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"So Australian": Local trust praised for response to illegal tree cutting

<p>A resident's decision to cut down a tree for a better view of Sydney Harbour has backfired after a sign was erected where the tree once stood, to condemn tree vandalism. </p> <p>Following multiple reports of resident carrying out tree vandalism along affluent streets, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has called out the behaviour by setting up the sign in the Sydney lower North Shore suburb of Woolwich. </p> <p>"Tree vandalism has occurred in this area," the sign read. </p> <p>"The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust protects and manages this land for the enjoyment of the public.</p> <p>"Acts of vandalism like this deprive all of us of the natural environment."</p> <p>The sign also warned that offenders could be subject to fines and/or prosecution as punishment, and urged those who notice any suspicious activity to contact 8969 2100. </p> <p>After an image of the sign was shared to a Sydney group on social media, the local trust's actions have been praised, with many saying they "loved how petty this is" and one even declaring the response  "so Australian". </p> <p>"I hope they keep this sign, as a reminder to anyone contemplating doing something similar," one commented.</p> <p>"We're petty but we have a right to be. You don't f**n poison or cut down trees. F**n unacceptable behaviour," another added. </p> <p>Others accused the person who cut down the tree of being "entitled". </p> <p>In last November alone, over 300 native trees and shrubs vanished in front of multi-million dollar homes along the Sydney Harbour waterfront strip.</p> <p>Lane Cove Council believe that hand tools were used to silently cut down the trees, which impacts plants, and local wildlife including wallabies, possums and dozens of other species. </p> <p>On Monday, the council put out a statement saying its "pursuit of justice" is now ramping up, referring to the incident as "the largest tree vandalism case in Lane Cove’s recent history".</p> <p>They are trying to obtain permission to put up a sign to block "the harbour view of the property which would most benefit from the mass clearing of the trees." </p> <p>"As the area is classified as a Threatened Ecological Community and contains some items of Aboriginal Heritage, it was important the appropriate approvals were in place before installing the signage," the council added.</p> <p>"The legal case and banner installation are important steps in our commitment to seeking the strongest possible recourse response to send a message that we stand tall against tree vandalism."</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p>

Legal

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The Block couple lists stunning “dream home”

<p dir="ltr"><em>The Block</em> contestants Dylan and Jenny-Heath Adams are selling their newly built home located at 100 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach, Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">The five-bedroom and three-bathroom home will be up for auction on April 29, and the couple have said that they have always planned on selling it despite it being their “dream home”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think people honestly thought this was our dream home, but we’re going to build heaps of dream homes,” said Jenny.</p> <p dir="ltr">The stunning Hamptons-style abode boasts 6m-high cathedral ceilings with nine skylights allowing plenty of natural light in.</p> <p dir="ltr">The coastal home also includes beautiful timber floors, a spacious open living and dining area, a small breakfast bar, and a Hamptons-inspired kitchen complete with a stone island bench.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the interior is impressive, the exterior is equally stunning with a generous al fresco area that’s perfect for hosting events or family gatherings, a magnesium pool and outdoor shower so you can cool down in summer, and a firepit to keep you warm and snug in winter.</p> <p dir="ltr">The low-maintenance lawns are perfect for avid plant mums (and dads) or for families with kids who love to play outdoors.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property is also fitted with an energy-saving Red Earth battery system.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is another milestone for the couple who got <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/the-block-stars-lavish-gold-coast-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">married</a>, built two houses, and sold one in the past year.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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Idyllic Sydney beach evacuated after several shark sightings

