Mt Colah scout/guide hall has passed the halfway mark with groups hoping to move into it in the next two months. The hall was destroyed by a devastating fire six years ago. The long wait is almost over and the budget has been adhered to.

The original site could not be built on due to the new bushfire asset protection regulations. A nearby site was agreed to by the groups and Hornsby Council.

WORK BEGINS TO REMOVE OUR OLD IRON MEN OF THE SEA.

Six derelict boats have begun to be removed from the Hawkesbury by Hornsby Council to improve the health of the waterways.

Work has to be scheduled around the tides and the weather as the cranes are mounted on boats. Many of these boats have been a part of the river-scape for a decade including the MV Surprise II which was built in 1924 and was the last river trade boat.

July 1st brought new rules in regard to exit fees on home loans allowing borrowers to challenge early exit fees they feel are unfair or unconscionable. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission would be given supervisory powers over exit fees.

The change will only apply to mortgages taken out after July 1st this year. Existing mortgage holders are being urged to take advantage of last week’s decision by the Reserve Bank not to raise interest rates and pay more off their loans.

LOW INCOME EARNER?

Need help preparing your tax return?

Australian Tax Office volunteers are available to assist low income earners ($40,000 or less a year) with straitforward tax matters or those preparing a tax return for the first time. The service is free and confidential and will operate weekly until October. Appointments essential.

Details: Hornsby Library.   9847 6614

Brooklyn soccer player Madeleine Bonato does not look up to any of the star players in the Soccaroos squad as her role model. Matthew Lewis, Central Coast Mariners’ left midfielder, is in fact her role model, as he is one of the youngest players in the A-League.

At only 12 years of age, Madeleine was recently one of only a few Hornsbydistrict players asked to try out for the NSW girls’ team. Madeleine thinks that playing soccer is fun and every game played has something different.

She has been nominated for the Advocate’s Junior Sports Star.

Berowra residents will have to endure another long wait before the Berowra Aquatic Centre Project is back on Hornsby Council’s agenda.

Despite being the biggest item on residents’ suburban wish list (having been lobbying for more than 30 years) and having been close to fruition at one point, the centre will not be back on the agenda until after the rebuilding of Hornsby Aquatic Centre.

The council’s proposed infrastructure levy, which was set to help fund the rebuilding of Hornsby Aquatic Centre, was rejected by the NSW Local Government Department earlier this month.

An abundance of open space makes Hornsby Heights a popular suburb for young families.

The vast tracts of bushland, Crosslands Reserve, ovals, parks , sporting clubs at Montview Oval & Rofe Park and dog facilities attract people from across the shire & beyond. Whilst there is no shortage of green space it does lack services.

The services that locals require are doctors, teenage facilities (eg skate park ), a greengrocer, a cafe for mothers’ groups and walkers to meet, more dining options and major attention to Galston Rd including round abouts to cater for residents in peak hour traffic.

“We get lots of feedback from all sorts of people, older people and parents with children, about the inconvenience of having to go in to Hornsby.” said Ms Torrens.

Debate over free carpark plan at pristine point.

Hornsby Council and residents are divided regarding the proposed construction of a marina at Kangaroo Point.

The proposal is for the berthing of 25 river residents with potential for up to 95. However, the Residents group feels this is the last chance to create a public recreational area on the shores of the Lower Hawkesbury. They don’t want the site to become a free carpark for a few.

Friends of Kangaroo Point members said the site was rezoned for public recreation land- prohibiting marinas- after much community consultation in 2008.

Local identity and historian, Tom Richmond, slammed the fact that the berthing proposal omitted any reference to the 2008 community consultation. He believed the group were misled ans ambushed and believe those who prepared the plan left out one side of a very complex matter.

Alternatively, Cr Russell made a point of telling residents that ratepayers’ money will not be used and it is a very small-scale commuter berthing facility aimed at allowing river residents to moor their boats and park their cars is a safe and convenient location. He said that the facility will be a cooperative run by the residents.

Advocate-Thursday July 15th 2010- Stephanie Sword.

Many investors in the real Estate market are Mum and Dad Investors who only ever buy the one investment property.

They are not sure on how to select an agent to manage their Investmet so they usually give it to the agent who sold it to them to manage. In most cases this will work fine.

However in some cases the experience is not pleasant and they don’t know how to go about changing agents.

This is not complicated or difficult. If you need some advice give Barry Palmer a call on 94773777 and he will assist you with your questions with no obligation.

Let your head and not your heart rule when you have decided to purchase an investment peoperty. Investors are moving back into the Real estate market now so it is timly to remind you that in most cases you will not live in this property.

Look for location as always but also look for a property that will sell well should you have to sell into the future. Make sure it is in good condition and presents well. This will affect the standard of tenant that you will get for the property. Well presented Real Estate will always attract a higher rental return. In other words rubbish property equals the same for tenant.

Be prepared for the highs and lows of the Real Estate market. In the Hornsby to Berowra area we do not usually experience big price movements. They tend to be more gradual.

The best time to buy Real Estate was 30 years ago. The next best time is today.

Well purchased property should double in value ever seven to ten years.

If you need any advice on the type of property that may suite you call Barry Palmer at Barry Palmer.com.au Real Estate today on 94773777.

Alternativly if you have a property and are not happy with the way it is being managed by your agent give us a call and see what we can do to help make your experience more enjoyable.