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Coordinates: 33°45′S 151°17′E / 33.750°S 151.283°E / -33.750; 151.283
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A [[Trams in Sydney|tramline]] was established through the south-eastern area of the shire, running along Pittwater Road from [[Manly, New South Wales|Manly Lagoon]] eventually stretching all the way to the tramshed at [[Narrabeen, New South Wales|Narrabeen]] in 1934, with an additional terminating line through [[Harbord, New South Wales|Harbord]] to [[Freshwater, New South Wales|Freshwater Beach]]. This, coupled with the opening of the Spit and Roseville bridges in 1924 led to increased interest and travel to the area, which increased even further with the opening of the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]] in 1932. Early subdivisions were usually given over for weekenders and holiday homes, and at the same time the [[Surf Life Saving Club|surf clubs]] and rock pools on the beaches began to be developed. After [[World War II]], urbanisation began to occur, with family homes beginning to be built in the area, espeically near the beaches. Retail, light industry and improved public amenity soon followed. It was also around this time that the tram lines were progressively closed across Sydney, to give way to more lanes for motor vehicles. <ref>{{cite web |publisher = [[Warringah Council]] |title=Local Studies |url = http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/lstudies.htm |accessdate = 2006-02-10}}</ref>
A [[Trams in Sydney|tramline]] was established through the south-eastern area of the shire, running along Pittwater Road from [[Manly, New South Wales|Manly Lagoon]] eventually stretching all the way to the tramshed at [[Narrabeen, New South Wales|Narrabeen]] in 1934, with an additional terminating line through [[Harbord, New South Wales|Harbord]] to [[Freshwater, New South Wales|Freshwater Beach]]. This, coupled with the opening of the Spit and Roseville bridges in 1924 led to increased interest and travel to the area, which increased even further with the opening of the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]] in 1932. Early subdivisions were usually given over for weekenders and holiday homes, and at the same time the [[Surf Life Saving Club|surf clubs]] and rock pools on the beaches began to be developed. After [[World War II]], urbanisation began to occur, with family homes beginning to be built in the area, espeically near the beaches. Retail, light industry and improved public amenity soon followed. It was also around this time that the tram lines were progressively closed across Sydney, to give way to more lanes for motor vehicles. <ref>{{cite web |publisher = [[Warringah Council]] |title=Local Studies |url = http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/lstudies.htm |accessdate = 2006-02-10}}</ref>


The council was dismissed for the first time in 1967 (see 'Dismissals').
The council was dismissed for the first time in 1967 against allegations of corruption. Two councillors were imprisoned (see 'Dismissals').


Work began on a new [[Dee Why, New South Wales|Dee Why]] civic centre in 1971, inspired by Sulman Prize-winning architect Edwards, Madigan & Torzillo. The building was completed in 1972 and the Council has remained there since 1973.
Work began on a new [[Dee Why, New South Wales|Dee Why]] civic centre in 1971, inspired by Sulman Prize-winning architect Edwards, Madigan & Torzillo. The building was completed in 1972 and the Council has remained there since 1973.
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The Glen Street Theatre, the only theatre on the [[Northern Beaches]], was officially opened in July 1985 as part of the Forest Community Centre, and has since become the pride of Warringah cultural circles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glenstreet.com.au/3.asp |title=About Us [Glen Street Theatre] |publisher=Warringah Council |accessdate=2008-07-19}}</ref>
The Glen Street Theatre, the only theatre on the [[Northern Beaches]], was officially opened in July 1985 as part of the Forest Community Centre, and has since become the pride of Warringah cultural circles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glenstreet.com.au/3.asp |title=About Us [Glen Street Theatre] |publisher=Warringah Council |accessdate=2008-07-19}}</ref>


The Council was summarily dismissed again in late 1985. Two Inquiries into the dismissal followed (see ;Dismissals').
The Council was summarily dismissed again in late 1985. Following repeated demands in the local print media for "proof" of alleged "corruption" and "serious breaches" with regard to a six story development at Mona Vale, the Government Forced into a subsequent Inquiry. It appointed Mr Murray Tobias QC (later Justice Tobias of the NSW Supreme Court). Tobias' findings completely cleared all councillors, staff and the developer. He also found against the Local Government Inspector’s Report which led to the sacking, describing so called “serious breaches” alleged in both the design of the Mona Vale building and Council’s handling of the development application to be “in all respects technical breaches of the Act committed without appreciation thereof by either the [elected] Council [or it’s officers] as well as the developer and solely due to an oversight…” Tobias penned a resolution which was adopted by Council to correct the technical impediment. Taken by objectors on appeal to the Land & Environment Court, Council's decision to approve the development was upheld.

