Austalia Day flyover
Community survey results p2
Have your say on the Harbour p3
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Take up the Undie challenge
End of era in Bong Bong St
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23 JAN 2021
Fund launched to fight sandmining approval Friends of Minnamurra River Inc (FOMR) has launched a Go Fund Me page to raise $25,000 to fight the decision to allow sandmining on land around Dunmore House. In November, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approved Boral’s application to modify its sandmining operations at Dunmore, by opening two new pits across the highway. FOMR says the approval was based mainly on economic grounds, given the demand for high quality sand by the construction industry. “We are considering a number of options to challenge the IPC decision, and have still to decide which direction we will take,” says FOMR Chair, Will Chyra. “The intent is to get the decision overturned, and as a result Boral would have to ultimately apply for a new development application and go through the current, tightened environmental legislation.” As the expansion proposal was a modification of its original DA, it was assessed under the environmental legislation that applied in 1998. “Even the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment concedes that the sand mines will destroy the local environment, and yet this destruction of landscapes many thousands of years old is for mines that will have a life of only three
to four years,” says Mr Chyra. At its December Meeting, Kiama Council resolved to write to the Federal Minister of Environment, Sussan Ley to outline its concern that there may be a potential breach to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in relation to the approvals granted. Both Kiama and Shellharbour Councils opposed the modification proposal, as did the Member for Kiama Gareth Ward. Approached for comment, a spokesperson for Boral said, “The decision relied on thorough and rigorous studies on the proposal as compiled by experienced and qualified experts, having regard to relevant state and local government assessment criteria, and environmental protection controls. “Boral’s strong track record in responsible environmental management of our operations at Dunmore will continue via a series of management plans stipulated in the conditions of consent. “We acknowledge concerns raised by the community during the assessment and appreciate this feedback. “We will continue to work with the community to ensure we meet or exceed all of our planning conditions, as we have for many years at our existing operations.” A week in, $6,500 has already been raised.
Hunt begins for new GM The process for recruiting a new General Manager for Kiama Council has begun, following the resignation of Kerry McMurray, effective from Monday 18 January. The announcement brings to an end uncertainty that has existed since an Extraordinary Meeting was held in December to discuss a confidential staff matter. “The role of Acting GM will be filled by Council’s existing leadership team, whilst the recruitment process for a new GM is undertaken,” says Mayor Mark Honey. “Jessica Rippon [Director
Environmental Services] is currently Acting GM and will remain in the role for now. “Mike Dowd [Director Engineering and Works] will also undertake the role for a period in the future.” Mr McMurray was appointed General Manager of Council and CEO of Blue Haven on 10 April 2018, having previously held the role as the Director Corporate and Commercial Services. His taking on the initial role coincided with the announcement of the proposed merger with Shoalhaven City Council.
“Mr McMurray was instrumental in leading Council’s response including organising the merger plebiscite which resulted in 96 per cent of our community voting ‘No’ to the merger,” says Mayor Honey. “Kerry played a key role preparing Council’s submission to demonstrate Council could meet the seven ‘Fit for Future’ benchmarks.” Kerry came to Council with over 30 years’ experience in senior management roles in local government including Jessica Rippon, Council’s the locum General Manager Acting General Manager continued on p12