an Inquiry into both Parties and the deals that have been made.

Name: Sheri                Email: sheridanconsulting@yahoo.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 13 Sep 2009 02:22:58 GMT

Comment: How did it ever get to this? Rampant ugly development euphemistically describing what WAS, before the developer destroyed it, rather than what IS. From beautiful, prestige, luxury to tacky ugly eyesores. This is akin to a cancerous growth destroying its host. Stop it NOW!!

 Name: Sheri               Email: sheridanconsulting@yahoo.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 13 Sep 2009 02:30:39 GMT

Comment: Death of Democracy - it is true. We are increasingly being stripped of our democratic voice by greedy unaccountable government and developers. Who are these 'developers' anyhow? Are they running the State of NSW? Proposal- cut out the middle man and let's have elections for the developers so then at least we might get to see what they plan and have a say for what they do given as they apparently have the power!

Name: Mark                      Email: chasekato1@gmail.com

Country: AUST                 Date: 11 Sep 2009 01:59:41 GMT

Comment: We need to work together in stopping development in non zone areas within our district. We can only do this through a united front and everyone informing their neighbours and working together. It would be a sad day when we lose the beauty of this area. Traffic already has become worse since they started and it will only get worse if they continue to bring high rise to our community. Remember this is our community and we should look after it as a community. Thanks,

 Name: Anthony Meaney          Email: MEANEY2@bigpond.com

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 11 Sep 2009 08:15:56 GMT

Comment: As a member of Save Our Suburbs, we have been fighting the high density policies of the NSW Dept of Planning since 2001.I first got involved in 1994, when the Dept allowed an attached Dual Occupancy(medium density) next door in a single residential(low density) zone in Lane Cove. Now Ms. Keneally has allowed Granny Flats in most backyards in Sydney. These planners certainly follow scientific principles.  As nature abhors a vacuum, the NSW Dept of Planning abhors any vacant space, either low or high.

Name: Jenni

Country: PYMBLE            Date: 11 Sep 2009 12:34:39 GMT

Comment: I live in Pymble - the place where they cut down trees and name apartment blocks after them. I want to know exactly who has profited and in what way from permitting the huge monstrosity opposite the railway underpass to go ahead. Who will be responsible for the first pedestrian fatality to occur from the huge increase of cars on that tiny street ?

Name: Resident 

Country: WARRAWEE      Date: 11 Sep 2009 23:41:35 GMT

Comment: We must stick together and put pressure on local and state Government to stop over development in our beautiful Kuringgai. These high rises over looking our back yards. Our privacy has been ripped from us. Our homes around these high rises have de valued yet our rates have increased. Our once beautiful, peaceful and tranquil Kuringgai has been taken from us. Stop these greedy developers. Enough is Enough!

Name: Ian Abbott

Welcome Page:  http://picasaweb.google.com/ianrossabbott/20090708TurramurraAveDevelopment#      

Country:                                Date: 10 Sep 2009 12:00:27 GMT

Comment: I live in Hornsby Shire which is also under threat... but I saw a really scary development in Turramurra Ave (see the photos in my link) where I sometimes park the car... so unsympathetic - they significantly change the character of the street. The apartment residents will depend on the gardens of their neighbours staying if the apartments are to be of any amenity. To see the artist's impression see http://www.realestatenorthshore.com.au/index.html. Unbelievable.

Name: Suzanne

Country: ROSEVILLE        Date: 10 Sep 2009 03:43:14 GMT

Comment: If the people of Ku-ring-Gai want to be heard they must put pressure on the local and state governments. Follow the instructions that are on this website about who to write to and go to the funeral on September 27th and show YOU CARE ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY THAT IS BEING RAPIDLY DESTROYED RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR NOSES.

Name: John & Sue Empey Email: johnempey@optusnet.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 8 Sep 2009 09:23:39 GMT

Comment: It brings tears to my eyes, the poor quality of the over development in the upper north shore. What is the not so hidden agenda? I would never have believed this could happen in Australia. Please stop, enough is enough!!!

