The Bugle 26 January 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
Inside this issue
DA approval for micro abattoir After five years, Gerhard and Maria Baden’s dream of a purpose built micro abattoir to process their Wagyu beef is a step closer, with the DA gaining approval at the January Council Meeting. “It has been a long hard battle,” says Mr Baden. “We’ve overcome all the negatives people have put in front of us. “We have ticked every single box, sometimes twice, and now we have been judged to have met all the Council requirements. “It is on my title that I am legally entitled to build an abattoir on my property. “This approval now sets out the conditions under which it can be done.” The Badens feel the need for their own abattoir due to the stress and cost involved in transporting their cattle long distances to be killed. Their plan is to be able to
walk their beasts from their Rose Valley paddocks into a purpose built 10x10m building for slaughter and storage. Opponents of the proposal are concerned about environmental damage, and have signalled their intention to fight the approval (see box). In the meantime, the Badens are progressing with the detailed work needed to lodge an application for a construction certificate. Barring court action, Mr Baden says the facility could be operational in six months. Mayor Mark Honey says the approval is ‘a fantastic result’, “If we wish to keep green hills around here we’ve got to start looking at ways of keeping farmers on the land. “Diversity and innovation are the only way you are going to achieve it.”
Minnamurra Falls track reopens p3
Gilmore’s new Liberal candidate p3
Decision to be challenged in L&E Court From the start of the process, the abattoir has been strongly opposed by nearby landowners Debra and Ken Sandy. On being contacted for their reaction, they signalled their intention to take the matter to the Land & Environment Court, giving The
Bugle the following statement: “In voting to approve the abattoir, we believe Kiama Council has issued an illegal development consent. Our advice from eminent legal, planning and environmental consultants, is that the abat-
toir is a designated development. Designated developments are those that are likely to generate pollution, or are located in, or near, an environmentally sensitive area. “An abattoir will generate Continued on page 4
Leagues Club offers to be white knight The President of the Leagues Club Board, Steve Willis
Members of Kiama Bowling Club and Leagues Club have been told the Leagues Club is interested in having discussions with the Bowls Club as to how it can help
keep bowls an active sport in Kiama. As reported in the last issue, the Bowling Club is looking for ways to secure its long term viability.
Dennis steps away from the microphone p7
It has had approaches by a number of clubs, and a recent general meeting gave the Board the authority to investigate the various Continued on page 12
Friends of the Minnamurra River call for full EIS p9