Further inspired by your survey feedback, there are a few changes in The Troll this week. There’s a new poll at the bottom of each issue so Annandale can have its say and I’m starting a series of raw, honest profiles from locals… kicking off with window washer and artist Maurice. I’d love to feature more locals in the months ahead, so if you’ve got a story to share (or know someone who does), I’m all ears.

A few of you have also asked how The Troll keeps the lights on, and whether it’s here for the long haul. The honest answer? I hope so, with the backing of local businesses who see value in what we’re building here. A big thank you to Ben Southwell from Cobden Hayson (99 Johnston St), the first to step up and support The Troll. His support will help give me the room to dig a little deeper :)

At its meeting on the 17 Feb, in addition to agreeing to the recommendations of the Annandale LATM (Local traffic safety plan) found here. The Council also agreed to install a raised pedestrian crossing on Booth Street between Taylor Street and Wigram Road (that's near SupaBarn/Booth & Taylor). (Item 10, Feb 17 Council Meeting Minutes)

Council also voted to include the Annandale town centre (Booth Street), along with other identified areas, in Stage 2 of Our Fairer Future Plan. The minutes state this forms part of the “remaining areas identified through the low and mid-rise housing reforms as identified by the Department of Planning”, with a draft Stage 2 report due to council in June. (Item 22, Feb 17 Council Meeting Minutes)

Another beautiful bee habitat has been set up in the ‘Magic Lane’ to support local native species, including blue banded bees and the fluffy teddy bear bees. The simple timber and brick structure provides nesting spaces for solitary bees, which play an important role in pollinating backyard plants. The post explains that 70% of our native bees nest in the ground and need bare patches of soil and pesticide free gardens to thrive. (The Magic Lane IG Page)

Council has agreed to tighten care of Whites Creek Valley Park, acknowledging long-term deterioration and a recent drying event caused by the unauthorised release of a pond pump valve. Councillors noted more than 30 hours a week is now spent on rehabilitation, and resolved to review maintenance, improve waste management, formally recognise the wetlands and surrounding areas as environmentally sensitive, and strengthen oversight through specialist advice and a dedicated Wetlands Coordinator. (Item 31, Feb 17 Council Meeting Minutes)

If you've been around Annandale long enough, you would have seen Maurice with his trusty squeegee on Johnston Street, Parramatta Rd or The Crescent, cleaning cars and wearing his signature hats. He has been something of an icon, appearing in several student films, including one that won an award at the Bondi Short Film Festival. However, in recent times he’s been the subject of a controversial legal battle. You can read more about Maurice here.

It’s been a while since I've seen Maurice around, if anyone has any updates or information to get in contact with him please let me know by replying to this email.

Sincerely,

Mark (resident of Annandale)

We are building a closer Annandale community, so please invite your neighbour: just forward this email or share our website link via message: annandaletroll.com.au