In a bold move, Kiama Council has narrowly de- cided to hold a poll to send the Premier a message from residents about the depth of feeling for their current local government area. It is thought to be the first time that a poll has been held on its own, and not at the same time as a council election. Voters are to have their say on Saturday 9 May. The question they will be asked - Do you want Kiama Municipal Council to stand alone? - has been designed to cover both the proposed forced merger with Shoal- haven City Council, and the possibility that another variation on the theme may emerge in the interim. The latter has happened to other council areas which are now finding themselves facing entirely new proposals. “This is our last chance,” said Councillor Dennis Seage when proposing the motion. “We really need to have a poll. If the govern- ment was fair dinkum it would withdraw us from this ridiculous race. But they continue to make us grovel for our very survival. “I think the only thing left is for the community to have their voice heard. If this government ignores that then they are completely ignoring democracy.” He again quoted the Mayor of Noosa, a council which faced a similar situa- tion and is now de-merging, who said “if you sit on your hands the bastards will cut off your feet”. While some councillors expressed concern about the estimated $120,000 cost of having the NSW Electoral Commission conduct the plebiscite, others strongly defended the cost (while expressing resentment that the government has not seen fit to conduct the poll them- selves). “I am sure the community would be willing to go with- out a footpath, a driveway or something that is going to cost a similar amount,” said Councillor Gavin McClure. Councillor Neil Reilly was amongst those who agreed, “A couple of months ago we gave $600,000 for street sweeping equipment. Surely we can afford $120,000 to keep the streets. “In the grand scheme of things - how much is our survival worth?” It was agreed the money is to come from Council’s contingency reserve. Concerns were also ex- pressed about: • the timing of the poll this late in the decision making process, as indications are that the Minister will make his decision in late May/early June. The appointed Delegate is due to hand his report in at the end on April. • the need to get a high voter turnout. Councillor Seage is adamant that the plebiscite is the only choice of action left. “If we have a poll, people will come out in force and the passion of our commu- nity will be on display to all.” he said. “When it is a normal type of election there is a lot of complacency around. This is not about an election. This is about our very survival. “It is the only way we will change the government’s mind. If they ignore this democratic process, they don’t deserve to hold gov- ernment.” Our story last issue on the proposal to hold a poll prompted Max Reitze to write of his strong support for the move. See page 7. 12 March 2016 A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the people and places on the people and places on the people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW Upper South Coast of NSW Upper South Coast of NSW Upper South Coast of NSW Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com Protesters off to Sydney rally p 3 New tennis surfaces at Blowhole Point p5 Building houses in Cambodia p 8 Inside this issue Phone: 42322757 Fax: 4232 2676 21B Barney Street, KIAMA [email protected]After Hours Towing 0438 424 574 ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS • LOG BOOK SERVICING • BRAKE & CLUTCH SPECIALIST • AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS SMASH REPAIRS • INSURANCE CLAIMS & PRIVATE WORK • WINDSCREENS • TOWING TYRES • BALANCE AND ROTATION • FULL RANGE AVAILABLE REGISTRATIONS • PINK SLIPS – CAR, VAN, BIKE, TRAILERS The Bugle The Bugle The Bugle The Bugle Community to be asked: Should Kiama stand alone? Surfers ‘putting smiles on dials’ Get involved in this year’s Surfing for the Disabled Day at Gerroa - p7
In a close vote, Kiama councillors have decided to hold a poll to show whether residents want Kiama Council to stand alone. Over the coming weeks before the plebiscite on May 7, the push will be on to get as many people as possible to go and vote. It's not the only thing happening in Kiama, as you'll find out when you read this latest edition.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
In a bold move, Kiama
Council has narrowly de-
cided to hold a poll to send
the Premier a message from
residents about the depth
of feeling for their current
local government area.
It is thought to be the first
time that a poll has been
held on its own, and not at
the same time as a council
election. Voters are to have
their say on Saturday 9 May.
The question they will be
asked - Do you want Kiama
Municipal Council to stand
alone? - has been designed
to cover both the proposed
forced merger with Shoal-
haven City Council, and the
possibility that another
variation on the theme may
emerge in the interim. The
latter has happened to other
council areas which are now
finding themselves facing
entirely new proposals.
“This is our last chance,”
said Councillor Dennis
Seage when proposing the
motion. “We really need to
have a poll. If the govern-
ment was fair dinkum it
would withdraw us from this
ridiculous race. But they
continue to make us grovel
for our very survival.
“I think the only thing left
is for the community to have
their voice heard. If this
government ignores that
then they are completely
ignoring democracy.”
He again quoted the
Mayor of Noosa, a council
which faced a similar situa-
tion and is now de-merging,
who said “if you sit on your
hands the bastards will cut
off your feet”.