Name: Paul Dornan 

Country: UK                     Date: 8 Sep 2009 09:51:07 GMT

Comment: Heard about this from dear friends who live in your community and want to send you all a message of solidarity and support from London. We of all people know how horrible and hectic it is to live in a densely populated environment and I wish you well in your fight to maintain a tranquil and proportioned life. Down with the Greedy Developers!! And their stooges in the councils too. Keep up the good fight!!

Name: Cheryl

Country: KILLARA RESIDENT   Date: 7 Sep 2009 12:18:33 GMT

Comment: The box-like towers - it's called "fitting as many people as possible into a small space" are a blot on the beautiful garden suburbs of Ku-ring-gai. Too many people; no infrastructure to support the growing population; destruction of mature trees contributing actively to global warming; too much air conditioning; too little community space. What is more, with a couple of notable exceptions: poor finishes which mock the architectural names who have designed the beautiful houses of our area. Enough!!

Name: Chris

Country:                           Date: 4 Sep 2009 08:28:41 GMT

Comment: The lower north shore should has been and always should be an exclusive place. More dwellings would drive house prices down. By building more apartments, units we are destroying Ku-ring-Gai’s identity.

Name: Chris

Country:                           Date: 4 Sep 2009 08:31:39 GMT

Comment: The global financial crisis and housing market is slowing the inevitable. Gordon has 12.5 % vacancy rates. This means that these units are selling but not as fast as expected.

Name: Scott

Country: TURRAMURRA   Date: 6 Sep 2009 05:11:20 GMT

Comment: Residents must be encouraged to fight the atrocious activities of the State government who are busy paying back their political supporters rather than running this state. Bulldoze Ku-Ring-Gai, shoot our wildlife, build roads and hotels within our national parks, and the recent law that gives the government the power to force families from their homes to make way for development. A mad parliament completely out of control. We must all make a stand and Ku-Ring-Gai is the issue to draw the line.

Name: Chris
Country:                        Date: 4 Sep 2009 08:28:41 GMT
Comment: The lower north shore should has been and always should be an exclusive place. More dwellings would drive house prices down. By building more apartments, units we are destroying Kuringgai's identity.

Name: Chris

Country:                        Date: 4 Sep 2009 08:31:39 GMT

Comment: The global financial crisis and housing market is slowing the inevitable. Gordon has 12.5 % vacancy rates. This means that these units are selling but not as fast as expected.

Name: Janette 

Country: AUSTRALIA, LINDFIELD        Date: 1 Sep 2009 10:25:35 GMT

Comment: Where is democracy? I'd like to find even 100 Kuring-gai residence who are HAPPY about these developments. We live in this area and we pay a premium for the space, nature and character of the suburbs we live in. The resources are stretched already due to State Gov incompetane... VOTE AGAINST LABOR.

Name: Andrew

Country: AUS MATE     Date: 4 Sep 2009 01:51:32 GMT

Comment: I don't see the problem, they could add more trains, and buses. Soon enough I am looking to move out, so it provides more opportunity. Good luck in your fight though.

Name: Kirsty Gyles                                      Email: kirstygyles@bigpond.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 30 Aug 2009 07:17:09 GMT

Comment: Ku-ring-gai can't sustain these major high density developments trains are overloaded and there are unsafe levls of commuters on many bus lines especially those to the high schools. there is masive underfunding of hospitals . hornsby hospital is a joke .

Name: Chris             Email: CHRISHELLO92@HOTMAIL.COM

Country:                           Date: 26 Aug 2009 10:37:01 GMT

Comment: I seem to be finding some lame excuse to prevent drastic change to our community. My parents have immigrated here and lived in Kuringgai for 25 years and not much has changed until.... The services that Ku-ring-gai supplies especially from south of Hornsby and north of Chatswood is not viable to support extra residents. Let me say the staff of Kur-ing-gai Council on drugs when they approved these developments. Killara High school cant support more students. They are OVERCROWDED. They had to turn potential students away. Our transport systems can facilitate for extra residents. The platforms are so small on train stations. It doesn't add up.