<p>Swimmers have been called to leave the water after a school of sharks have been spotted cruising close to the shore at the popular Sydney beach on Tuesday morning.</p> <p>It is understood that up to 15 hammerheads got within metres of swimmers at Palm Beach, prompting an alarm to be raised around 1pm.</p> <p>The beach was shut and flags taken down as lifeguards monitored the situation from the water on jet skis and from the sand.</p> <p>Swimmers have since been able to return to the water at Palm Beach. The sighting comes a week after another hammerhead shark was spotted at the same iconic beach.</p> <p>Australia has not recorded a human fatality from an attack by a hammerhead shark, according the Australian Marine Conservation Society website.</p> <p>The event has renewed debate on the use of shark nets in NSW, with some saying sightings should not cause alarm.</p> <p>There are 15 shark nets on the Northern Beaches between Palm Beach and Manly.</p> <p>“With all the new drones that the beach patrols have these days they can monitor the sharks, shark nets only tangle up other sea life,” one person said on social media.</p> <p>“Sharks being sharks in their own environment, who would have thought?” another said.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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British tourist almost dies from jellyfish sting

<p dir="ltr">A British tourist enjoying his holiday in Australia was left fighting for his life after being stung by a deadly jellyfish.</p> <p dir="ltr">James Soale, 22, and his girlfriend Savannah Callaghan, 23, were swimming at Palm Cove Beach in North Queensland on March 8 when he felt an “electric shock”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It felt like an electric shock. I suspected it was a jellyfish but didn’t know which one or the danger,” he told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/17956048/brit-fighting-for-life-stung-worlds-deadliest-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I tried to walk it off before the pain got too much and I told the lifeguard, who quickly evacuated everyone from the sea.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was a scary time and the pain was excruciating. I’ve never had anything like that happen to me before.” </p> <p dir="ltr">James was stung by an Irukandji jellyfish and began suffering from chest pains and struggling to breathe.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was rushed to Cairns Hospital where medics were able to neutralise the venom but doctors still feared that he was in immediate danger. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We arrived at the hospital and the venom had leaked to James’ heart…they feared he could go into cardiac arrest but after around 10 hours there and medicating him, he was stable.”</p> <p dir="ltr">James was finally discharged and researched the jellyfish, finding out that he was lucky to be alive.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Irukandji jellyfish can grow up to 2cm in diameter and are difficult to be seen by swimmers. </p> <p dir="ltr">They’re found in tropical waters from Bundaberg in Queensland to Geraldton in Western Australia, from November to May.</p> <p dir="ltr">Signs and symptoms to be wary of, if you think you’ve been stung by the deadly sea creature, include: severe backache or headache, shooting pains in muscles, chest and abdomen, nausea, anxiety, restlessness, vomiting and breathing difficulties. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Palm Beach mansion sells for eyewatering $36 million

<p>An oceanfront Palm Beach estate that was once owned by celebrity John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono has sold for a whopping $36 million.</p> <p>Reports say the El Solano is located on South Ocean Boulevard, which is referred to as Billionaires’ Row.</p> <p>The sprawling mansion with intricate detailing and expansive views was bought by the famous singer around 1980, according to the book<span> </span>Nowhere Man: The Final Days of John Lennon,<span> </span>by Robert Rosen.</p> <p>Mr. Lennon was shot to death a few months later after they bought the beautiful home, and his and Ms. Ono’s grand dream to renovate the home never came to fruition.</p> <p>Yoko sold the property in 1986.</p> <p>The 1920s-era, Spanish-style property is about 14,000 square feet and has seven large bedrooms.</p> <p>It was deigned by Society architect Addison Mizner, and has rare features not seen in most homes including an oceanfront dining room, a library fit for any bookworm and a grand salon with a wet bar.</p> <p><em> The Wall Street Journal</em> also reported when it hit the market that the estate also includes a tennis court, two swimming pools, a three-car garage and a beachfront cabana.</p>

Real Estate

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Palm Beach in Manly to have world-first Urban Night Sky Park

