A Winter Word From Watto

It's such a beautiful day here at Preston Beach today... blue sky, warm sunshine, light breeze... why would you want to be anywhere else? 

Because it's such a beautiful day I'm going to be quick!  John has given me another "Word From Watto" to post along with some photo's then I'm off to make a coffee and join Lew outside in the subshine for a spot of gardening.  Cheers, Judy

'A WORD FROM WATTO"

 

What the????

We were smashed for a surprise six on Sunday afternoon, June 10th 2012, when a serious turbulent storm hit us at Preston Beach. Like other communities in the surrounding Peel areas, the metropolitan and Southwest - we weren’t the only ones to feel the full brunt of Mother Nature at its best.

A typical street scene following the storms

In the aftermath it was clear Preston Beach received loads of tree, fence and building damage. Because this storm damage was far and wide, all emergency services were stretched to the max. What I was extremely impressed with was the willingness of a band of local helpers to assist others in need. We were probably the lucky ones in the area to retain our power supply because we are normally the first to lose it. The worst damage inflicted was on a house in Surf Street when extremely strong winds ripped through the middle section of the roof. The debris from the roof landed some 30 metres away and could have caused serious damage to other houses nearby. The band of willing helpers converged on the scene and strapped down the building rubble using rope and star pickets. Then the attention was focused onto the remaining roof area. The power to the house was shut down and rendered safe by our local sparky Fred Evely, which allowed us to safely strap down what was left of the existing roof so no more damage could be instilled... Some of us felt a bit like “Dads Army”, but we were very appreciative to both our younger team members, Steven and Ryan Orel. Mate the wind was so strong someone in Lake Clifton saw a chook lay the same egg ten (10) times.

Photos’ Courtesy of Denis King

Preston Beach Entry Statement

Preston Beach recently had the placement of “Welcome to Present Beach” Entry Statement set up on the right hand side as you enter Mitchell Road from the causeway. Many thanks must go to the Shire of Waroona for the entry statement project, as the signage displays community pride and ownership. Fred Evely and I have had two onsite appraisals of both the entry statement area and current walk trail for a proposed upgrade. As a community we must forge strategic partnership with the Shire of Waroona and the Department of Environment Conservation (DEC), for a projected walk trail upgrade connecting same to our entry statement area. We will be committed to an “In kind” hands on approach to this project in the planning, development, grant applications that are available, maintaining and caretaking the trail upgrades. This proposed project will provide physical dimensions by showcasing active environmental education to local and transitory community, habitat restoration, eradication/control of evasive species, with tuart/native species restorations and enhancement. It means Preston Beach Progress, FRAGYLE, Golf Club and Footprints Resort management all supporting the concept and working in unison to make the project happen.

Coakes Consulting Clifton Beach Wind Farm Community Consultation

Cape Bouvard Energy Pty Ltd (CBE) will have Coakes Community Consulting personnel hold a local community consultation at Preston Beach Community Resources Centre both Friday July 20th 2012 from 1pm to 6 pm and Saturday July 21st 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm. The session is designed to give our local community a better understanding on the proposed Wind Farm and renewable energy development in the area. It is to also invite comments and understanding concerns about potential issues and impacts associated with the development.

“Whoosh there goes the Preston Beach Sky Diving Club”.

(footnote:  Please check before you make a special trip to attend any of these meetings as news has just come to hand that the proposal may have been withdrawn)

Water Tank Maintenance Works or is it “Beam me up Scotty or ET Phone Home”

The Water Corp are carrying out maintenance works at the Preston Beach main water supply tank from June 18th to July 6th 2012. So the Preston Beach town scheme will operate on temporary storage tanks and pumping arrangements while the works are undertaken.

When some of our locals woke the other morning and looked upon the temporary replacement tank in Lakeside Terrace, they thought the “Mother Ship” had landed.

John Watson

President Preston Beach

Progress Association

June 30th 2012