Shelley Point Homeowners Association - Winter 2019

SHELLEY POINT NEWS

A community newsletter dedicated to fostering a sense of community and the free flow of information at Shelley Point

Winter 2019

FROM THE EDITOR:

Hi All, As mentioned in last months’ newsletter, we have decided to change from a monthly to a quarterly publication. We trust that you will continue to enjoy SPN and that you will also continue to provide us with regular feedback, comments and queries. This issue of the newsletter will take us through the winter months of June, July and August - months that we hope will herald plenty of rain, gorgeous displays of flowers and temperatures that are not too cold.

Remember…. this is your newsletter! So, if there is anything you would like to see written about in a future issue, let us know. Or, feel free to send us a contribution that you think would be of interest or relevance to the homeowners and residents of Shelley Point.

Have a safe, peaceful and healthy winter, wherever you may be!

Cheers Terry - shelleypointnews@gmail.com FROM THE CHAIRMAN:

I, along with several other owners, was shocked to see the “effluent plume” from Oceania fish factory that was recently circulated on WhatsApp. Those that haven’t seen the picture should go to “Google Earth” and take a look!

Environmental issues are close to our hearts and this problem is not a new one. Indeed, the problem exposed by the Google Earth satellite photo mentioned above, is only one of the environmental concerns facing us as a community at present. Others include:

• Sewage overflow from the municipal pump station in Stompneus Bay • The application for a license to prospect for minerals in the area • Air pollution from the various fish factories sited in the bay • The proposed new Boulders Wind Farm on the hills to the south west of Shelley Point • Poaching within the crayfish reserve (and occasionally, the wildlife on the estate).

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The situation is not a new one to us and the Trustees have for several years been engaged with various agencies in trying to address the problems of pollution in our little corner of the world. I would like to make special mention of the roles being played by Niel du Toit and Chris Sivertsen in tackling these issues actively (and also Frik Potgieter previously).

Unfortunately, progress is extremely slow with multiple agencies at local, provincial and national level complicating the process and needing to be engaged and persuaded that strong action needs to be taken.

In this months’ newsletter, Niel du Toit explains the issues surrounding the effluent discharge problems and in future issues we will examine in further detail, the problems (and actions being taken) with respect to air pollution (and the fish factory stench), and will keep owners updated on progress regarding the prospecting license application and wind farm project.

Any owners with specialist or general knowledge of environmental law and management and who are interested in becoming involved in the work are encouraged to contact Chris Sivertsen to discuss their possible roles. This is a concern for every owner at Shelley Point and apathy will not get us anywhere.

Cheers,

Ian Mac HOMEOWNERS HAVE THEIR SAY:

Wonderful visit to Shelley Point: Keith writes, “Thank you for the excellent newsletters and for keeping us informed of developments at Shelley Point. I am deeply thankful for the time and effort which you must dedicate to maintain such a high-quality newsletter. Much appreciated. I visited Shelley Point in April and was very pleased to witness the revamped interior decoration of the hotel and restaurant, the classy converted swimming pool to a statuesque fish pond and the resuscitation of the massage parlour and wellness centre. I was also pleased to see the large amount of house construction activity – all of which adds considerable value to Shelley Point. The highlight of the visit was the friendly banter with members at the golf clubhouse and the walk with my companion on the beach to the lighthouse on a beautiful windless sunny day. Just one suggestion to golf course management is that they possibly consider an improvement in the signage to the next tee.”

UPDATE FROM THE SHELLEY POINT BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

Quarterly Trustees Committee Meeting: This meeting was held on 31 May at Shelley Point. The following are a few of the points of interest discussed:

• Dispute with the Developer: This issue has not yet been resolved. However, the process to achieve resolution is ongoing and, hopefully, will be concluded soon to the satisfaction of all. An “Application for Dispute Resolution” has been lodged with the Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS) and the multistep process is now underway.

• Desalination Project: Slow but steady progress is being made with an important milestone meeting to be held on 5th June. This meeting will involve all stakeholders in the project.

• Finances: SPHOA financial position remains strong with revenue streams slightly ahead of budget and expenses being tightly controlled.

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Arrears Levies: This remains an area of concern with the outstanding balance owing continuing to grow as lawyers’ fees and interest accumulate. Pressure continues to be applied to the collection agencies and a number of cases are due in court during June. These cases are likely to result in the attachment of properties to allow for the recovery of monies owed.

