The Bugle 27 February 2016
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
Council endorses a formal poll on merger proposal Kiama councillors have unanimously decided to take the NSW Government’s merger proposal to the people by holding a local referendum on the issue. “The process so far has
Lauris Buckman, Gerringong resident for 51 years, giving a copy of her submission to Gareth Ward MP.
been like something out of an Orwellian novel. We need to introduce an element of democracy,” said Councillor Andrew Sloan, when proposing the motion. “There has been no opportunity for residents of this community to have a say. More than that, the Government had a policy of no forced amalgamations at the last election.” Final approval for the poll is expected to be given soon at a special meeting of Council, once further details of the costs and timing are presented. Less expensive options than the preliminary estimate from the Electoral Commission, if it were to do it, of $120,000 are being investigated. Given the passion on show at the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on 23 February,
Help safeguard the Lloyd Rees Legacy p3
Jazz & Blues coming to town p3
Residents have until 5pm on Sunday 28 February to lodge their submissions using the form online at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au there seems little doubt the expenditure will be approved. Councillor Dennis Seage said while it was a large amount, it represented just $5.21 per resident, and was
well worth spending. “They have forced our hand and we have to do it,” he said. “We need to fight tooth and nail to make sure we keep our independence.” Councillor Gavin McClure
A link with the past closes its doors
Ross and David Simmons
Inside this issue
Saturday 27 of February marks an end of an era for Kiama with the closing of the Simmons family’s hardware store in Terralong Street. The Kiama Supply Co (aka Mitre 10) was founded in 1899, with Ross joining the business in 1975 and brother David in 1980. The brothers sold the extensive property to Kiama Council last year, and have leased it back since then. Council is investigating a number of proposals it has received for future use of the site, including at least one offer to buy it from them. The site is considered pivotal to future planning options.
said while some say the merger is a done deal, that is even more reason to have the poll. “How dare the Government put our community through this?” he said. “They have shown total disregard for our community - what a waste of money, what a waste of time and what a stress to put on the people who live here.” Mayor Brian Petschler said he was concerned about the undemocratic way the process is unfolding. “Whilst I am concerned about the cost, it does seem to me that there is a legitimate right of the people that are going to be most affected by this process, a right that we expect in this country, to have a say in what happens to us. Cont. p4
CMRI organises International Women’s Day event p4
Dementia Friendly initiatives p 6