The Bugle 26 September 2015
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
Kiama Arts Precinct edges forward Last week Council decided to proceed to the design stage for the redevelopment of both the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre and the Old Fire Station as the first elements of an arts precinct. This was despite uncertainty over when the ambulance station is to be relocated from its Hindmarsh Park site. With the ambulance and the temporary toilets still in the mix, the design team would be restricted in its options for the Old Fire Station. Given this, The Bugle approached Gareth Ward about the timeframe for the promise he made earlier in the year to move the ambulance. He confirmed the service will be relocated within a set period. “There was a $5 million commitment made
during the election campaign, and the Kiama Ambulance Station relocation and upgrade will be delivered during this term,” he said. This is good news for people who are becoming disheartened at the slow pace of the process to give Kiama much needed arts space. In May 2014 architects BHI assessed the suitability of various locations around Kiama to house a Kiama Arts Centre. Ideally, the Centre would not only have galleries, but artist studios, teaching areas, and all the auxiliary facilities. The site analysis showed that these facilities and more could be incorporated into the Hindmarsh Park precinct. Cultural Board chairman
Debate over DA for leased land p 3
Kiama impresses visiting kneeboarders p4
Mark Wilmott says he is pleased Council has budgeted to move ahead with drawing up plans.
“We can’t apply for funding until we have the plans for the sites, so the sooner we start the better.”
Jamie Cole is one of four artists currently showing their work at the Old Fire Station. He is very keen for the arts precinct to eventuate.
Iluka Reserve: partial sell-off to result in upgraded park To the surprise of many Kiama Downs residents, Kiama Council resolved at its September meeting to proceed with a planning proposal to sell off up to nine residential lots on the northern, higher third of Iluka Reserve. “There has been no consultation up until now,” says a resident whose property adjoins the proposed development. “Nobody saw it as a possibility given it is covering landfill.” He believes the park has been deliberately neglected in preparation for this move. Following unanimous endorsement by the councillors, the planning proposal is now to go to the State Government for a Gateway determination, since some of the land needs to be rezoned and the whole parcel needs reclassification
Inside this issue
before it can be sold. If approved, the proposal will then be subject to public consultation. Further community input will be sought when a DA for subdivision is eventually lodged. Council considers the Reserve, on the eastern side of Riverside Drive, just north of the roundabout, to be underutilised. The intention is to use some of the funds raised from the sale of the land to ‘embellish’ the remaining open space. It is proposed that the community be involved in considering the various recreational options and preferences. Councillor Kathy Rice, who lives in the area, agrees that many people seem to have been unaware that the idea had been mooted. “It seems to be a long way down the track before the community gets formally
involved,” she says. “The people I have spoken to have generally welcomed the opportunity to get an upgraded park, although I understand that those living next to the new blocks would prefer things to stay the way they are.” Like the land adjacent to the Uniting Church in Fern St, Gerringong, the site was first flagged by Council as a possibility for sale in the first half of 2014. In contrast, the people of Gerringong certainly knew about the possible sell-off, with a 3000 signature petition against the move being presented to Council and a strong turn out at the Public Access Committee prior to the decision being made. In that case, where only two blocks were proposed for sale, Councillors decided not to proceed with the proposal (see page 4).
Councillor Mark Way said at the meeting that he thought the proposal was an excellent outcome. “A lot of people have been asking me what we are going to do with that land for a long time,” he said. “This will make it an asset for all of Kiama Downs.” With the completion of Elambra Estate, Council has no more ‘green field’ sites to provide an ongoing revenue stream. For some time, the Revenue Sub-Committee has been assessing which Council-owned land could be considered for sale, given lack of significant active community use and/or environmental values. The extra income will assist Council in meeting the new Fit for the Future guidelines that are being imposed on all local government areas in NSW.
Nominate people for recognition p 4 New lifeguard season p8
Major concert coming to town p8