Name:   Genevieve Westgarth    Email: genevieve@stivestravel.com.au

Date: 25 Aug 2009 00:07:13 GMT

Comment: Everyone needs to know and understand just whats happening to our community. Even on the news last night, Ku-ring-gai was under scrutiny as really the only area that this is changing the whole face of the area. We all need to stand up and fight for what we have and not have it turned into apartment hell!!

Name:  Lindfield Resident 

Date: 25 Aug 2009 05:57:24 GMT

Comment: I join those concerned in voicing concern for the changing character of our beautiful area. My question is that if these buildings must go ahead, why can they not be designed so as to be aesthetically pleasing rather than "future ghettos" with little consideration for blending in with existing styles. They could enhance the area rather than detract if they had suitable embellishment as I think only I have seen does. I am not an old person but still find the buildings ugly and think they will date badly.

Name:  resident

Date: 25 Aug 2009 11:55:15 GMT

Comment: To everyone reading this-pass on this website to those that you know who live in the Ku-ring-gai area. We need to get the community involved. Without the majority of residents voicing their disapproval, we are lost.

Name:   Genevieve Westgarth    Email: genevieve@stivestravel.com.au

Country: AUSTRALIA        Date: 25 Aug 2009 00:07:13 GMT

Comment: Everyone needs to know and understand just whats happening to our community. Even on the news last night, Ku-ring-gai was under scrutiny as really the only area that this is changing the whole face of the area. We all need to stand up and fight for what we have and not have it turned into apartment hell!!

Name:  Lindfield Resident 

Date: 25 Aug 2009 05:57:24 GMT

Comment: I join those concerned in voicing concern for the changing character of our beautiful area. My question is that if these buildings must go ahead, why can they not be designed so as to be aesthetically pleasing rather than "future ghettos" with little consideration for blending in with existing styles. They could enhance the area rather than detract if they had suitable embellishment as I think only I have seen does. I am not an old person but still find the buildings ugly and think they will date badly.

Name:  resident

Date: 25 Aug 2009 11:55:15 GMT

Comment: To everyone reading this-pass on this website to those that you know who live in the Ku-ring-gai area. We need to get the community involved. Without the majority of residents voicing their disapproval, we are lost.

Name: Resident

Country:                           Date: 24 Aug 2009 11:27:12 GMT

Comment: This is appalling! Wake up residents of Ku-ring-gai, because if you don't, your suburbs will change forever. We have to fight the apathy

Name: Wahroonga resident                                               

Date: 24 Aug 2009 00:48:14 GMT

Comment: EVERYONE reading this message - PLEASE JOIN THIS GROUP OF CONCERNED PEOPLE and HAVE YOUR SAY before our beautiful suburbs are RUINED FOR EVER. We chose this area for the space, tranquility, trees and wildlife. Where is the infrasture to support this huge increase in people, traffic etc. If we wanted hussle and bussle we would live closer to the city.

Name: Matt Fitzpatrick   Email: matthew.fitzpatrick@loanmarketgroup.com.au

Country: TURRAMURRA   Date: 21 Aug 2009 02:32:44 GMT

Comment: I moved from the busy city to the lovely Turramurra to get away from all the hustle and bustle that is the city. My main reason for the move was to live in a nice quiet community to get away from the big buildings, the noise and congestion and now I'm afraid I will have to move again if this High rise stupidity is put in place. I don’t want that. If I wanted to live in a commercial area I would never have left the city. The tranquility that is Ku Ring Gai will be lost forever if they go ahead.

Name: Wahroonga resident                                                   

Date: 20 Aug 2009 10:33:46 GMT

Comment: The rape of Ku-ring-ai is not only collective but happening to individuals. We recently opposed a DA next door, and it was refused by KMC on the basis of excessive scale,bulk and height (3 stories). It has since been reviewed and approved, essentially unaltered from the original submission. Why? Could it be that the owner has been a builder/developer on the north shore for 20yrs? Or was it because the architect is a former KMC town planner and still has friends/contacts at KMC? Strange that the mayor should object to the SAN development on the basis that it is out of character for the area, yet ignore our concerns. Guess it comes down to who you know in this neck of the woods.

