Latest news with #Leichhardt
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Simple solution could save tree Aussie council claims is 'serious risk to public'
An Australian council has slapped a notice on a towering gum tree, informing residents of its intention to cut it down. Like other local governments around the country, Sydney's Inner West Council intends to plant replacement trees when the yellow bloodwood is gone, but a leading planning expert warns this seemingly sensible solution often contains one key flaw. "Sadly, it takes decades for trees to grow big enough to provide habitat," Professor Sarah Bekessy said. Bekessy is a professor of sustainability and urban planning at RMIT and a lead councillor at the Biodiversity Council, and she's been working with colleagues to find "clever ways" of maintaining old trees in urban environments. The problem of managing large trees in suburban areas is confounding councils around Australia, and often the simplest solution is to get a quote from an arborist and chop it down. But as Waverley and Randwick councils in Sydney's east recently discovered, chopping down beloved street trees often infuriates the residents they're charged with servicing. The tree the Inner West Council wants to cut down is located in Leichhardt on a street dominated by mid-story natives, making the large eucalypt an anomaly. Photos indicate it is surrounded by a footpath and road with no shrubs or grasses underneath, meaning locals are likely to walk underneath it. Social media has been running hot with debate about the Leichhardt tree. One said the eucalypt was simply "existing" and the plan to cut it down was "nonsense". Other residents agreed with council, with one declaring it looked "way too big for the street and pavement". "If a qualified arborist said it's unsafe and then council ignored this advice, then there'd be some explaining to do," another added. The notice on the tree indicates the decision was made because it's damaging infrastructure and dropping limbs. When Yahoo News asked for more information, council responded with a short statement explaining it was a danger to the public. "This tree is being removed due to safety concerns. Between 2019 and 2024, the tree has dropped three limbs and poses a serious risk to the public," it said. "To balance the need to uphold safety and increasing the canopy, the Inner West continues to plant more than 1,000 trees each year." While Bekessy doesn't want to dismiss the danger the tree could pose, she notes in many situations there are simple, low-cost solutions to keeping the public and vehicles out of harm's way. "No one wants to be bumped on the head by a branch, but one of the things that we've been doing with councils is planting out underneath trees," she said. "A prickly mid-story of plants happens to be absolutely fabulous habitat for birds and insects. But it also makes it very unlikely that someone's going to want to sit there or park a car there." 🐨 Calls to release documents behind helicopter shooting of koalas 🛳️ Travellers almost kill 'world's oldest animals' during luxury cruise ship tour 📸 Photos reveal details of 'secret' koala colony discovered in impenetrable forest A similar solution was suggested after US-tech company Honeywell said it needed to cut down a 400-year-old tree because of the danger it posed to people walking to the building recently constructed next door. It ultimately found a way to save the tree. Whether Inner West Council explored this option remains a mystery, as it did not respond directly to questions from Yahoo about this matter. And it's possible local authorities have no choice but to remove the tree. It's also unclear whether it has investigated what sorts of wildlife will lose their habitat when it is felled, or what species of replacement trees will take its place. Speaking generally about mature trees, Bekessy said they "punch above their weight" when it comes to providing health and wellbeing benefits to residents. "It's time we started seeing green infrastructure as legitimate infrastructure. Sometimes it needs to be managed so it's not damaging other infrastructure, but we can't trade them off each other. We need to work out better designs to enable both to exist," she said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Daily Telegraph
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Leichhardt home listed with shipping container in living area
