The Bugle Special Edition 22 Dec 2015

From the Editor

The Bugle

With the shock announcement of the proposed forced amalgamation of Kiama and Shoalhaven councils, Kiama Council has worked together with The Bugle to bring you this special edition.

The Council is acting as guest editor for this edition, and is responsible for the content.

22 December 2015

Special edition from Kiama Council A call to action for our community Council is shocked that the State Government is proposing the merger of Kiama Municipality with the City of Shoalhaven. This proposal has not been on anyone’s agenda, has not been discussed at any level of government and is certainly not in the interests of the residents of our municipality.

We are bringing you this special edition of The Bugle because we want you to know why this issue is important for you and your family’s future.

State politicians are relying on apathy and the busy holiday season to push these reforms through. They don’t know how strong our community is and how we are prepared to fight for what we believe in.

Kiama Council has cooperated at all stages of the State Government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ program (see p4) and notes that at every stage, from the Independent Local Government Review through to the IPART report, this proposed merger has not been a key issue. In fact, even in the proposed merger summary put out by the government, the following statement is made: “The Independent Review Panel did not identify this as a high priority merger on the basis of a number of factors including that each council appeared sustainable for at least the medium term.”

Although the IPART Report suggested Kiama did not meet all of the criteria of the Fit for the Future assessment, it was identified to have ‘scale and capacity’ sufficient to remain independent.

Because Council met that key requirement, it was advised it could make a case to show it could be assessed as fit. A consultant was engaged to undertake that review and a submission is in final preparation to show it can meet all the government’s requirements by the dates determined by IPART. Then came this shocking news that our municipal community may be merged with the Shoalhaven, an area extending almost to Batemans Bay with which we have no community of interest.

We will continue to make the strongest representations to the State Government that this proposal is not necessary, is not in the best interests of our residents, is not supported by the true facts and has no support in our area.

We urge all sections of our community – all our many organizations, groups and bodies, as well as individuals - to rise up and say to the government that THIS MERGER MUST NOT OCCUR. It is not what the people of the Kiama Municipality want! See how you can help on page 4.

Brian Petschler, Mayor

Kiama residents rally to save their future

Andrew Sloan and Ian Pullar of the RSL attempting to deliver the petition

The first rally against the proposed merger of Kiama Council with Shoalhaven City Council attracted a strong crowd.

Speakers rejected the proposal and called for Kiama to remain an independent entity.

They marched to Gareth Ward’s office to deliver a petition.

No forced annexation for Kiama Like many of you I was stunned at the announcement of the proposed council mergers and confused as to what this might mean for the future of Kiama with its potential lack of identity.

I couldn’t understand why Kiama was being targeted when both Kiama and Shoalhaven are two well-run councils doing a good job for their respective communities.

So I tried to envisage what a new council would be like if Kiama was amalgamated with Shoalhaven City Council (SCC). To amalgamate is defined as to ‘combine or unite to form one organization or structure’. It infers a blending or merging of two equal groups to form a new distinct body. However given that Kiama has about 13,000 people (and an area

of 259 km2) and SCC has about 97,000 (and an area of 4,660 km2), Kiama would only represent about 12% of the new council and have little input into the composition and direction of the new council.

SCC has a ward system with 4 councillors in each ward and an elected mayor.

If Kiama became part of SCC, it would be part of Ward 1 and may be lucky to have 1 or 2 councillors to represent them out of a council of 13.

Given the difference in size between the two councils, it seems logical that SCC will simply absorb Kiama into their existing council structure and Kiama will become a small part of a Greater Shoalhaven City Council. All property and facilities would be owned by

an enlarged SCC and the new council could well decide to sell off these facilities for their own new priorities – in reality Kiama will be annexed with minimal input into the future of the area. To annex something is defined as to ‘incorporate (territory) into the domain of a city, country or state’.

The question needs to be asked – how would Kiama residents be better off under the annexation proposal?

Over many years, Kiama Council has developed a proactive approach to working with residents that seeks to balance the demands of new development, the environment, rural concerns, local economy and jobs, leisure and tourism, new housing and shops and aged care and has come up with solutions that mainly satisfy

most residents. How will these programs and facilities (such as the new Blue Haven Aged Care or the new supermarket site) be maintained and developed when Kiama is a small part of a much larger council with its own set of urgent priorities and issues?