Name: Resident       

Date: 19 Aug 2009 01:23:26 GMT

Comment: The best way to tackle this problem is to vote down the labour government in the next State election.

Name:  resident - Wahroonga    

Date: 17 Aug 2009 11:14:01 GMT

Comment: Keep fighting the good fight! Lets stand up against the degradation of our lifestyle and more importantly the future living standards of our kids and their kids! These developers and authorities need to be held accountable. It will be interesting to see which of these developers makes the top of the league tables for state govt donations!...please investigate the SAN hospital development....scary stuff!!

Name:  Neil Tridgell                     Email: neil@tridgell.net

Date: 16 Aug 2009 00:08:39 GMT

Comment: The big picture you say - you are ignorant - this has been arranged with the political parties probably for decades - they have decreed a way of life for us - live in a unit and be entertained and have your social outings in a major shopping complex. I have much more to add - but the political parties are complicit and they are hugely funded and backed - the outrageous is the norm - and generally speaking the press is complicit or muzzled and the legislation is rigged. Near enough to hopeless.

Name:  Resident                                                    

Date: 16 Aug 2009 05:16:59 GMT

Comment: There seems to be no plans to increase the community infrastructure (eg road capacity, trains, ammenities) to cope with the large increase in population that would occur with the high rise proposal. The lack of infrastructure will put undue pressure on existing facilities, leading to a potential for more traffic accidents, over crowding of trains and an inability for community services to cope.

Name:  Michael Stefulj                Email: mikes@esp-consulting.com

Date: 14 Aug 2009 01:06:11 GMT

Comment: What gets me about this whole process it the lack of democracy and freedom of expression. If the community that lives in the area on mass disagrees - who gives them the right to 'rail road' these sort of changes through or 'threaten' them with tactics more common in the Communist states - is this where this is all heading?

Name:  Resident                                                     

Date: 13 Aug 2009 05:11:21 GMT

Comment: The state government is totally betraying its mandate to protect and enhance the wellbeing of NSW citizens. There are many ways to meet the required new residence numbers in Kuringai that do not require high rise and boxy buildings on every street corner, obliterating the character and integrity of the area. Let the Council and the residents agree a plan that meets the increased residency goals without the need to have the area become just a profit-taking opportunity for high-rise developers.

Name:  Clayton Spencer   Email: cspen@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

Date: 13 Aug 2009 04:04:18 GMT

Comment: we all have private residences however and can display what we like as long as not publically offensive. Can we ask all members to display on their private property (large and loud). The council stands to benefit directly from increased investment, they will feign support only. Any plans for a public rally?? "It is only once all the trees and plants are gone forever will we realise that we can't eat money"

Name: Helen Parker                  Email: kickpix@tpg.com.au

Date: 12 Aug 2009 11:47:30 GMT

Comment: I feel angry at the politicians actively involved in destroying our neighbourhood; turning our quiet street into high rise construction zones - and ignoring the view of thousands of residents. Joining together we must defeat these greedy few who don't live here and don't care about our future.

Name: Sydney Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 2 Oct 2009 04:17:03 GMT

Comment: Your site suggests your concern for the environment. I find it hard to believe that an area cluttered with the highest per capita usage of SUV's gives a damn about the environment. Don't kid yourselves, you are only concerned with feathering your own nests and the rest of Sydney can go to hell. Do you even care about the necessity to offer young people affordable housing on good transport links and near quality schools? Not likely. All you seem to care about is living in the past. Its the White Australia policy all over again.


Name: Phil Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 2 Oct 2009 04:49:10 GMT

Comment: Why don't you be honest and say what you really think. You don't want low to middle income people moving in to your neighbourhood for fear of lowering your property values. High rise dwellings will increase the crime rate? That is fear mongering akin to the "reds under the bed" era. An era you are clearly stuck in. If you can't see past the nose on your face (or your backyard) you should not have the power to plan for Sydneys future.


