The Bugle
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
25 July 2020
www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au
Shopping centre DA rejected by Council Reasons for the refusal
The long awaited arrival of an ALDI in Kiama has received another setback, with the DA for the $18 million redevelopment of Kiama Fair being knocked back unanimously by councillors after a damning report by planning staff (see box).
Kate Mathewson, the National Portfolio Manager Retail Services for the owner – super fund ISPT, says they are disappointed with the outcome but respect Council’s decision. “We have spent the past two years closely collabo-
rating with Council on the proposal and were surprised at the decision. “We will now need to reconsider our strategy with this asset.” Council’s General Manager Kerry McMurray says the outcome should not have
The detailed report presented by staff records many reasons why the development is ‘unacceptable and must be refused’, including: ▪ a frontage dominated by loading docks, car park, sub-stations and other electricity infrastructure rather than shop fronts and direct pedestrian access arrangements to the centre. Just 22 per cent of the frontage was to be activated by two small shop fronts. ▪ a 39 per cent shortfall in the parking required (another 147 were required) ▪ a range of inconsistencies with the Kiama Development Control Plan ▪ it not being in the public interest due to insufficient setbacks to neighbours, pedestrian access issues, street outcomes, etc. ▪ unresolved engineering outcomes ▪ insufficient information about the likely impacts of the development ▪ lack of information about contamination, waste management, noise mitigation and more, which were needed to make a fully informed assessment.
been a surprise. “There have been multiple issues that have been raised throughout the process and additional information sought. I believe this should
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Inside this issue Next steps to activate clubhouses p3
Transformation at Jamberoo Resort have given them a very clear p 5 indication there were a number of issues that still needed to be addressed. “The owners may still
Continued on p 16
Developer avoids heritage listing The developer of 47 Thomson St in central Kiama has taken advantage of a window of opportunity to demolish the landmark house. The house was effectively destroyed the day before Council was due to meet to give it heritage status. The President of the Kiama & District Historical Society, Sue Eggins, is very disappointed at the outcome, as the Society had lobbied for its heritage value to be recognised.
From the Editor
Staircase for Bombo cliff p 7
“I hope this will be a watershed moment in the protection of heritage in Kiama, so that something good can come of it.” Mayor Mark Honey, whose family built the house and owned it until 1964, is angered by the demolition. “I fully understand the commercial reality. He bought it to develop it, but it is disappointing that this is what has happened. “I respect the right of the
Treatment hopes for spinal cord injury p 11 Reflection on the need for connection p 13
Continued on p10
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