If Kiama residents want to remain part of a strong independent council, we need to organise a united coalition across the political spectrum and that includes allies from Shoalhaven and Shellharbour communities.

A coalition that leaves party politics at the door, is nonpolitical in its approach and embraces everybody who is opposed to the annexation proposal.

No forced annexation for Kiama!

Peter O’Neill

What future in a super council?

The merged Council area would stretch almost to Batemans Bay. There is a large risk Kiama residents would not get the level of service or opportunity to participate as they do now. For example, Shoalhaven Council offers no green bin service.

Santa likes Kiama so much he is making two trips to the Kiama Farmers’ Market this year, and came down on the Kiama Picnic Train on the weekend.

He told The Bugle he is unimpressed with both the timing of the proposal to amalgamate the councils, and the proposal itself.

“Kiama is a great place to live,” he says. “Mrs Claus and I are seriously considering moving here when I eventually retire.

“The people I meet on my visits obviously love their towns, and value their community. Let’s stop this Grinch in his tracks.”

The Bugle The editorial in this |special edition of The Bugle is the responsibility of Kiama Council Editorial: Cathy Law t 0412 415 101 Sales: Steve Law t 0428 662 499 Ian MacDonald t 0422 736 582

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.

Councillors say fight this merger Mark Honey: The formation of a mega coastal council by the amalgamation of Kiama and Shoalhaven will have a huge impact on the ability of local ratepayers to have ultimate control over future development of our municipality.

Of major concern is the loss of control of the future initiatives such as the Kiama Hospital site redevelopment into a Centre of Excellence in Aged Care, development of the Aldi supermarket site, preservation of the green belt between Gerringong and Gerroa, the rural integrity of the Jamberoo Valley, the LEP review (including new development design guidelines), the management plan for Bombo Headland, and future recycling and waste management plans.

If elected on a pro-rata basis Kiama district would have 1/6th of the elected councillors, not a strong voice to champion initiatives such as those above.

The NSW Government has refused to acknowledge our future financial position once the sale of the units at the Centre of Excellence in Aged Care come on stream post-2020.

To win, we need to stand together as Team Kiama; our rate payers, Council/ councillors and local MP!

Dennis Seage: I feel like we have been king hit.

We were assured time and time again that we would not amalgamate with anyone.

We engaged a professional consultant to correct a few things and he categorically proves that we are indeed Fit For the Future as per the government guidelines.

We were just about to submit that document when out of the blue came the most unwelcome and unfair news we could have expected.

My faith in this state government is now ZERO and although I have voted Liberal all of my adult life, I vow that I will never do so again. The unfair and low tactics used by this state government throughout this whole process were nothing short of disgraceful; certainly well below the belt.

If I were asked to sum up in one word how I felt about this whole expensive experience the word I would use is REPUGNANCE. I now suspect that the Smiling Assassins of this totalitarian regime known as the Baird Liberal Government had us earmarked for amalgamation from day one.

Our areas share a common border, but that’s it.

Both areas have unique beauty and great people, but the requirements of each of the LGAs are different.

It would be like a merger between Switzerland and Italy.

Andrew Sloan:

This is such devastating news.

Residents of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo and surrounds are united in their love of the area, and I am worried that if future decisions are made down in Nowra that the things we love may be lost.

For many years this Kiama Council has fought hard to stop the loss of valuable farmland to urban sprawl.

Perhaps this is the real reason they want Kiama Council gone.

There is certainly no valid technical, governance or Mark Way: economic argument for this Being part merger. It is political. of a strong From now, the best hope Neil Reilly: Kiama Council that Under forced of protecting local democracy is for the State to ‘punches amalgamations, devel- understand that they risk above its losing the seat of Kiama weight’, and having the opers will at the next election if they have fewer support of our local member force Kiama to become the Gareth Ward, you would councillors northern outpost of the think we were immune to to contend with as will the Shoalhaven. amalgamation.

NSW state government.

Our Council staff are first Political agendas work like Kathy Rice: class, look at Kiama, it’s this, the greater the democOn Saturparadise! They deserve to racy, the harder to get your day, many keep their jobs! Having lo- own way. people cal input to our community Sadly, our community will I approachcannot be underestimated. miss out on everything but ed at the A big fish in a small pool the cost.

