The Bugle 9 February 2019
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
Warren gets to know Gilmore Warren Mundine freely admits he doesn’t yet know who the Mayor of Kiama is. He knows he has a lot to learn about Gilmore, the Federal seat he was parachuted into by the Prime Minister, but it isn’t a challenge that daunts him. “I have a reputation for being able to do this across Australia by sitting down and listening to people,” he says. “I want to learn how to support the small businesses here, because people always talk about jobs but at the end of the day they are employed by businesses. “How do we help them grow? How do we make them sustainable? What are their issues and their con-
cerns? What infrastructure do we need to create jobs? “I’ve experience starting businesses and schemes in regional Australia. I’m good at spotting opportunities.” The first people he has been talking to are local Liberal Party members, many of whom were put out by their chosen candidate being rejected. “I think even those who have resigned over the issue will still be voting Liberal because their major concern is they don’t want a Bill Shorten prime ministership.” Ann Sudmalis, whose decision not to stand again prompted the candidate uncertainty, has also been giving him guidance in getting to know the electorate.
As reported in the national news, Mr Mundine, a successful businessman and indigenous leader, was headhunted for the marginal seat by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The first Mr Mundine heard of it was when a journalist called him to ask if he’d heard
about the favourable Liberal polling done in the seat and whether he was going to stand. Well over a month later he was invited into the Prime Minister’s office for a chat and it was not until after Christmas that he signalled his willingness to run.
The offer was only firmed up two days before the official announcement was made. “All my friends think I’m bit mad, but I see what the Shorten Labor Party is doing, and that is abandoning the working class.
Shadow Minister has also been invited. Chair of the Group, Mark Croxford, says, “Planning and development matters are constant issues of concern month after month at precinct meetings. “Decision making regarding the future character of the Kiama LGA has been taken away from the community and given to bodies which make decisions on state-wide legislation that
Meet Kiama’s new Show Secretary p3
Labor promises surf club funding p3
Continued on p12
Shining the light on planning policies Ahead of next month’s State election, the State Planning & Development Minister, Anthony Roberts, has agreed to attend a Forum in Kiama focussing on his portfolio. He will join candidates Gareth Ward MP (Lib), Andy Higgins (Labor) and Nina Digiglio (Greens) at the event organised by the Combined Communities Action Group (a coalition of the various Council-supported precinct committees). The
Inside this issue
does not reflect local values. “The Planning & Development Forum will help to raise awareness and understanding amongst Kiama voters about parties’ policies on these matters and what plans they have to give planning controls back to councils and the community.” Details: Thurs 21 February, Kiama Masonic Hall, Collins St, 7pm Meet the candidates: Sitting Member Gareth Ward, Nina Digiglio
Jazz & Blues Festival gearing up p7
Trees misidentified in Minnamurra report p3
(Greens) and Andy Higgins (Labor) at the February JVRRA meeting
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