Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is wrong with the environment? Looks good to me!
A: We live in a part of Sydney exceptional for its native tree canopy and diverse natural environment. But it needs our care. We have to actively protect it from further degradation or risk losing it.

Q. Why should I donate ?
A: It’s an opportunity to put something back into the community. It’s an opportunity to support Pittwater’s natural environment. And it’s an opportunity to get real value for your donation dollar. Your donation may provide necessary matching dollars required for a government grant. For example an Envirofund grant of say, $10 000, requires a matching $10 000 from the community in cash or kind. So, in effect, the value of your donation may be doubled.

Q. I pay my rates – why doesn’t the Council live within its means?
A: Pittwater Council has 350 hectares of bushland and other categories of reserve (such as coastal dunes with remnant native vegetation) to maintain. These provide Pittwater with its unique character.

However there is simply not enough money from rates or grants for adequate management of many of these reserves. Some receive no management at all from the Council and some receive only unpredictable grant funding.

Q. What do I get out of donating?
A: A sense of wellbeing that comes from all voluntary generous acts; together with the pleasure of watching or knowing your gift will help support a natural environment that may otherwise be lost. You are thinking globally and acting locally.
In addition the donation can be claimed as a tax deduction.

Q. Do other people donate?
A: Yes. Generous donations in the past have helped fund the new track and steps from Barrenjoey Rd into Mackay Reserve, bush regeneration work in Hordern Park at Palm Beach, in the Marine Reserve on Whale Beach Rd and at Bungan Beach. Now such donations can be tax deductible.

Q. How can I donate to bush regeneration in my local reserve?
A: Look at the list of PEF projects to see if it is listed. You may be able to donate to augment value of work already ongoing. If a larger amount is needed, say perhaps $5000, this may be more than you can contribute as an individual, but you could get together with neighbours and friends to donate as a group.

Q. If I donate some money, will Council fix the weeds in the reserve next to my place?
A: You cannot claim a tax deduction for a donation from which you receive a direct benefit. Please contact us if you wish to discuss this option more fully

Q. Will projects be continued once my donation is spent?
A: All projects such as bush regeneration which requires ongoing maintenance will remain on the list for continued funding.

Q Do I get any public recognition for my donation?
A: You could if you wished. So far donors have preferred to remain anonymous, but public recognition could be a way of encouraging others to donate to help our environment. All donors will be listed on our website unless anonymity is requested.

Q. Can I propose an environmental project?
A: Yes. Please talk to us about it. See our contacts page.

Q. How can I make a donation?
A: Look at the donations page.