• Environmental issues: It was agreed that it is becoming necessary to consider the establishment of a dedicated “Environmental Portfolio” on the Trustees Committee in order to deal effectively with the increasing number of environmental concerns in the area.

• Sports and social club: The club is in a strong position financially with revenues ahead of budget and costs being well managed. Trustees believe there is further revenue potential should a more suitable venue for club activities be established. Food and beverage sales are providing good income which could be grown substantially.

• Clubhouse: Work is ongoing in respect of the proposed Shelley Point Clubhouse Project. A significant number of objections, particularly with respect to the clubhouse funding model, have been noted and the Trustees are in the process of examining a range of options which may prove to be more acceptable to the majority of members. Please be assured that no decisions in this regard will be made without further consultation and member participation.

SECURITY REPORT (Daniel Plaatjies):

• Security Alert: Please note that if you no longer make use of the services of your employees such as household staff & gardeners, we request that you inform our security admin office so that our access control database can be updated. This ensures that all employees enrolled on our database are valid and prevents ex-staff no longer employed by you, from gaining access to the Estate via their fingerprints.

• Security overview: Be assured that a high standard of security is maintained with a zero tolerance for incidents of a criminal or inappropriate nature. As such, Security strives to keep the Estate a secure and safe environment for all residents and their families. Therefore, please be advised that our security services will be carrying out operational access control vehicle searches from time to time. This drill is a proactive initiative by Excellerate Security Services and has been carried out successfully in other estates that they manage. There will thus be an increase in the presence of ESS security officers and vehicles and we ask you for your cooperation over this time.

• Security Incidents: Although lifestyle estates and complexes offer greater security, crime is still a factor and residents need to do their part by reporting any suspicious or untoward behavior. Two incidents that were reported to our security control room over the last month both involved garden services and an investigation was launched as a result. Preliminary findings indicate that there had been breaches in Security and were followed up.

• Construction and new neighbours: Having construction workers on site within residential estates has historically resulted in elevated crime levels. So please, if you notice any suspicious behaviour, report directly to our security control room on 022 742 1888 or 066 359 4273.

• New Vispol Commander in charge at SAPS –St Helena Bay: Warrant Officer Schmidt, who took over from W/O Oliphant, started his term as Vispol Commander for the station effective Tuesday 14 May 2019. As always, we will continue our close relationship with the SAPS in our area.

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LEAPFROG PROPERTIES PHOTO OF THE MONTH:

Since we are now publishing newsletters quarterly instead of monthly ones, we have decided to select more than one winning photograph for each issue. This Winter issue features two winning photos.

Winning photos from each 2019 edition of Shelley Point News will automatically be eligible for entry into the Photo of the Year competition where cash prizes will be awarded courtesy of Maurits Marnewick of Leapfrog Properties. So, the Spring edition which will be available in early September will be one of your last chances to submit an entry. The only rules of the competition are that photos must be original and must depict some aspect of life at Shelley Point – scenery, animals, people, pets, houses, whatever.

The first one is from Charmaine and is entitled “Poodles at Sunrise”.

Our second winning photo is by Ian and is entitled, “Just a couple of locals.”

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SPORT AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:

Sundowners monthly get-togethers: These are traditionally held from 17h30-19h00 at the clubhouse on the last Friday of each month. So, diarize 28 June, 26 July and 30 August and come along to enjoy friendly company and discounted drinks in a beautiful setting next to the golf course. Hamburgers and boerewors rolls available for sale.

Golf: It was brought to our attention that Johan Blaauw achieved a remarkable feat a few weeks ago. He managed to score a round equivalent to his age. At the age of 78, he shot a 78! Is there anyone else who can match that? A six pack of beer is up for grabs to anyone else who can score a golf round that is the same as his/her age. For further information regarding golf, please consult the directory on the last page.

Bowls: The Shelley Point Rollers have had a steady flow of members playing bowls this year, but not quite as often as in the summer months. A couple of new members in May brings the total membership to 31.

We also had two members from Velddrif join us for a game which was nice and hopefully, they enjoyed themselves and will be back again soon. The green is looking good and the burning of the grass seems to have been contained for now. I will let members know if we are closing the green for maintenance over the winter months but for now we have not planned any. We were honoured last week while playing, to have two owls watching us from the palm tree overlooking the green and hooting approval. Then, one Friday we got a new member in the form of a bokkie who decided to join us whilst we were playing. Not many people can say they are lucky enough to live in a place where we stop the game for viewing wildlife.

