The Bugle 4 Oct 2014
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Gainsborough and Gerroa
Inside this issue
Kiama’s petrol solution What a difference a year makes. By early 2015, Kiama township will have 30 petrol pumps and eight diesel pumps to fill up at, a dramatic increase on the number available at the beginning of 2014. It’s only a short time ago that encouraging a new petrol retailer was a priority for Kiama Council. It went to the extent of having consultants assess potential sites, looking to fast track a DA. People power prevented the preferred site at North Bombo from going ahead. The breakthrough has come in two ways. Firstly, with the retirement of Fred Addison last year, things began to change at Addison’s Garage. And then Glen Fulton Motors reactivated its existing right of usage to sell petrol on the site of an old service station in Collins St. In its heyday of petrol retailing, when the highway went right through Kiama,
there were 13 (or 11) petrol stations in the Kiama Municipality (depending on who you talk to). Fultons simply put the bowsers back in position and started selling petrol mid-year. In the meantime, the Addison family had begun a major redevelopment where around $1 million is being invested in new underground fuel tanks, bowsers and the reconstruction of the forecourt. While still under the ownership of the Addison family, their garage is managed by well known local Craig Bowles. The historic exterior, built by Fred in 1952, will remain as it is the only petrol station of its era still standing that is in original condition. Now that the two enormous fuel tanks are in, the forecourt area is expected to be finished by the end of October. In a line leading from the awning, there will be two groups of petrol
A convenience store is being built as part of the Enhance business
Kiama’s Hollywood connection set to hit the screen p3
Local legend gets state recognition p5 bowsers with eight hoses each to carry the four grades of fuel and a six hose diesel bowser carrying standard, premium and blue. “We’ll still have driveway service for those who rely on it,” says Bowles, “but the automated self-serve functionality will make it quicker for everyone.” Afterhours, there will be a facility to pay by card. While they are still awaiting council approval for aspects of other stages, it is hoped that all of the work will be finished by the end of the year. The tank being installed in the photo (one of two) is a 90,000 litre multi compartment dual walled fibreglass fuel tank, made at Tomago, near Newcastle, to a high standard of vapour control. Meanwhile, Glen Fulton has recently sold its service
station activities to Sateesh Muvva’s Enhance Petroleum. Enhance already owns the two petrol stations in Gerringong, and has been interested in establishing a second petrol station in Kiama for some time. “We are very happy to have the opportunity to grow this site, which is in such a convenient location in the heart of town,” says Muvva. A large convenience store is being constructed on the site at the moment, and it will be fully open in late October. The business will be open for extended hours, yet to be set. Enhance has been operating in Gerringong for six years, and has other outlets in Sydney. It has plans to redevelop the Belinda St site once the highway construction is completed.
End of an era
Wonder if they’ve told Fred?
For those of you who have always wondered what Fred kept in those sheds, you’ve now got a chance to join in what might be the biggest garage sale ever. Items are being previewed on facebook.com/ pages/Addisons-GarageSHED-Cleanout, some with an inspection time, before they are listed on ebay for sale - seller’s name is addosshedmaster.
Opportunity to show solidarity over mental health p4