Watt Park Stairs: Under Construction

Good Evening, It's been a while since I've posted an update, however I believe the timing is right, given recent developments. Over the past week, I've noticed that there have been concrete slabs poured along the top few pathways of the steps; given that the Option 4 plans made no mention of concrete, I was understandably concerned that we had somehow ended up with Option 2 (which specified concrete paths & landings). I have spoken to a contractor on site for IPM Construction, who assured me they were building as per the plans given to them by the Council; he also confirmed there was to be concrete all the way along (despite there being none underneath the previous asphalt). In light of this, I have also spoken to the Project Manager at North Sydney Council (Alicja Batorowicz). She has confirmed that North Sydney Council have specified a concrete base (under the asphalt pathways and sandstone steps) for the stability and longevity of the installation. When I asked her if the significant trees would be negatively affected or if site drainage would be an issue, she has assured me that the project arborist has inspected the site/trees on a number of occasions during the construction period; and raised no issues with the proposed construction methodology. She has also reassured me that site runoff will not increase. I am also happy to report that the alignment of the previous stairs has been preserved, as well as the established tree ferns several people were concerned about. The (protected) brush turkey family has also been finding a way in and out of the construction fence to get to the mound (located mid-way between Waiwera St & Lavender Cres). I will continue to update everyone where necessary as the project proceeds. Kind Regards, Belinda.