Gerringong Tax payer’s money will (Kiama) knows its territory Christmas Parade were and a small fish in a big pool fund amalgamations. That’s shocked that amalgamation (Shoalhaven) soon gets $600,000,000 not going to of Kiama and Shoalhaven gobbled up and forgotten! schools and hospitals and was proposed and willingly Our initial response to Fit increased rates will result. signed the petition I was for the Future didn’t satisfy The evidence is that carrying.

Queensland rates have our political masters. The People praised the high risen enormously post their level of service Kiama probean counters should have amalgamations. looked harder at us, rather vides and felt that they got We will have one or than go for the throat! good value for their rates.

Council subsequently two councillors forming They were concerned about employed a consultant who a minority on the larger how insignificant Kiama has compiled a new report Shoalhaven Council. People would be in a merged counthat ticks all the boxes. from Nowra and Ulladulla cil and questioned whether will be deciding the future I’m optimistic we will such a large council would of the Kiama LGA. Have no continue to maintain comremain as a standalone Council. The game’s not doubt, the increased Kiama munity assets and respond over yet. rates will go South. to community concerns in 2

the way that Kiama does.

Shoalhaven’s area is 18 times that of Kiama, and Kiama’s population would comprise 18% of the merged population. One or two Kiama councillors would have little sway in a Council currently dominated by one perspective. We could very easily become overdeveloped.

There is no good evidence for amalgamating Kiama and we must fight this poor decision.

Warren Steel: I really believe we are not dead in the water.

I believe if the community can rally by flooding both the Premier and the Minister’s emails to show that the community is 100% against amalgamation, then with Gareth Ward’s support we can convince the powers that be that we are fit for the future and do not want amalgamation with anyone.

Gavin McClure: It was with great dismay that we learnt that we were deemed to not be fit for the future. This cannot be; however it is essential that we as councillors support our community and fight to stand alone. There is so much for us to lose with very little gain with any merger.

Council needs to work with our consultant to ensure that we rectify the indentified shortcomings from round one of the assessment process of Fit For the Future.

I am very, very confident that we as a united community can clearly prove that we are fit, not just now but into the future.

The next edition of The Bugle in mid-January will give an update on the merger situation

Strong support from the community and consideration in all its dealings with the public as Media Consultant, well as its careful manageKiama Downs ment of development.

It is surprising that NSW Where will the new Blue hasn’t learnt from the Haven project be placed Queensland experience, where that state government in this accretion of political, so-called thought and for forced amalgamations in 2008, leaving communities that matter how will it affect the existing structures? feeling that their identity ‘Blue Haven Care’ – maybe had been stolen.

Five years later, aggrieved ‘Blue Haven Beware’ might be more appropriate. communities like Noosa I am unconvinced that and Mareeba voted to any of this would receive de-amalgamate from much priority in the proposed larger communities so that they could regain their soft shoe shuffle that is masquerading as an amalidentity.

There are obvious paral- gamation.

The face of Jamberoo/ lels between Noosa being Kiama/Gerringong is likely forced into a Greater Sunto undergo significant shine Coast Council, and change, and not for the Kiama being forced into better. the Shoalhaven.

In Queensland the deDarrell Clingan amalgamation votes were Chair of the South Precinct forced by years of agitation Committee, Gerringong and community unrest.

The recent involvement Why go through all this of the South Precinct with pain and dislocation, for Kiama Council regarding an uncertain economic ad- the public land in Fern vantage? Our four regional Street, Gerringong, highlights the importance of councils have already demonstrated that they can having a close relationship with the LOCAL Council. work together construcAny amalgamation with tively to pool resources and reduce costs, without losing the very large Shoalhaven Council area will signifitheir identities. cantly reduce the ability of The NSW Government should leave us alone to get LOCAL communities in the on with the job that Kiama has been doing very well for over 100 years.

Nick Hartgerink

Ian Pullar President of the Kiama/ Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch

I write this in my capacity with the RSL, as a resident of Kiama and as a member of the Council’s advisory Committee on Blue Haven Care.