While some councillors
expressed concern about the
estimated $120,000 cost of
having the NSW Electoral
Commission conduct the
plebiscite, others strongly
defended the cost (while
expressing resentment that
the government has not seen
fit to conduct the poll them-
selves).
“I am sure the community
would be willing to go with-
out a footpath, a driveway or
something that is going to
cost a similar amount,” said
Councillor Gavin McClure.
Councillor Neil Reilly was
amongst those who agreed,
“A couple of months ago we
gave $600,000 for street
sweeping equipment. Surely
we can afford $120,000 to
keep the streets.
“In the grand scheme of
things - how much is our
survival worth?”
It was agreed the money
is to come from Council’s
contingency reserve.
Concerns were also ex-
pressed about:
• the timing of the poll this
late in the decision making
process, as indications
are that the Minister will
make his decision in late
May/early June. The
appointed Delegate is due
to hand his report in at the
end on April.
• the need to get a high
voter turnout.
Councillor Seage is adamant
that the plebiscite is the only
choice of action left.
“If we have a poll, people
will come out in force and
the passion of our commu-
nity will be on display to
all.” he said. “When it is a
normal type of election there
is a lot of complacency
around. This is not about an
election. This is about our
very survival.
“It is the only way we will
change the government’s
mind. If they ignore this
democratic process, they
don’t deserve to hold gov-
ernment.”
Our story last issue on
the proposal to hold a poll
prompted Max Reitze to
write of his strong support
for the move. See page 7.
12 March 2016
A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of A fortnightly celebration of
people and places on the people and places on the people and places on the people and places on the
Upper South Coast of NSWUpper South Coast of NSWUpper South Coast of NSWUpper South Coast of NSW
The BugleThe BugleThe BugleThe Bugle Community to be asked: Should Kiama stand alone?
Surfers ‘putting smiles on dials’
Get involved in this year’s Surfing for
the Disabled Day at Gerroa - p7
2
What’s on?
The BugleThe BugleThe BugleThe Bugle
Editor:Editor:Editor:Editor:
Cathy Law
t 0412 415 101
Sales:Sales:Sales:Sales:
Steve Law
t 0428 662 499
Or email us at
emailthebugle@
gmail.com
Disclaimer:
Every effort has
been made to ensure
the accuracy of
the information
in this publication,
but we are only human.
PO Box 304,
Gerringong 2534
Let us know if there’s an event you’re organising. Just email the details to [email protected] or phone 0412 415 101 Listings are free, and at the editor’s discretion
Every Wednesday Kiama Farmers’ Market
Kiama Harbour 3-6pm
On weekends Live music at The Sebel,
Kiama Leagues Club,
The Mecure, Jamberoo
Pub and other venues.
11-13 March Jazz & Blues Festival
(see p xxxxx)
11 March Australian Haydn
Ensemble with
Sara Macliver
Berry Uniting Church
Hall, 7pm. Tickets $50
($40 conc) from
australianhaydn.com.au
First release movie
at the Library
Book in for details, 3pm
12 March Locals Long Lunch,
Gerringong Town Hall,
1pm $35 t 4232 0416
12-13 March Kiama Woodcraft Group
Annual Expo, Masonic
Hall Lodge, Collins St
9-5 Sat, 9-4 Sun
14 March Spirituality in the Pub
The first speaker for
2016 is Dr Elizabeth
Farrelly, Sydney Morning
Herald columnist and
critic on architecture
and public issues.
Her topic is Beauty,
Sacredness and Change.
All welcome. Jamberoo
Pub, 7.30pm
14-20 March Mardi Gras Regional Art
Prize Exhibition
(see p10)
17 March Campfire Sessions
Kiama Scout Hall,
Kiama Harbour,
7.30-10pm, $5 or $3
18 March Illawarriors Fundraiser
$80 for cocktail dinner,
welcome drink and to
hear Simon Poidevin
and Phil Kearns speak.
t 0413 027 939
19 March Gerringong Village
Markets In and a round
the Town Hall.
Friends of Kiama
Library Talk (see below)
20 March Kiama Seaside Markets
Kiama Harbour, 9-3pm
Red Hot Summer Tour
Kiama Showgrounds
1-8.30pm, $95
21 March 2016 Colourfest Film
Festival (see p8)
22 March Book launch at Kiama
Library See right
25-26 March Kiama Makers &
Growers Market,
Kiama Harbour, 9-2pm
27 March Jamberoo Village
Markets, 9-2pm
Kiama Seaside Markets
Kiama Harbour, 9-3pm
1 April Pics & Flicks: Far From
Men, Gerringong Town
Hall, 8pm
2-3 April Blowhole Big Fish Classic
4 April Friends of Kiama
Library Talk:
Jim Eames, The Flying
Kangaroo, 2.30pm
SHOP ONLINE for regional and local food
Greenbox is a non-profit, regional food co-op based in
Gerringong, run by a team of passionate volunteers
www.greenbox.org.au Order online every week
from 10am Fri to 7pm Mon for collection or delivery
Thurs from 2.30 to 6pm
Attention Tradies and DIYs
AUTUMN
CEMENT SPECIALS
No need to leave town, no need to even leave your ute…
Burnetts On Barney
are passing on massive autumn price savings
to their trade and home owner customers
for all quality bagged cements.
