The Bugle 16 December 2017
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
Project AIRSHIP returns for summer Following its successful trial last year, an improved version of Kiama’s shark blimp has returned to Surf Beach. With the help of a US$11,000 grant from the Save Our Seas Foundation, and continuing support of Kiama Council and the Department of Primary Industries, PhD student and lifeguard Kye Adams is enthusiastic about continuing his research into the blimp’s effectiveness as a shark spotting and safety device. Project AIRSHIP (Aerial Inflatable Remote Shark Human Interaction Prevention) combines the old technology of helium balloons with the latest in digital technology. “We live stream the footage down to the lifeguards, giving them an extra vantage point to watch for sharks,” he says. “We can also watch for rips and swimmers in distress. “It provides lifeguards with an additional tool to keep people safe.” The improved version for this summer includes a new custom built camera with 10 times zoom and a higher definition screen, as well as being rated for higher wind speeds. “This will mean we can quickly identify what an object is - whether it is a dolphin, seaweed or a shark.” Kye has spent the intervening months analysing the data collected last year, and while the results are yet to be published he says they are very positive. “I spoke at an international conference of marine scientists during the year, and everyone is excited about its potential for managing sharks and other potential hazards.” Kiama’s blimp is shaping up to be a cost effective way to ensure beach safety. “We envisage the roll-out of the program Continued on page 9
Inside this issue World Juniors return p3 Dementia Friendly Kiama celebrated p3 Santa pics a real winner for KDSLSC p4 Kiama putting on a spectacular NYE p7 Adopt a Rubber Duck p9
Kye Adams at Surf Beach with Andy Mole
Golden Valley Rd development The executive of the Jamberoo Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association (JVRRA) is outraged it has only just become aware that the power to make the final decision on the planning proposal to rezone land on Golden Valley Rd from rural to residential is out of Council’s hands. “The intention is to have the Minister bypass Council, which goes against the recommendations of the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel (when it sent it to Gateway),” says JVRRA Secretary Graham Pike. “The Government has chosen to
ignore the recommendations of what we are led to believe is one of its most powerful planning bodies. We can’t understand that. “You have to ask why we didn't find out until this week.” General Manager Michael Forsyth rejects criticisms the news was ‘buried’, saying, “Kiama Council has made a considerable effort to keep the community informed since the planning proposal for Golden Valley Road began in 2016.” Council was informed of the decision in August, and detail of the move and its implications
were included in a Report for Information in the Business Papers of the September Meeting. In addition, the sentence “The Minister has determined not to delegate power to Council to make the final determination of the Planning Process” was included in the Public Notice advertised in this paper in November, and is in a Public Notice in this edition advising of an extension of the submission period. However it seems that the importance of the news did not sink in. The Bugle was able to speak to Continued on page 12
Cathy and Steve wish all of our readers a happy and safe Christmas. We also thank our advertisers for their support during the year. We wouldn’t be here without them. Show them you appreciate it.