Following repeated demands in the local print media for "proof" of alleged "corruption" and "serious breaches" with regard to a six story development at Mona Vale, the Government Forced into a subsequent Inquiry. It appointed Mr Murray Tobias QC (later Justice Tobias of the NSW Supreme Court). Tobias' findings completely cleared all councillors, staff and the developer. He also found against the Local Government Inspector’s Report which led to the sacking, describing so called “serious breaches” alleged in both the design of the Mona Vale building and Council’s handling of the development application to be “in all respects technical breaches of the Act committed without appreciation thereof by either the [elected] Council [or it’s officers] as well as the developer and solely due to an oversight…” Tobias penned a resolution which was adopted by Council to correct the technical impediment. Taken by objectors on appeal to the Land & Environment Court, Council's decision to approve the development was upheld.


A second Inquiry into the dismissal, which had been demanded by the NSW Local Government & Shires Association, was conducted by the NSW Ombudsman. The Wran Government refused access to the files. This action was overturned on legal challenge by the Ombudsman, who subsequently found that there was no evidence of corruption to support the dismissal, and that “the elected councillors were denied natural justice and were both unfairly and unlawfully dismissed”
A second Inquiry into the dismissal, which had been demanded by the NSW Local Government & Shires Association, was conducted by the NSW Ombudsman. The Wran Government refused access to the files. This action was overturned on legal challenge by the Ombudsman, who subsequently found that there was no evidence of corruption to support the dismissal, and that “the elected councillors were denied natural justice and were both unfairly and unlawfully dismissed”

Revision as of 11:11, 7 August 2008

Warringah
New South Wales
Population139,626
 • Density918/km2 (2,380/sq mi)
Established1906
Area150 km2 (57.9 sq mi)
MayorUnder Administration - Dick Persson AM
Council seatDee Why
RegionMetropolitan Sydney
State electorate(s)Davidson, Manly, Pittwater, Wakehurst, Willoughby
Federal division(s)Mackellar, Warringah
File:Warringah.jpeg
WebsiteWarringah
LGAs around Warringah:
Hornsby Shire Pittwater Council
Ku-ring-gai Council Warringah Pacific Ocean
City of Willoughby Manly Council

Warringah is a local council area in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, Australia. Warringah Council overlaps with a number of suburbs from the Manly Council area to the south and the Pittwater Council area to the north. It includes a number of popular beaches (which are also suburb names) for swimming and surfing such as Narrabeen, Collaroy and Dee Why.

History

Early days

There are various meanings put forward for the name Warringah, including "sign of rain", "across the waves" and "sea". It was once the home of the Guringai (or Ku-ring-gai) language group of the Garigal clan, who owned the land between Port Jackson and Broken Bay, extending to the Lane Cove River in the west.

Warringah was explored early on in the settlement of Sydney, only a few weeks after the arrival of the First Fleet. However, it remained a rural area for most of the 1800s, with only small settlements in the valleys between headlands. While it was geographically close to the city centre, to reach the area over land from Sydney via Mona Vale Road was a trip of more than 100 kilometres.

Warringah Shire Council

On Tuesday, March 7 1906, the Warringah Shire was proclaimed by the NSW Government Gazette, along with 132 other new Shires. It ran roughly from Broken Bay in the north to Manly Lagoon to the south, and by Middle Harbour Creek and Cowan Creek in the west. It covered 264 km2 and had a population of around 2800, with 700 dwellings. Under the then Shires Act, ratepayers with properties worth at least five pounds could vote for up to nine Councillors for a three-year term. The first Council was temporarily installed until offical elections on November 24, 1906. The Council first met in Narrabeen Progress Hall on June 14, 1906, moving meetings from 1912 for the next 60 years to the Shire Hall in Brookvale.