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before the introduction of electricity and city life, thousands of twinkling stars could be seen when night fell. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, due to the increasing dependence on electricity, the stars are becoming harder to see.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A woman in Terrey Hills is the driving force behind making the world’s first Urban Night Sky Park at Palm Beach in Manly, NSW.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Urban Night Sky Parks are chosen by the International Dark-Sky Association for their exceptional clear skies which are ideal for stargazing. This is despite their close proximity to major cities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Palm Beach is fantastic,” Marnie Ogg, the woman behind the Urban Night Sky Park project said to </span><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/palm-beach-to-have-worldfirst-urban-night-sky-park-to-view-the-stars/news-story/0d625218006f3f4ca39d95deb19ea311"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Daily Telegraph.</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“On a clear night at the Sydney Observatory you can see 127 stars by the naked eye. At Palm Beach you would be able to see more than a thousand.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“By getting the status we will hopefully be able to maintain that and possibly even improve it.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv5ASczlI00/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv5ASczlI00/" target="_blank">This year #IDSW2019 coincides with National Public Health Week #NPHW. Research shows that artificial light at night can negatively affect #humanhealth increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast cancer &amp; more. 👆Check the link in bio to learn more about how light pollution is harmful to our health and what steps you can take to lead a healthier life. #IDSW2019 #darksky #idadarksky #publichealth #bluelight #ALAN @americanpublichealth #NPHW</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/idadarksky/" target="_blank"> International Dark-Sky Assoc.</a> (@idadarksky) on Apr 5, 2019 at 3:31pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gaining the status of an Urban Night Sky Park is not easy. There are four requirements that have to be met, which are: </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lights in the area must be night sky friendly</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Must be a commitment to public outreach and education with at least four events annually</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Local government must be committed to night sky friendly lighting</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Must be regular checks on the lights used in the area</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The project has taken some time, but with Northern Beaches Council recently throwing their support behind the plan, Palm Beach is expected to formally get the status within the next two years.</span></p> <p><strong>Why Palm Beach?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Palm Beach in Manly is in a unique location as the Pacific Ocean is on one side and Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park on the other. Due to this location, there is an absence of light pollution which makes it perfect for an Urban Night Sky Park.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Milky Way is pretty special at Palm Beach,” Ms Ogg said. “That definition of the Milky Way is very rare.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Between late August and October you can see five planets by the naked eye. There’s Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and sometimes Uranus.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Ogg is excited that the park is going ahead.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think there is also something just a little more primeval. There is just a basic human need to be linked to the night sky.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Up until 200 years ago a night’s entertainment would be looking at the sky. We don’t have that anymore.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHc5l4lBc1v/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHc5l4lBc1v/" target="_blank">Today IDA announces the designation of the first International Dark Sky Park in Australia. Warrumbungle National Park preserves over 23,000 hectares of land in the Warrumbungle Mountain Range in New South Wales, and is situated adjacent to the Australian Astronomical Observatory at Siding Spring. The park’s IDA status is a natural extension of the work it has done for years to contain threats to the observatory site through outdoor lighting policy and regional planning. Read more about the new Dark Sky Park on http://bit.ly/29k1LDe #darkskies</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/idadarksky/" target="_blank"> International Dark-Sky Assoc.</a> (@idadarksky) on Jul 4, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, if you’d still like to enjoy stargazing and don’t mind a bit of a road trip, you can head out to Warrumbungle National Park in NSW. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Warrumbungle’s new status as a Dark Sky Park is a monumental achievement for the National Park, and a hopeful sign for the future protection of dark skies in Australia,” IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend said in a </span><a href="http://darksky.org/first-dark-sky-park-in-australia-designated/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">statement</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>

Domestic Travel

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How to grow a date palm from date stones