The RSL has always had significant and sincere support from this Council in all its commemorative endeavours. For 2015 particularly, we were in step for months in order to make the Centenary of Anzac the success it was.

As a resident I have always been impressed with this Council’s efficiency

somewhere else are in charge of our destiny.

The South Precinct will be arguing strongly in the coming months for this decision to be reversed.

Sandra McCarthy Emeritus Mayor, Gerringong

Kiama Council is one of the oldest local government areas in NSW, established three years after the State Parliament. Its formation when neighbouring councils was seen as the governlost their elected councillors ment’s solution to providand were governed by administration.

The World Health Organisation has recognised the Kiama Municipality as a healthy, sustainable and inclusive community with its own identity.

The strong, consistent and independent local governance of Kiama Council is worthy of saving. ing and funding local facili- Al Marsden Kiama ties and services.

The bigger the crowd, the Over 156 years, the smaller the voice. One of Council has governed the strengths of our Council democratically, successfully is that residents are given planning, funding and devthe opportunity to voice eloping a level of quality their opinions. public infrastructure such I doubt the same opportuas The Pavilion, Leisure nity would be available Centre, libraries, commuafter amalgamation. nity halls and Blue Haven We are a major attraction Aged Care. An exemplary because of the amenities level of Council service has that make us a special place. Beautiful clean beaches, parks and playgrounds are our rates at work. Will the uniqueness of our town and villages get the same attention from a much larger organisation?

Our Council is staffed by locals who care about our municipality – let's keep it that way!

No amalgamation!

Cliff Mason Minnamurra Progress Assoc

Whilst the Shoalhaven area may be coastal in nature, that’s where the similarities stop.

The demography of our populations are quite different as is the track record of each council – the performance of Kiama Municipal Council in the timely provision of local services to the community is streets ahead.

The community spirit within Kiama LGA that works with Council is also terrific, and I’m afraid that spirit would be lost with an amalgamated council based in Nowra and focussed on an area 100kms south to Milton/Ulladulla and beyond.

Kiama would become “the pimple on the forehead” of an enlarged, Nowra-centric, council. We seek Gareth Ward’s immediate intervention to prevent this forced amalgamation.

Geoff Boxsell President of Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers & Residents Assoc

Such an amalgamation would certainly see a reduction in representation, and a reduction in access to councillors and Council administration.

Phyl Cowell The percentage of total Gainsborough income raised from areas maintained and enhanced Kiama LGA to discuss in I’ve lived here for 25 years other than rates is higher for our reserves, parks and detail LOCAL issues with and I think Kiama Council Kiama Council than most, foreshores. their elected representais wonderful. We couldn’t if not all, and with amalgaSignificantly, the invest- improve it, so we mustn’t tives. mation we would see the ment in the renewal of The Kiama LGA will lose it. benefits of this lost to the public assets in the past 20 move from having nine Betty Dallimore local community. democratically elected rep- years, and in particular the Blue Haven resident Kiama Council already establishment of income resentatives to a situation Bluehaven has been a very works well with neighbourgenerating business units where Kiama is likely to secure place to live. The ing councils in sharing be just part of the northern such as Blue Haven Care, uncertainty is unsettling.

Ward of Shoalhaven LGA has ensured a strong finan- There is absolutely no need facilities and equipment to the benefit of its ratepayers. cial future for the Council. for the merger. and at the best likely to We need to be mindful have one out of a council of So confident was the NSW of the recent Queensland Government in the financial 12 councillors plus the experience where councils future of Kiama Council, mayor with detailed knowlwere forced to amalgamate edge of the area, its history they invited them to partner and subsequently, because in the Kiama Hospital reand the community. of public pressure, four development, with Council The process that has led shires were permitted to to the recent amalgamation being the major contributor de-amalgamate – a costly with their Centre for Exceldecisions in NSW will be a exercise both ways. lence in Aged Care. blow for LOCAL represenWe strongly support I would like to note tative democracy and will Kiama Council in its Kiama Council has releave the citizens of the endeavour to remain as mained politically stable Kiama LGA even more a separate entity. with the feeling that others, and proudly stood alone 3

All for nought?

Professor Brian Dollery, from the Armidale Centre for Local Government, University of New England, has found no empirical support to back the proposition that amalgamation will improve council performances or financial positions.