These homeowners have taken thinking outside the box to a whole new level. A residential home with a giant shipping container in the middle of the living space has been turning heads after being listed for sale in one of Sydney's most unusual real estate deals. The property within inner west suburb Leichhardt – originally used as a furniture factory in the 1920s before being converted into a residence in the 2000s – had last traded in 2015 for $2.31 million, records showed. It's now listed with a guide of $5.5 million. MORE: Mystery buyer of Sydney's skinniest waterfront revealed MORE: New blow for those earning less than $290k The shipping container was installed by the previous owner, an architect, who reportedly used it as an office. The warehouse underwent a sweeping renovation in 2018 by high end interior designers Hare and Klein, who were tasked with updating the home while still maintaining an industrial aesthetic. Current owner Jie Howells and husband Gary were faced with a key dilemma: whether to keep the unusual container within the home or have it stripped out. They decided to preserve it and paint it. The shipping container is a key feature of the home. It sits between the entry way and an open room listed as the 'sitting area'. The top of the corrugated iron structure can be accessed via a ladder. Ms Howells told selling agency Ray White that the indoor shipping container had served various purposes during their time at the house. MORE: Wild Sydney trend could destroy $16m home 'We used it as a kid's playroom when our son Harry was young and as a bedroom when we have guests,' she said. 'The shipping container can be used as a meeting room for business, a sitting room, an office, and of course storage.' Ms Howells, who has been running a business from the property, said the shipping container was an 'integral part' of the warehouse and was 'versatile'. 'It is a blank canvas, its use is only limited by one's imagination,' she said. 'It can be converted to a wine cellar, an artist studio, a meditation room, a home gym, or a home theatre. 'Over the past 10 years, we have received many suggestions for this shipping container – a swimming pool, a bar, a recording studio and even a hydroponic tomato farm.' MORE: Aussie 37yo makes $160k a year doing nothing Ms Howells explained that the home was 'raw but with great bones' when they bought it. Her family had lived in the home comfortably for three years before embarking on the renovation. 'Our brief was to retain the industrial heritage and majesty, but make it a special family home and add some designer opulence,' she said. 'We used a light touch approach and retained most of its industrial charm.' The Excelsior St warehouse is being marketed by Ray White Touma Taylor selling agent Walter Burfitt-Williams. He explained that the shipping container was a key talking point among those interested in the property. 'Everyone has an opinion, he said. 'People with kids love it. It would make an amazing cubby house … But a shipping container is not going to be for everyone. You can have it removed.' MORE: Dodgy tradies' insane rip off tactics exposed MORE: 40yo 'disappointed' he only has 300 homes Mr Burfitt-Williams said the double-storey three-bathroom, three-bedroom property would suit a young family, a professional couple, or even downsizers looking for something 'hip and groovy'. 'It's a quirky and a different type of property, which has been superbly transformed into a family home,' Mr Burfitt-Williams said. The property has soaring original ceilings fitted with an array of skylights, numerous expansive living spaces and a statement dining room. The floors are a mix of polished concrete and timber. There is also a courtyard with multiple sitting areas, and a century-old chimney. Ms Howells said living in the warehouse for the past 10 years was a 'pleasant memory'. MORE: Aussie landlord's horror after 12 homes stolen
News.com.au
10-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Weird act leaves family with ship container in home
These homeowners have taken thinking outside the box to a whole new level. A residential home with a giant shipping container in the middle of the living space has been turning heads after being listed for sale in one of Sydney's most unusual real estate deals. The property within inner west suburb Leichhardt - originally used as a furniture factory in the 1920s before being converted into a residence in the 2000s - had last traded in 2015 for $2.31 million, records showed. It's now listed with a guide of $5.5 million. MORE: Mystery buyer of Sydney's skinniest waterfront revealed A living space within a living space: the inside of the container, which sits within the home's open plan zone. MORE: New blow for those earning less than $290k The shipping container was installed by the previous owner, an architect, who reportedly used it as an office. The warehouse underwent a sweeping renovation in 2018 by high end interior designers Hare and Klein, who were tasked with updating the home while still maintaining an industrial aesthetic. Current owner Jie Howells and husband Gary were faced with a key dilemma: whether to keep the unusual container within the home or have it stripped out. They decided to preserve it and paint it. The shipping container is a key feature of the home. It sits between the entry way and an open room listed as the 'sitting area'. The top of the corrugated iron structure can be accessed via a ladder. Ms Howells told selling agency Ray White that the indoor shipping container had served various purposes during their time at the house. MORE: Wild Sydney trend could destroy $16m home The orange shipping container is one of the first things that greets visitors upon entry. 