<p>Date palms have a long history of cultivation. They have been grown for their fruit since ancient times and are believed to have originated in the area that is now Iraq.</p> <p>The humble date has been grown and enjoyed by Pharaoh and peasant alike and there is no reason why we modern folk cannot get in on the action. </p> <p>You don't need to buy special seeds to grow a date palm, all you need are leftover date stones, potting mix and a polythene bag. </p> <p><strong>Step 1: Soak the stones</strong></p> <p>Soak the stones in water for 48 hours, then plant vertically in a pot filled with potting mix. Cover with a polythene bag, then leave the pot in a warm cupboard.</p> <p><strong>Step 2: Uncover the pot</strong></p> <p>Uncover the pot as soon as the seeds sprout. Position in a sunny spot and repot the shoots when 100mm tall in individual pots in a peat-based mix. Don’t overwater.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of </em><a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/how-grow-date-palm-date-stones"><em>Handyman Australia</em></a><em>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Inside Elvis Presley’s Palm Springs honeymoon retreat

<p>One of Palm Springs’ most iconic homes is back on the market – and it’s none other than the King of Rock Elvis and then-wife Priscilla Presley’s honeymoon hideaway.</p> <p>The Alexander Estate was dubbed the “House of Tomorrow” by Look Magazine in 1962, but the house is most famous for being the place Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned five years later, following a secret Las Vegas wedding.</p> <p>Elvis rented stunning mid-century home from 1966 to 1967.</p> <p>The 5,000-square-foot home with five bedrooms and five bathrooms is on the market for $7.8 million (US$5.9 million).</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to take a peek inside the home. </p>

Music

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New track from Palm Cove to Port Douglas is underway

<p>Queensland is already home to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree National Park, Mission Beach and now there is another exciting attraction in the pipelines.</p> <p>A proposed 70km bike and walking track along coast between Palm Cove and Port Douglas has received funding from the Cairns Regional Council for the next phase of the project.</p> <p>The proposed Wangetti Trail received $50, 000 from the council and will soon offer views of the ocean and access to beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and swimming holes.</p> <p>Cairns council and Douglas Shire Council are collaborating on the project which is expected to become an international attraction for tourists.</p> <p>The trail will run parallel to Captain Cook Highway and would allow people to exit the track to towns and beaches along the route.</p> <p>According to current plans, the trail will be free to use for day visitors but over-night visitors will incur a fee to use the track. On-trail accommodation will also feature on the track including retreats, glamping sites and camping sites.</p> <p>The track is estimated to cost $19.9 million to construct but is expected to generate $18.3 million per year to the local economy.</p> <p>When introducing the concept for the plan to the trail Glen Jacobs said, “My dream has always been to show the world our unique lifestyle and how it plays out amongst the beautiful emerald green jungles, cold granite waterfalls and sky blue seas.”</p> <p>“There are only a handful of outstanding high profile trail opportunities in the world. The Wangetti Trail is one of them.”</p>

Domestic Travel

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Escape to luxury at this stunning apartment in Queensland’s Palm Beach

<p>Modern. Beachfront. Luxury. These are three words you wouldn’t typically associate with affordability, but prepare to be shocked. This <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/15692479?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_palmbeachqld"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ultra-chic apartment</span></strong></a> right on the shore has a price that quite simply can’t be beat.</p> <p>From just $150 a night, you and three of your nearest and dearest (that’s just $37.50 per person!) can live in utter luxury, soaking up the beauty that is Queensland’s Palm Beach. Plus, you’re conveniently located 10 minutes from Gold Coast airport as well as all the other incredible beaches along the Gold Coast.</p> <p>Included in the price is WiFi, a parking spot, air conditioning/heating, a kitchen, laundry plus access to the building’s pool, tennis court and gym.</p> <p>If you’d like to explore the surrounding area, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is just a 5-minute drive away and the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks are only 40 minutes away, perfect for keeping the grandkids happy.</p> <p>Take a look at the stunning apartment in the gallery above and <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/15692479?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_palmbeachqld"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a> to learn more.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2017/01/tasmania-seaside-studio/">Relax on the beach in this stunning Tassie seaside studio</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2017/01/forest-retreat-in-brisbane/">Escape to a forest retreat in Brisbane</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2017/01/summer-beach-house-wa/">Soak up summer by the beach in Halls Head, WA</a></strong></em></span></p>

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