A tramline was established through the south-eastern area of the shire, running along Pittwater Road from Manly Lagoon eventually stretching all the way to the tramshed at Narrabeen in 1934, with an additional terminating line through Harbord to Freshwater Beach. This, coupled with the opening of the Spit and Roseville bridges in 1924 led to increased interest and travel to the area, which increased even further with the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. Early subdivisions were usually given over for weekenders and holiday homes, and at the same time the surf clubs and rock pools on the beaches began to be developed. After World War II, urbanisation began to occur, with family homes beginning to be built in the area, espeically near the beaches. Retail, light industry and improved public amenity soon followed. It was also around this time that the tram lines were progressively closed across Sydney, to give way to more lanes for motor vehicles. [1]

The council was dismissed for the first time in 1967 against allegations of corruption. Two councillors were imprisoned (see 'Dismissals').

Work began on a new Dee Why civic centre in 1971, inspired by Sulman Prize-winning architect Edwards, Madigan & Torzillo. The building was completed in 1972 and the Council has remained there since 1973.

In November 1979, Warringah Council opened the Warringah Aquatic Centre at Frenchs Forest. Prior to the opening of the Olympic Park at Homebush, the Aquatic Centre hosted the NSW and Australian Swimming Titles, as well as the 1992 Olympic trials.ref>"WAC". Warringah Council. Retrieved 2008-07-19.</ref>

The Glen Street Theatre, the only theatre on the Northern Beaches, was officially opened in July 1985 as part of the Forest Community Centre, and has since become the pride of Warringah cultural circles.[2]

The Council was summarily dismissed again in late 1985. Two Inquiries into the dismissal followed (see ;Dismissals').

Following repeated demands in the local print media for "proof" of alleged "corruption" and "serious breaches" with regard to a six story development at Mona Vale, the Government Forced into a subsequent Inquiry. It appointed Mr Murray Tobias QC (later Justice Tobias of the NSW Supreme Court). Tobias' findings completely cleared all councillors, staff and the developer. He also found against the Local Government Inspector’s Report which led to the sacking, describing so called “serious breaches” alleged in both the design of the Mona Vale building and Council’s handling of the development application to be “in all respects technical breaches of the Act committed without appreciation thereof by either the [elected] Council [or it’s officers] as well as the developer and solely due to an oversight…” Tobias penned a resolution which was adopted by Council to correct the technical impediment. Taken by objectors on appeal to the Land & Environment Court, Council's decision to approve the development was upheld.

A second Inquiry into the dismissal, which had been demanded by the NSW Local Government & Shires Association, was conducted by the NSW Ombudsman. The Wran Government refused access to the files. This action was overturned on legal challenge by the Ombudsman, who subsequently found that there was no evidence of corruption to support the dismissal, and that “the elected councillors were denied natural justice and were both unfairly and unlawfully dismissed”


Division - Warringah and Pittwater

The original council area was divided into A, B, C and D Ridings. The people of A Riding, the largest and most northern of the Ridings, had felt increasingly ignored and subject to what they considered inappropriate development and policies for their area. This culminated in 1991 when a non-compulsory postal poll of the residents of A Riding was taken over the question of a possible secession. This resulted in a 73.5% vote in favour of secession, however only 48.18% of residents took part in this vote. This vote was, however, 600 short of the total majority required.

The Minister for Local Government at the time, Gerry Peacocke, nevertheless announced the secession of A Riding from Warringah Council, considering that those who did not vote did not have any particular inclination to how they were governed, and thus Pittwater Council was created, officially coming into being May 1, 1992.[3]

Warringah Council

Soon after the secession of Pittwater, the Local Government Act 1993 was passed, causing Warringah to drop the term 'Shire' from its title, and the renaming of the Shire Clerk to General Manager and Shire President to Mayor. The remaining B, C and D Ridings were renamed the A, B and C Wards.

Dismissals

Warringah Councils have been dismissed three times since the 1960s.

Warringah Shire Council was first dismissed in April 1967 by the Askin Government during the tenure of Shire President Gordon Jones. Whilst all Councillors were dismissed, charges were laid against only two Councillors Knight and Thomas, both of whom received gaol sentences.

Mr C.J.Barnett, Department of Local Government, acted as Administrator April to May 1967. Mr R.H.Cornish, Department of Local Government, acted as Administrator from November 1967 to December 1968.

