Bonnet Hill News

Last year (2020) saw the resignation of the long-standing Bonnet Hill Community Association committee, who had achieved some fabulous things during their seven years since incorporation. 

Over the years, the BHCA has achieved:

-          Successful campaigning and working with State Government to widen the Channel Highway over Bonnet Hill – this led to the construction of the Safety Lane in late 2015-16 which has made travel from Kingston to Taroona and Hobart safer for cyclists, buses, and motorists. 

-          Fire risk assessments with Tasmanian Fire Service and Kingborough Council along the Alum Cliffs Track, including undertaking a fuel reduction burn late 2015.

-          Maintenance of bus-stops on Bonnet Hill after a Metro review in 2014 threatened closure.

-          Upgrade of Tyndall Beach carpark to reduce water retention and flooding.

-          5 well attended Annual BBQs each summer for all Bonnet Hill community members.

The BHCA has also ensured:

-          Ongoing engagement with Kingborough Council around maintenance and use of Alum Cliffs and Brickfields tracks, stormwater management, and parking issues across the community.

-          Regular attendance and voice at Council meetings, and Kingborough Community Consultative Forums.

The incoming committee, and general members, all thank Rae Wells (outgoing Secretary), Jo Cooper (outgoing Treasurer), and Paul Rapley (outgoing President) for their hard work over the years. 

The new committee is Peter Tatham (President), Paul Patel (Treasurer), and Rowena Zwart (Secretary). 

 At this stage the new committee are still settling in to their new roles, however activities and initiatives being proposed include upgrading the existing book library on Taronga Road, having guided walks along the Alum Cliffs track on particular themes (such as Bird Watching Walks, Fungi Identification, or Plant Identification walks), and other community engagement activities as opportunities arise. 

 The BHCA welcomes new members.  If you live on Bonnet Hill and would like to be involved, please contact our Treasurer Paul Patel (jaspsuper@gmailcom) or the Secretary Rowena Zwart (bonnethillcommunityassoc@gmail.com).

Activities

In October 2020, members of Bonnet Hill participated in a Fire Information Session with members of the Taroona Fire Brigade, held at Sedgebrook Reserve, Bonnet Hill.

Paul Rapley, ex-President BHCA, front left, and Paul Patel, Treasurer BHCA, front right)

Pictured above: Paul Rapley, ex-President BHCA front left, and Paul Patel, Treasurer BHCA front right)

In 2018, the BHCA engaged with the Kingborough Council to improve drainage and surfacing in the Tyndall Beach carpark to reduce flooding, particularly adjusting the mix of gravel including both coarse and fine grain. 

Blocked drain in carpark		July 2019, spreading new surface		July 2019-New surface
Blocked drain in carpark		July 2019, spreading new surface		July 2019-New surface