Name: Bruce from Gordon Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country: AUSTRALIA  Date: 6 Oct 2009 23:03:45 GMT

Comment: The bloody-mindedness and stupidity of the NSW Government is beyond belief. On one hand they have rammed high-density developments down the throats of Ku-ring-gai residents and on the other hand they have (as per the Oct 11 rail timetable) taken away rail services from the North Shore line above Chatswood. For example, Gordon station loses 31 train services per week day, that's more than a 11% reduction in train services. Labor is cramming more people in and yet providing less services.


Name: B. Real Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 15 Nov 2009 09:19:02 GMT

Comment: Just writing to say that I'm starting a campaign to show the stupidity of this one, and the lame, ellitist arguments put forth by it.


Name: jennydonovan Email: jennydonovan2002@yahoo.com.au
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 27 Nov 2009 10:53:40 GMT

Comment: If you think you are immune to repercussion from developers, think again! I was walking home from the local railway station, minding my own business on Tuesday night, November 24, when I was verbally abused, sworn at and threatened by a local owner-builder. Not satisfied with his first hurl, he turned around his van ( with personalized numberplate), drove back down Fox Valley Rd and had another spray. Then he drove back for a third go. So it is not just the clone of high rise apartments that are the concern - it is the low -life developers that come to Kuringai to build their mega mansions , and who behave like thugs that are equally concerning. The reason for this hissy fit seems to have been a council site inspection, that found a swag of non-compliance. These people think they are above the regulations, and anyone they perceive to be standing in their way becomes a handy target for retaliation. So much for feeling safe in your own suburb. Be alert and alarmed!


Name: Mr Hung Email: in_france@live.com.au
Welcome Page:   
Country: AUSTRALIA / FRANCE / TAIWAN  Date: 2 Dec 2009 06:13:52 GMT

Comment: Good afternoon all I have just join in the KRG Residents Alliance and I am so happy as I have a real bomb sheves to talk about please I cannot do it on this website so i Invite you to writte me an email to know more about something you will not beleive , truely it is a total discrace and i need your full support I also need to have Chris Drummer's email to be able to send him a full report on this incredible story , yes it is all about a fence and yes KRG Council keeps spending tax payers money to defend something that is so silly because it looks amazing it is like a vertical garden in front of my home and KRG Council are giving me such a hard time , PLEASE HELP , i need your Help and suppport as I am at land environemental court with KRG Council , Thank you


Name: Alex Van Nunen Email: alex.Vannune@bigpond.com
Welcome Page:   
Country: AUSTRALIA - WAHROONGA NSW  Date: 3 Dec 2009 16:49:39 GMT

Comment: Dear residents, Ku Ring Gai Council does not give a dum abour developpment , they dont care , they will developp what ever they want want they want , dont you get it .. why dont you boycote they meeting why dont you become more activist against Ku Ring gai Council , they are a bunch of losers that will keep approving things and what do you do ???? NOTHING so why dont you act now ? just go against them and act but you will not , Dont you all bench of loser


Name: Eco-rat Email: richy_ch_2000@yahoo.com
Welcome Page:  http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1027501&goto=newpost  
Country: AUSTRALIA  Date: 8 Jan 2010 03:20:45 GMT

Comment: Sorry guys, but Kuringgai needs to accomodate more people, as does Sydney. More people are coming, millions more, and your attitude is that rural land can suffer just so you can keep it just so. Private property rights give you control over your own little block, but no rights over anyone elses. I support appropriate development - up to 50 storeys over a railway station and up to 20 within 500 metres.


Name: Matthew McGreger Email: jasn_168@hotmail.com
Welcome Page:   
Country: AUSTRALIA  Date: 8 Jan 2010 12:53:11 GMT

Comment: We need our buildings to be higher how else are we going to be more environmentally friendly or encourage public transport? This is being plain selfish opposing high density. Hypocrites these days. YES TO DEVELOPMENT!


Name: Patricia Email: couldntbehelped@hotmail.com
Welcome Page:   
Country: AUSTRALIA  Date: 10 Feb 2010 05:34:35 GMT

Comment: Jason! Thanks for calling us morons. There are many areas of Sydney that can benefit from development more so than the North Shore - try West Ryde, and Victoria Rd Gladesville. As for giving the younger generation a fair go, do you really think these unit developments are going to be affordable for you the younger generation? Personally I think they will be snapped up by investors and leased out to those who flat share. Build spacious, low rise unit blocks that can house a family comfortably in areas that could use a boost!!!! A much better idea I think than putting the boot into those of us on the north shore, and remember not all houses in this are are $5million dollars!