He has also said that councils “articulate the needs and desires of local communities and when you merge that disappears straight away. You can’t put a dollar amount on it but it doesn't make it any less real.”

Paul Green, Chair of the Upper House Inquiry into ‘Fit for the Future’ found that many of the NSW Government's Fit for the Future measures were unreliable.

The Inquiry also found that: • the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal did not have the demonstrated skills or capacity to assess the overall fitness of councils • much of the available evidence appears not to support claims of cost savings and efficiency.

Paul Green said, “Given the numerous concerns raised by stakeholders about the costs of amalgamations, the Committee is of the view that the case for amalgamations, and in particular, forced amalgamations, has not been made. The apparent lack of empirical evidence to demonstrate the benefits of amalgamations lends further weight to these concerns.

“Councils play an important role within the local community, especially in regional areas. We note Inquiry participants’ fear that amalgamation of local councils could mean a loss of local identity, community uniqueness and local decision making.

The importance of keeping the ‘local’ in local government is to ensure it remains close to the people it serves.”

The Independent Local Government Review Panel, chaired

by Professor Graham Sansom, reported on the Illawarra Region as follows: • each council appears sustainable for at least the medium term • existing boundaries do not pose significant urban management problems • Kiama has a distinctive rural and coastal setting and 'country town' character, compared to Wollongong and Shellharbour.

On that basis, his Panel considered that closer collaboration through a Joint Organisation would enable a sufficient response to regional challenges for some time to come.

How do we compare to other councils?

Here are some results from the 2014 comparative local government statistics: Average DA processing times • Kiama - 53 days • Shoalhaven - 71 days • Shellharbour - 67 days Domestic waste not going to landfill • Kiama - 62% • Shoalhaven - 49% (no green waster service) • Shellharbour - 52% Satisfaction survey results Every four years, Council has the Illawarra Regional Information Service undertake a community survey.

The most recent survey results revealed residents have a relatively high level of satisfaction (76%) with Council's overall performance, and only a small proportion of residents (3.2%) were dissatisfied with Council's performance. Kiama Council's results when benchmarked against more than 40 other Queensland and NSW councils were near the top.

A previous survey showed that eighty-nine per cent of residents wished Kiama Council to remain independent.

How did we get to this point?

In September 2014 the NSW Government released a ‘Fit for the Future’ reform package for NSW Councils.

Councils were required to provide a submission to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) by June 2015 outlining their ‘roadmap’ to be ‘Fit for the Future’.

Councils were required to show they could meet four criteria by 2019-20: • financial sustainability • service & infrastructure management • efficiency • scale and capacity.

In October 2015, the Government released IPART’s report ‘Assessment of Council Fit for the Future

Uncertain benefits Here are the merger benefits listed by the NSW Government in its proposed merger summary on its Council Boundary Review website, along with our comments: • For four years after the merger, the Government’s policy is that rates will be frozen at existing paths – To be Fit for the Future, Shoalhaven Council is relying on the successful application of a special rate variation from 2017-18 of 21% over two years. If this can not be implemented, then Shoalhaven will not be Fit for the Future by 2019-20 • Greater capacity to manage the infrastructure backlog – Kiama Council already has a low infrastructure backlog • The NSW Government will provide $15 million to meet merger costs and provide a head start on investing in services and infrastructure that savings from the mergers will ultimately support – Mergers have a cost and Council has appointed an independent consultant to estimate the cost impact in relation to any savings

• Savings can support investment in critical

local infrastructure and services and/or be utilised to address rate pressures – The detail on where and how savings are to be made has not been provided • A stronger balance sheet to meet local community needs and priorities, including average annual savings of $3.4million generated by the merger from 2020.

The site also gives the Background: • The Independent Local Government Review Panel did not identify this as a high priority merger, on the basis of a number of factors including that each council appeared sustainable for at least the medium term – Particular comment was made on Kiama’s unique characteristics. It is an active participant in a joint organisations of councils.

• The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal found Kiama Municipal Council as ‘Not Fit’ at 2019-20 – Council’s original proposal indicated it would be fit by 2021-22. It is confident that the measures it is taking in its revised submission will make it Fit by the 2019-20 deadline.