Until next time, hope to see you soon on the green. I can be contacted on my email Chezroberts@mweb.co.za for any further information – Liz Roberts

Tennis: No report received. For the tennis captain’s contact details, please check the directory on last page.

Bridge: Just a reminder that the St. Helena Bay Bridge Club meets each Wednesday afternoon in the conference room at the clubhouse. All players are welcome – beginners, intermediate or expert! A

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tournament takes place the first Wednesday of every month which is attended by players from all over the West Coast. We are pleased to announce that so far in this tournament which spans ten monthly sessions, bridge pairs from the local SHB club are currently sitting in both first and second position!

Callanetics: A session of informal Callanetics is available at 9am on Thursdays for any ladies who may be interested to join in. Just bring along a mat or towel.

Yoga: We are pleased to announce that we now have our own Hatha Yoga instructor at Shelley Point! Derri Crockett is willing to give lessons on Mondays (mornings and/or evenings), Tuesday evenings or Thursday evenings. The lessons are open to all – beginners to experienced, young or old, male or female - for a monthly fee of R150 or R20 per lesson. Please contact Derri at derri@sailing.co.za for further information or to give her your time preference. All you need to bring is your own yoga mat but if you do have ‘blocks’ or ‘straps’, please bring them along.

LIFE AT SHELLEY POINT:

Rainfall update: According to our rainfall recorder, Henri, we received 17mm in the period mid-April to mid-May. This now brings total rainfall to date to 65mm and does not include the wonderful rains we had on 20 May! Rainfall totals for this year are still way above what was received by this time last year. We keep fingers crossed that these good rains will continue through the next three months.

Walking trails in the West Coast: Since there appears to be a great deal of interest in hikes and walking trails by both residents and visitors to Shelley Point, we decided to highlight some of these in forthcoming issues of the newsletter. The first such review is of the Steenbok One Day Trail.

The Steenbok Trail starts and ends at the Tsaarsbank Gate in the West Coast National Park. The entire route is in the Postberg section of the Park and is only open to the public in August and September each year to coincide with the flower season. Therefore, the walk is immensely popular and permits are required. These can be obtained at the gate but numbers are limited so it is recommended that you book your permits a couple of weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.

Ian Mac

For hiking enthusiasts, this is a hike NOT to be missed. Aside from the carpets of wildflowers which are truly spectacular, there is also a profusion of wildlife to be seen (zebra, various species of antelope, plenty of birdlife etc.) as well as beautiful views of the lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other.

It is not an easy hike as it is 14km long and involves a fair bit of trudging up some of the steep inclines but the scenery makes it all worthwhile. The route is clearly marked with painted poles as well as the occasional signboard. It is suggested that you start the trail as early as possible in the morning. Be at the Tsaarsbank gate by 9h00 so that you have plenty of time to enjoy the hike, take photographs, have a leisurely packed lunch and still have more than enough time to get back to your vehicle before the Postberg section closes

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at 17h00. The best lunch stops are either the Vingerklippe which affords impressive views of the lagoon, or the camp at Plankiesbaai where there are a few picnic tables as well as toilet facilities. Booking for this trail opens from June onwards – phone 022 707 9902/3 for more information.

Pollution in St Helena Bay: A big thank you to Niel du Toit for sending us an update on this issue. Here is his report…

Those of you who have walked along the beach from the Small Boat Harbour site towards Lucky Star will be aware of the smell and visible signs of pollution that are evident from time to time. This, despite efforts to address the problem.

With four fishmeal producing plants and other effluent producing entities in St Helena Bay, pollution of the bay has been and is a major problem. To address this, the St Helena Bay Water Quality Trust (SHBWQT) was established on July 13, 2000. Their credo is, “To assume shared responsibility for maintaining the health, diversity, sustainability and productivity of our own coastal environment.”

The members of the Trust are industries and institutions who currently discharge effluent into the bay i.e. BP Marine, Lucky Star, West Point, Oranjevis and Amawandle Pelagic as well as the Berg River and Saldanha Bay Municipalities and other interested and affected parties. The Fishmeal Producing Plants (FPP) are the main contributors amounting to about R55 000 per entity per annum and R400 000 total.

