The Bugle 2 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
Residents call for overdue traffic safety measures Two years after they first raised safety concerns with Council about their busy intersection, a group of residents of Bong Bong and Shoalhaven Streets are welcoming the news that something is finally to be done. The November Council meeting endorsed a motion from the Central Precinct, which had taken on the residents’ concerns, to allocate the $8000 needed for an initial traffic management study and include money for the recommended works in the budget. This is expected to happen in the February budget review. “With the opening of the expressway entrance in Bland St and the construction work in Manning St, our two streets have turned into a rat run,” says Shoalhaven St resident Peter Stuckey.
“They are particularly busy between 6 and 9am, and 3 til 5pm, which coincides with peak pedestrian time when the streets are being used by students and commuters. “These problems will increase with the high density commercial and residential developments planned for this area.” While minor accidents occur frequently due to the gradient of the streets and the width of the roads, local residents fear it is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs. They are particularly concerned for the school children crossing the wide street with no refuge island. Parents The Bugle spoke to said there was no way they would let their children cross on their own. “With cars parked on the
David Fuller and sons Nicholas and Alexander have seen three accidents on the corner this year on the way home from school
Inside this issue Rates increase roadshow p3
Collins St lights p3
side of the street, it is even difficult for me to be sure it is safe to cross,” said one. “The cars make big sweeping turns without being able to see we are there.” Traffic monitoring undertaken by Council in April 2016 found more than 50 per cent of traffic exceeded the speed limit. Residents had been frustrated that the matter had been completely stalled since Council found out in April this year that it was unsuccessful in obtaining RMS funding for the initial traffic management plan. “We are relieved that this situation is finally going to get the attention it deserves,” says Mr Stuckey. “We are very keen for the works to be implemented as soon as a plan is devised. “It can’t wait any longer.”
Public meeting on Gerringong bank options With the ANZ set to close the only bank branch in Gerringong at the end of January, Bendigo Bank is emerging as a possible candidate to provide banking services to the growing area. With the support of the South Precinct committee and the councillors at its last meeting, Shane Douglas, General Manager of the Park Ridge Retreat and a Director of the Kiama & District Business Chamber, has been investigating the possibility of Bendigo Bank opening a facility in the township. “People can’t believe that a town of this size can’t support a bank branch,” he says. “No-one is disputing that a lot of business and personal banking is done on the internet now, but there are some times you need a branch. “Gerringong has been caught up in ANZ’s corporate strategy, where it is closing 140 regional branches, and nothing we say will change that.” Continued on page 8
Energy pledges to make real difference p3
Jemma joins Showgirl competition p9
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