Paul's Blog: Paul Encourages a Considered Approach to the Northern Eruv

The question of the proposed Northern Eruv is generating a lot of discussion in our community.

As I noted in a press release earlier this week, the decision on the Eruv is one for Ku-ring-gai Council.

An Eruv is an area as I understand it where Orthodox Jews would be able to carry out certain activities on the Sabbath within the bounds of the Eruv which would otherwise be prohibited under their faith – such as pushing young children in strollers.

Council will need to weigh up various factors, including the amenity or benefit to flow from the development, and the visual impact of the development.

My understanding from public statements and press reports is that around 85% of the Eruv will consist of existing facilities such as electricity and telecommunication cables.

The remaining 15%, I understand, will require new construction.

A number of development applications (“DAs”) have been lodged with the Council seeking approval for this construction. Obviously the Council’s decision will be heavily dependent on what is proposed in those DAs.

It seems to me that the Eruv offers significant benefits for orthodox Jews who live in St Ives.

Obviously Council needs to weigh up that benefit against any visual or environmental detriment the new development may cause. For my part, I hope it is possible to design the works required to complete the Eruv in a way that is minimally visually intrusive, in turn allowing the Council to reach a decision to approve it.

I have sought a detailed briefing on the Eruv and I will be particularly interested to learn more about its design.