Have your say You might not always be happy with Council’s decisions or the way that it operates, but at least you have the opportunity to get involved and have your views heard.

Local councils are responsible for providing the following services: • Town planning & building assessment • Economic development • Environmental health • Dog & cat management • Pest & weed control • Road construction & maintenance • Footpath construction & maintenance • Street lighting • Rubbish collection • Traffic & parking regulations • Public swimming pools

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Halls Cemeteries Sporting fields, courts & facilities Arts & cultural programs Youth advisory services, programs & activities Coastal care Recycling Tourism information & support Information services Parks, reserves & picnic areas Caravan parks Aged care Festivals & events Food safety inspections.

Which of these would you be happy to have decided on by a mega-council?

If you want to help stop Kiama losing its independence, make your feelings known.

Proposals’. IPART assessed Kiama Council as being ‘not fit’.

The NSW Government gave all councils the opportunity to respond to the IPART report by the 18th November.

We responded and outlined the key points we believe were not considered in the IPART assessment.

We outlined the ways in which we will continue to work towards being ‘Fit for the Future’ and reaffirmed that we will not be considering merger options.

The state government made it clear to Kiama Council that as it met ‘scale and capacity’ it would not be required to merge with adjoining councils.

On December 18th, the NSW Government announced it proposed to merge Kiama and Shoalhaven councils.

Is the ‘not fit’ status justified?

Council was found to be ‘not fit’ overall, despite satisfying the ‘scale and capacity’ ratios – the major requirement of the NSW Government’s overall assessment of ‘fitness’.

Kiama Council also met ‘service and infrastructure management’.

It did not meet all the ‘financial sustainability’ benchmarks or the ‘efficiency’ benchmark.

Despite the IPART findings, Kiama Council believes it remains in a strong and sustainable financial position.

We believe Council is able

to continue to provide assets and infrastructure to the high standard expected by the community.

Council considers that a number of unique and highly relevant circumstances were not fully considered in IPART’s assessment – in particular, the long-term financial benefit the Centre for Excellence in Aged Care will bring to Council.

The assessment failed to recognise that at that point in time, Council was able to show in its submission that it would be able to meet the financial benchmark just two years after the IPART timeframe.

Since the release of the IPART report, Council engaged consultants Morrison Low who identified further efficiencies and savings and determined that we will be Fit for the Future by the IPART timeframe of 2019-20. We will be making every effort to continue to remain as a stand alone entity.

Kiama Council believes its approach to the Fit for the Future reform process was sensible, socially and financially responsible and entirely consistent with the state government’s objectives. We had not relied, like many other Councils, on large rate increases within the next few years.

Council has in place a prudent, sustainable and fully funded 10-year financial plan.

We are confident we have the right plans and processes in place to remain a strong and independent local Council capable of meeting our community’s expectations.

What’s the next step in the process?

There will be a period of consultation that will run over the next two to three months.

Both the Councils and the community will have the opportunity to provide input. Both Councils will continue to operate as normal during this process.

A report will be referred to the Boundaries Review Commission for advice to the Minister for Local Government. The Minister will then make a decision.

Keep in touch with developments at kiama.nsw.gov.au or Council’s facebook page

Sign the Petition which is circulating around town.

Email the NSW Government to voice your concerns: The Premier www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/contact-premier-new-south-wales The Minister for Local Government office@toole.minister.nsw.gov.au Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama Gareth.Ward@parliament.nsw.gov.au Fill in the details below, cut it out and drop it into our collection points across the LGA for us to pass on to the state government. Don’t delay. Collection points: Kiama Council Administration office, Kiama Library and Kiama Leisure Centre.

To: The Premier of NSW, the NSW Minister for Local Government and MP for Kiama As a resident of Kiama LGA, I wish to protest strongly about the NSW Government’s proposal to merge Kiama Council with Shoalhaven City Council.

I am particularly concerned about: Loss of local identity Loss of local decision making Reduction in representation Reduction in service Reduction in maintenance of parks & buildings Potential sale of community assets.

The Kiama Municipality has had a strong local council since 1859, and there is no reason for this to change.

Signed: ……………………………………..

Name: ………………………………………………………...

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Phone number: ………………………………….

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