The Shire Council was summarily dismissed again in December 1985 . Following repeated articles and editorials in the Manly Daily over following weeks demanding "proof" of alleged "corruption" and "serious breaches" with regard to a six story development at Mona Vale, the Government was forced into an Inquiry. It appointed Mr Murray Tobias QC (later Justice Tobias of the NSW Supreme Court). Tobias' findings completely cleared all councillors, staff and the developer. He also found against the Local Government Inspector’s Report which led to the sacking, describing so called “serious breaches” alleged in both the design of the Mona Vale building and Council’s handling of the development application to be “in all respects technical breaches of the Act committed without appreciation thereof by either the [elected] Council [or it’s officers] as well as the developer and solely due to an oversight…” Tobias penned a resolution which was adopted by Council to correct the technical impediment. Taken by objectors on appeal to the Land & Environment Court, Council's decision to approve the development was upheld.

A second Inquiry into the dismissal, which had been demanded by the NSW Local Government & Shires Association, was conducted by the NSW Ombudsman. The Wran Government refused access to the files. This action was overturned on legal challenge by the Ombudsman, who subsequently found that there was no evidence of corruption to support the dismissal, and that “the elected councillors were denied natural justice and were both unfairly and unlawfully dismissed.”

Mr Daniel Kelly from the Department of Local Government acted as Administrator from December 1985 until April 1986. Mr Richard Connolly, former Chairman of the Metropolitan Waste Disposal authority acted as Administrator from June 1986 to March 1987.

The Council was dismissed a third time on 23rd July 2003 for a two year period until July 2005,where an election was to take place in August 2005. Mr. Dick Persson AM was appointed as the Administrator July 2003 for this two year period, having his term extended by the Minister for Local government in October 2004 until September 2008. Mr. Dick Persson has held a wide range of senior executive public sector positions over the last 20 years. He had worked in the NSW and Queensland State Governments as well as the Federal Government previously.

Geography

Warringah Council currently administers 152 km2 of land, including 9 beaches over 14 kilometres of coastline. It contains 6000 hectares of natural bushland and open space, and is graced by four lagoons, Narrabeen Lagoon marks Warringah's northern boundary, Manly Lagoon marking the southern boundary, with Dee Why and Curl Curl Lagoons located in between. It also contains Manly Dam, a popular place for recreation.

Suburbs

Beaches

See relevant suburb for information.

  • Collaroy Beach
  • Curl Curl Beach
  • Dee Why Beach
  • Fishermans Beach (Collaroy)
  • Freshwater Beach
  • Long Reef Beach (Collaroy)
  • Narrabeen Beach
  • North Curl Curl Beach (North Curl Curl)
  • North Narrabeen Beach (Narrabeen)

Urban places

The Geographical Names Board of New South Wales has identified a number of 'urban places' within Warringah - these are placenames which are not specified by boundaries nor have the officality of suburbs, but are local names for these places.

Schools

Public Schools

Primary

  • Allambie Heights Public School
  • Balgowlah North Public School
  • Beacon Hill Public School
  • Belrose Public School
  • Brookvale Public School
  • Collaroy Plateau Public School
  • Cromer Public School
  • Dee Why Public School
  • Manly Vale Public School
  • Mimosa Public School
  • Narrabeen Lakes Public School
  • Narraweena Public School

Secondary

Special Needs

  • Arranoubai School
  • The Beach School
  • Fisher Road School
  • Stewart House

Demographics

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics [4], there:

- were 141,133 people as at 30 June 2006, the 17th largest Local Government Area in New South Wales. It was equal to 2.1% of the New South Wales population of 6,827,694

- was an increase of 1,443 people over the year to 30 June 2006, the 10th largest population growth in a Local Government Area in New South Wales. It was equal to 2.5% of the 58,753 increase in the population of New South Wales

- was, in percentage terms, an increase of 1.0% in the number of people over the year to 30 June 2006, the 46th fastest growth in population of a Local Government Area in New South Wales. In New South Wales the population grew by 0.9%

- was an increase in population over the 10 years to 30 June 2006 of 10,024 people or 7.6% (0.7% in annual average terms), the 55th highest rate of a Local Government Area in New South Wales. In New South Wales the population grew by 622,966 or 10% (1.0% in annual average terms) over the same period.

References

  1. ^ "Local Studies". Warringah Council. Retrieved 2006-02-10.
  2. ^ "About Us [Glen Street Theatre]". Warringah Council. Retrieved 2008-07-19.
  3. ^ "Pittwater Library - Pittwater Secession". Pittwater Council. Retrieved 2008-07-19.
  4. ^ "Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2005-06 (catalogue no.: 3218.0)". Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 2007-03-12.

33°45′S 151°17′E / 33.750°S 151.283°E / -33.750; 151.283