Book launch at Library Many of us dream of
writing a novel once
we retire, and well-
known human rights
activist and peace
academic Stuart Rees
has achieved just that
with the launch of
his debut novel,
A Lover’s Country.
Stuart, who lives
at Hyams Beach, has
taught in major universi-
ties in the UK, Canada,
the USA and Australia. For twenty years he was Professor
of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of
Sydney. He was co-founder of the University’s Centre for
Peace and Conflict Studies and the founder of the Sydney
Peace Foundation.
A Lover’s Country is a historical novel that sheds light
on the intrigue, struggle and behind-the-scenes wrangling
associated with the nomination of a Palestinian woman as
the recipient of a major peace prize.
With a cast of memorable characters, a tightly crafted
plot and touches of memorable poetry, his book is an illu-
minating tale of justice with a hard-won message of hope.
Given Stuart’s background, it is a must-read for anyone
interested in the current plight of the Palestinians, Arab-
Israeli relations, and the presentation of these questions
by the Western media.
Details: Tues 22 March, 6pm, Kiama Library.
Copies of the book will be available
for purchase and signing on the night
(cash sales only). Bookings essential.
Call 4233 1133.
Kiama and the Western
District of Victoria contain
the best Australian exam-
ples of historic dry stone
walls built in the 19th cen-
tury. These walls help to
shape the distinctive char-
acter of our area to this day,
thanks to the work done to
protect them.
Kiama and District His-
torical Society has secured Les
Davey and Ian Downes to speak on
this topic at their next meeting.
They will be talking about the
Kiama district's dry stone walls
and the involvement of Kiama
Rotary Club with their protection
and promotion as part of our local
heritage.
Les is a former Kiama councillor,
was the principal of Kiama Primary
School, and was a driving force
behind Kiama’s Dry Stone Wall
Committee where the concept
of the dry stone wall town entry
markers was conceived. Ian is our
present ‘Thomas Newing’ stone-
wall builder, having constructed
twelve of our entrance markers, as
well as other stonewalls in our area.
Details: Saturday 19 March,
2.30pm, Family History Centre
underneath the Library
We love our stone walls
80 Barney St, Kiama t 4233 1322
Open
7.30-4.30 Mon-Fri
7-4 Saturdays
Bag prices (+gst) Sand and Cement $5.80
Savings of up to Concrete Mix $6 $3 per bag GP Cement $6.50
Quickset Concrete $6.80 Brighton Lite Off White $8
Yes, you can even pre-buy pallets at this trade price!
Plus, all trade account customers who spend $500 on any
Burnetts On Barney products go in the draw to win back
$500 in product. Sale and customer draw ends 30 April.
Sunday at the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival Make sure you drop
down to Hindmarsh Park
with family and friends
for the free concert on
Sunday.
There’s something for
everyone: Chris Harland
Blues Band 11am, the
Australian Navy Big Band
at noon, Dane Laboyrie
Band 1pm, Blue Eyes Cry
2pm, Sound of KoKo
3pm, Tommy M and the
Mastersounds at 4pm.
3
Second new director for Council
Kiama Council has a new
Director of Engineering &
Works, following the retire-
ment of Bryan Whittaker at
Christmas.
The role has been filled
by Gino Belsito who worked
at Sydney Water for many
years before moving to
Liverpool City Council.
There he held the positions
of Manager Civil Mainte-
nance, Acting Director City Assets and, most recently,
Director City Presence.
In January, Kerry McMurray took over as Director of
Finance, Corporate and Commercial Services following
the retirement of Chris Quigley.
Among the first projects Mr Belsito will be responsible
for are the amenities block at Loves Bay and the construc-
tion of the roundabout at Oxley Ave and Riverside Drive,
Kiama Downs (see p6).
One of the people making
his way to Martin Place
for the anti-forced coun-
cil amalgamation rally
this weekend will be Bob
Shaw. An indication of
his strong feelings on this
issue is that this is the
first protest rally he has
ever attended.
“I never protested
against Vietnam,” he
says, “And I’ve voted
Liberal since 1975, but
I am so disappointed in
the lack of democratic
process that is being
shown here. They have-
n’t explained why they
are doing things.