'We used it as a kid's playroom when our son Harry was young and as a bedroom when we have guests,' she said. 'The shipping container can be used as a meeting room for business, a sitting room, an office, and of course storage.' Ms Howells, who has been running a business from the property, said the shipping container was an 'integral part' of the warehouse and was 'versatile'. 'It is a blank canvas, its use is only limited by one's imagination,' she said. 'It can be converted to a wine cellar, an artist studio, a meditation room, a home gym, or a home theatre. 'Over the past 10 years, we have received many suggestions for this shipping container – a swimming pool, a bar, a recording studio and even a hydroponic tomato farm.' MORE: Aussie 37yo makes $160k a year doing nothing The up-market home has a price guide of $5.5m. Ms Howells explained that the home was 'raw but with great bones' when they bought it. Her family had lived in the home comfortably for three years before embarking on the renovation. 'Our brief was to retain the industrial heritage and majesty, but make it a special family home and add some designer opulence,' she said. 'We used a light touch approach and retained most of its industrial charm.' The Excelsior St warehouse is being marketed by Ray White Touma Taylor selling agent Walter Burfitt-Williams. He explained that the shipping container was a key talking point among those interested in the property. 'Everyone has an opinion, he said. 'People with kids love it. It would make an amazing cubby house ... But a shipping container is not going to be for everyone. You can have it removed.' MORE: Dodgy tradies' insane rip off tactics exposed The 1920-built property was originally a furniture warehouse. MORE: 40yo 'disappointed' he only has 300 homes Mr Burfitt-Williams said the double-storey three-bathroom, three-bedroom property would suit a young family, a professional couple, or even downsizers looking for something 'hip and groovy'. 'It's a quirky and a different type of property, which has been superbly transformed into a family home,' Mr Burfitt-Williams said. The property has soaring original ceilings fitted with an array of skylights, numerous expansive living spaces and a statement dining room. The floors are a mix of polished concrete and timber. There is also a courtyard with multiple sitting areas, and a century-old chimney. Ms Howells said living in the warehouse for the past 10 years was a 'pleasant memory'. MORE: Aussie landlord's horror after 12 homes stolen Originally published as Leichhardt home listed with shipping container in living area
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Mystery as arsonists target items left out for collection in Inner West suburb
A Sydney suburb has been targed in a series of arson attacks after locals left out items for a local giveaway group. Locals in Leichardt, in the city's Inner West, took to a community social media group to reveal items classified as 'street bounty', including a couch, boxes and a mattress, had been set alight. It is understood there were up to three different incidents on Sunday. One woman warned others to be careful where they place pay-it-forward items out. 'Anyone with things outside their house as bounty or council pick up items: beware, I just had some small items set alight outside my house in Leichardt,' she wrote. 'The fire brigade was called and they said it was the 3rd one this afternoon. 'Then another pile of things was (sic) alight around the corner.' A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW told NewsWire there was no information on how the fires started but the most likely cause was deliberate. Just after 3.40pm firefighters responded to a lounge on fire on the side of the road on Percival Street. A nearby vehicle was damaged by the heat. A short time later, at about 4.30pm, they extinguished a rubbish fire on Albert Street and at 4.50pm, another on National Street. Police confirmed they attended the fires to determine whether they were suspicious. Numerous residents said they had also seen sporadic fires across the streets of Leichardt. 'I walked past a house tonight where someone had set alight the council pickup,' one resident said. 'The homeowners had just arrived home to find it.' A second added: 'We saw some boxes alight this afternoon after soccer on MacKenzie Street.' '(A) bag of stuff was on fire in (the) park on the corner of Elswick and William St,' another wrote. 'It looks like a mattress or something has been set on fire on the footpath at the top of Hill St near Balmain Rd,' a fourth said. 'Dumped office chair and a bag of junk set alight on corner Albert/Elswick this afternoon,' another local said. 'The Firies said they had just put out another similar fire and there were more yesterday.' Many were shocked to see that items that had been left out in acts of goodwill, had been destroyed. Others saw the lighter side of the situation, writing: 'Someone's been arson around'.