Name: Boris Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 19 Feb 2010 00:49:52 GMT

Comment: Everyone knows Sydney needs more high rise development, but just not in their backyard! Most of you people I assume are baby boomers. The generation who are responsible for the ridiculous real estate prices, who are now profiting off the misfortune of younger generations. Now you want to push new home buyers out all together! These changes are needed, so deal with it!


Name: Emily Email: emzy.2075@hotmail.com
Welcome Page:  http://energyuseisimportant.weebly.com  
Country: AUSTRALIA  Date: 21 Apr 2010 06:24:03 GMT

Comment: I am a 12 year old who is learning about alternate energy sources in geography. I am busy writing a petition to the council as an assignment, and would like as many comments as possible, so please send me an email with your name and comment (don't worry- I won't spam or anything) The effort that has been put into this campaign is amazing- So great work. Any emails to me would be highly appreciated- Thankyou so much


Name: Bruce Simpson Email: palmst@aapt.net.au
Welcome Page:   
Country: AUSTRALIA  Date: 24 May 2010 22:32:09 GMT

Comment: So angry to hear that Ku-Ring-Gai will be hit with High Rise development despite what the residents of KMC want and have protested about. It is about time we got relly angry and start to cause trouble. It seems peaceful protests don't work. We need to cause a real headache for this State GOvernment.


Name: Patricia Email: couldntbehelped@hotmail.com
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 25 May 2010 07:34:39 GMT

Comment: Labor will be out in the next election!


Name: TJ Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 13 Jun 2010 23:02:42 GMT

Comment: This is not just about over-development and destruction of Sydney's environment, heritage and beauty and totally unsustainable planning (as if that's not enough!), its about loss of democracy. The developer's dollar now counts more than the voices of local people. And this is also driven by successive Federal governments' blind committment to unsustainable population growth - again because of big business over-riding good planning and real democracy.


Name: Lindsay Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country: AUSTRALIA  Date: 8 Jul 2010 04:17:37 GMT

Comment: driving along the Pac Hwy last week I thought that the new aparments are an improvement. 1 storey homes along this road are too small and make the area feel open and hostile, but the apartments compensate for the busyness/scale of the road. Otherwise, while some of these apartments are pretty ordinary, many employ thoughful designs and high grade materials, and fit well with the topography. I dont see why they are 'unsympathetic'!


Name: Suzanne/Roseville Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 23 Jul 2010 03:43:32 GMT

Comment: Don't blame the baby boomers for high house prices. If you are young and bitter towards people who hae purchased their own home then just follow in their footsteps - work hard, SAVE YR MONEY AND MAYBE ONE DAY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A HOME OF YOUR OWN WITH A GARDEN instead of a tacky, tacky unit. BY THE WAY KURINGAI WASN'T BUILT BY THE BABY BOOMERS. THE BABY BOOMERS BOUGHT HOMES FROM PREVIOUS GENERATIONS WHO LEFT THEM FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO ENJOY


Name: research student Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 26 Jul 2010 08:38:14 GMT

Comment: to jason, who for some reason believes we all live in mansions?! and wants young to be able to afford places to live in the area.. i am doing a project on this and most of these apartments are estimated to be sold around 1.5 million dollars anyway so for those young people who can't afford a house they certainly won't be able to move into these big, fat ugly buildings anyway!


Name: Anna local resident Email: 
Welcome Page:   
Country:   Date: 19 Aug 2010 23:20:28 GMT

Comment: If the development in this shire was done with more sensitivity to the surrounding homes perhaps there would be less community reaction. I have wondered if the people who design most of the toilet block inspired apartments I have seen built in this area were schooled in post war Eastern Europe where ugliness was the bench mark of success. Yes we need more low density housing but can't it be done in consideration of the surrounding environment and incorporate more trees and gardens?


 
 
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