The Trust does not have enforcing powers but plays a monitoring and advisory role. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and specifically, Oceans and Coast, is responsible for issuing and enforcing Coastal Water Discharge Permits (CWDP). These permits set compliance standards for each entity discharging effluent into the bay.

Recent overflow of sewage at the pump station next to Lucky Star which could be one of the possible causes of the high E.coli readings

Shelley Point, as an interested and affected party, had for several years been represented on the SHBQWT

by Frik Potgieter, who stepped down in 2016. Since then Chris Sivertsen, as Trustee, and Niel du Toit have been the Shelley Point representatives. Shelley Point Home Owners Association became a contributing member in 2018. Our contribution for 2019 is R1564.

The Trust manages and funds fortnightly water sampling at nineteen different sites in the bay. The levels of faecal coliforms and E. coli, as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing organisms, are determined in each sample. The permits also require benthic surveys to determine the general state of health of the water in the bay. The results of these analyses are distributed to participants, DEA and other interested and affected parties.

The most recent State of the Bay report by Anchor Environmental, based on these and other determinations, shows that while there has been some improvement in the pollution, much still needs to

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be done. The fortnightly water samples also indicate unacceptable levels of faecal coliforms and E. coli at certain times. This is of major concern.

CWDPs have been issued to all but one of the FPPs. WestPoint is in the process of applying for their permit.

It is hoped that compliance with the permit conditions will improve the situation. The enforcement of the conditions however, remains a concern but there seems to be some movement in this regard. We will keep a close watch on these developments and report back to you.

The State of the Bay report can be seen on the Anchor Environmental website and the website for the Trust is swt.org.za. (Niel du Toit)

Restaurant Review: With the approach of the cold and wet weather and with many restaurants closed in June/July, our intrepid restaurant reviewers, Cheese Mouse and Wine Fly, have decided some downtime is needed and they will go into hibernation for a while. But they will be back in the Spring issue with yet another offering of ‘What’s hot and What’s not’ as far as culinary activities are concerned. We can’t wait to see what they recommend next!

Feral Cat Project: The recently purchased cat trap has been in use for the entrapment of the wilder feral cats and their subsequent transport to Wesland Animal Hospital for sterilization. Unfortunately, very few of our residents are prepared to get involved and as such, our feral cat population continues to grow. All we have requested is that each family take responsibility for the sterilization of just one cat. If everyone helps, we could soon have the situation under control. The procedure involved was described in detail in the May edition of Shelley Point News – please refer to the information therein.

A big thank you to Estelle, Tracy, Marsha and Charmaine who have been extremely proactive in trying to get all the cats from the 1st/2nd 3rd street area sterilized. They have not only arranged for sterilizations of adult cats in their streets but have also organized for the adoption of kittens. A similar success story has also been achieved due to a collective effort by the Karpul, Bryan, Bester and Mackintosh families of 5th street which has resulted in the effective sterilization of all the feral cats from the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th street areas. As a result, there is zero increase in the feral cat population in this area. So, why not get together with other residents and homeowners in your street and make a collective effort to sterilize the cats in your area. Contact Security to get the trap and ensure that you make an appointment for the cat at Wesland Animal Hospital for the next day.

Sterilized cat being returned to Shelley Point thanks to Estelle who arranged for the cats’ transport and sterilization fees.

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VASCO SAYS:

After last years’ drought, it is lovely to see the golf course green once more. And soon the flowers will arrive in all their glory.

Can’t wait!

SPHOA DIRECTORY Position Estate Manager Administrator Security Manager

Name Norman Cowen Lindy Cowen Daniel Plaatjies

E Mail manager@sphoa.co.za admin@sphoa.co.za daniel.plaatjies@excellerate.co.za

Security Control Room

Controllers

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Pro shop /Club house Golf captain Bowls captain Tennis captain Bridge captain Community notice board SA Police Service SA Police Service Ambulance Cell phone emergency

Gerilda Arendse Johan Blaauw Liz Roberts Robert Dick Terry Mackintosh

shelleypcc@gmail.com johan.blaauw04@gmail.com chezroberts@mweb.co.za robbydick0312@gmail.com didge28@gmail.com

Telephone 082 784 2920 022 742 1309 071 312 8861 022 742 1380 022 742 1888 066 359 4273 022 7421037 084 5781892 083 327 4349 076 902 6845 076 6004641

Chris Roberts

chezroberts@mweb.co.za

076 7832035

St Helena Bay National National Universal

0227368060 10111 10177 112

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