ABC News
11-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Are cash vs card-only businesses the future? Here's the impact on consumers
Notes and coins aren't just favoured at this inner west Sydney restaurant — they're king. Nestled near the gelato booth lies an ATM machine inside the Leichhardt venue, with "cash only" signs on display. Cash has been the primary source of payment here since 1952. "We're just continuing a legacy," Bar Italia owner Con Damouras said. There's no chance of skim, light or soy milk in your coffee either. Mr Damouras prefers the "old school trattoria" approach. The business doesn't take credit cards. Instead, an in-house ATM is available, which has a $2.50 withdrawal fee, or there are other outlets along Leichhardt's main strip. Post-pandemic, Mr Damouras installed an online payment form customers can use instore, though cash remains the predominant payment method. "Some days people come in and say to you, 'Oh you're a tax thief, you're not paying the right tax'. It doesn't work that way when you've got a high-profile business like this … we always have done the right thing," he said. "We keep our prices low, and we don't want to pay bank fees." Since 2017, Pablo & Rusty's Sydney CBD venue has been cashless. "Initially there was some curiosity around it … questions around our motivation," operations manager and co-owner Chris Tate said. "I think the majority of customers understood there was a degree of speed and convenience that resulted in us going cashless." "Efficient service", no awkward cash handling and counting at the till and hygiene influenced the decision as well as operational challenges associated with holding cash, Mr Tate said. "It's safer for our staff … we're not having to hold cash on site and send staff to the banks at the end of the shift." While visitors can use cash on their first visit if unaware of the rule, it's ultimately a card-only business model. Surcharges aren't passed onto takeaway orders, but for those who dine in, there are "small fees attached" for using the table ordering app service, Mr Tate said. "We understand this can be a sensitive issue for some customers. It's not about making a political statement. It's a practical and pragmatic one." Lyla Zhang, associate professor in Macquarie University's Department of Economics, said while cash use had decreased, it still served a critical purpose. "Cash use has declined to about 10 per cent of transactions in Australia — especially for older Australians or people living in remote areas," she said. "It all comes to people's preferences and their circumstances. When it comes to cash benefits, Dr Zhang said it helped people stick to a budget and avoid withdrawal transaction fees. Convenience wise though, card payments are the more streamlined option — but come with a catch. "The card offers convenience, transparent transactions, rewards programs but it exposes people to overspending and surcharge fees," Dr Zhang said. "Let's say the average household spending in Australia is around $3,000 per month. If the surcharge is only 1 per cent, this still means $30 per month for the family. "This sounds very small, but over time they can accumulate." The Reserve Bank of Australia estimated Australians lose nearly $1 billion in surcharges a year. Although the use of digital-only payments is likely to lead to paying more fees, Dr Zhang said consumers should simply "be aware" of surcharges. "As an experimental and behavioural economist, I think we should all make informed decisions about which type of payment we want to to choose. For Mr Damouras, he carries both card and cash when shopping or dining, aware that "if that's their policy" either way, he will follow it. Mr Tate added that it should continue to be up to individual businesses to choose what currency they primarily accept. As Ms Zhang said: "There's no one-size-fits-all solution." In November , the federal government announced it would mandate that businesses must accept cash when selling essential items from 2026 onwards. While details are to be ironed out post-election, Mr Tate remained unsure if his cafe would be deemed "essential" and therefore subject to the rule. "If we're having to cover the additional cost of handling cash … that poses significant challenges for small businesses," he said. In a statement an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) spokesperson said that currently "businesses can choose which payment types they accept" though transparency is key. "Businesses should be clear and up-front about the types of payments they accept, any applicable payment surcharges, and the total minimum price payable for their goods and services."