“When you push things
through without showing
proper justification then
it raises the possibility of
corruption. Good govern-
ance deserves more.”
Bob retired from IT and
moved to Kiama two
years ago, and is now
pursuing his passion for
photography.
“I lived in six council
areas in Sydney and this
is the best I’ve ever
seen,” he says. “It is well
and truly worth saving.”
He will join a strong
contingent from Kiama,
including Mayor Brian
Petschler, councillors,
council staff and
a large contin-
gent of commu-
nity members.
“I think it is
outrageous that
this proposal has
been put upon us
without any con-
sideration or con-
sulting with the
community. I’ve
watched the advertising
being done saying how
they have consulted with
the community and this
will result in better local
government. They have
not consulted with us at
all,” says the Mayor.
Kiama’s ukulele troupe,
the Blowhole Buskers,
will ensure Kiama’s anti-
amalgamation stance is
heard loud and clear
when it performs its war
cry We Shall Not Be
Merged at the rally, at
the request of organisers.
Keep Kiama Council
Local committee deputy
chairman Peter O’Neill
urged the community to
attend the rally in large
numbers.
“It is very important
that Kiama continue to
be front and centre in
the minds of Mr Baird and
Mr Toole,’’ Peter said.
“A big Kiama contingent
at the rally will show we
are keeping up the fight.
“We will also show
solidarity to others
around the state who are
worried about their com-
munities.’’
Details: Sunday 13 March,
Hyde Park, from noon.
If you get your Bugle in
time, you’re encouraged
to catch the 8.51am train
from Gerringong (9.05am
Kiama) and get off the train
at Martin Place.
In a nutshell Next stage in hospi-tal redevelopment Council has received more
than twenty submissions
from architects and project
managers seeking to be
appointed to those roles
for the development of
the Centre for Aged Care
Excellence (the old hospi-
tal site).
Tender for key site Over fifty developers have
expressed interest in the
old Independent building
and carpark site in Shoal-
haven Street, now that Aldi
has been secured as an an-
chor tenant in a redevelop-
ment. Colliers will soon
proceed to the formal ten-
der stage of the process.
Considering options for Mitre 10 site Following the closure of
the Mitre 10 business in
Terralong St, Council will
soon call for expressions of
interest for the future use
of this strategic site. The
use will be limited to the
building only, with Council
retaining use of the land
behind which has access to
Collins and Akuna Streets.
Nobles’ latest proposal for Fern St A revised DA for the rede-
velopment of the contro-
versial land on Fern St,
which is leased by the
Noble brothers, is to be
considered at Council’s
March meeting.
New gym at Kiama Downs shops? After years standing va-
cant, and a false start as a
bar, the old function centre
at the Kiama Downs shops
(which was briefly a bikie
clubhouse) is looking to be
approved as a gym.
Express now stop-ping at Austinmer, sometimes Unless you are a regular
commuter, you might not
be aware that from Sunday
6 March some express
trains from and to Kiama
now stop at Austinmer.
While the extra time
won’t be long, we’d hate
you to miss your train so
make sure you factor this
in when using an old time-
table.
Ward to table petitions against forced merger Gareth Ward MP is to table Kiama’s anti-amalgamation
petitions in Parliament by the end of March. The tabling
of the petitions will mean that the Minister for Local
Government has to respond in writing within 35 days.
A number of different petitions have been circulating
within the community, all with the same aim, so they will
be brought together under the one banner.
The petitions are thought to contain in the order of 7000
signatures. If anyone has any petition sheets in their care,
please contact Narelle Mousdale at Council asap.
Keeping up the anti-merger fight
Bob Shaw will be at his first rally
The Blowhole Buskers are
keeping Kiama in the news.
Share your ideas With the submission period
ended, the Keep Kiama
Council Local committee
is holding brainstorming
sessions to keep the mo-
mentum going. They are
seeking ideas from as many
people as possible on how
to proceed with the fight
against the proposal, and
ways to implement those
ideas. The sessions will be
facilitated by Tamara
Campbell.
Details: Thurs 17 March,
2-4pm or 7-9pm downstairs
at the Pavilion, Kiama.
Register via the Events
section of the Keep Kiama
Local Facebook page.
4
Electricians Murray Connerty: Air conditioning and refriger-
ation specialist. t 0408 420 655
Appliance repairs CVC Appliances: Repairs to washing machines,
stoves, dishwashers, dryers etc. t 0401 294 810
Carpenters John O’Donnell Carpentry: All property mainten-
ance - decks, pergolas, windows etc. No job too
small. Lic R77219 t 0401 301 620
Horticultural services Burnett Trees: Kiama Municipality’s own tree
care service - skilled, insured professionals for all