The Bugle 21 July 2018
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
Blue Haven Bonaira: the vision emerges The groundwork at the old hospital site, necessary to convert it into Blue Haven Bonaira, is virtually at an end and the new structures are rising quickly. Kiama Council is building the $106 million aged care complex, including 59 independent living units and a care home for 134 residents. The whole of the complex is being worked on at once, rather than being staged as first considered. “Since construction started in February, we have had 136 workers on the site, who have racked up more than 24,000 hours of work,” says General Manager Kerry McMurray. “Despite the early June rain there has been no lost time due to weather. Importantly there have been no major injuries either. “Excavation is continuing for the aged care facility but
concrete slabs have already been poured for the independent living units and the community services offices. “So far 10,000 tonnes of rock and soil have been removed from the site with 2,500 tonnes out of a total of 10,000 tonnes of concrete poured.” The structure of the units will be completed within three months, and the care facility by November. “The good news is everything remains on track for completion around September 2019,” says Mayor Mark Honey. The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, recently inspected work on the site, saying it was exciting to see the on-ground results of the NSW Government investment in Blue Haven Bonaira. “I’m very proud to be part of this project that will Continued on page 4
A view of what will be the lower ground level of the independent living units, taken from what will be the ground floor height
Inside this issue Dragon boat racing in Florence p3
Latest on Akuna St p4
Project Engineer Richard O’Gorman gave a guided tour of the site to the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, Mayor Mark Honey and General Manager Kerry McMurray. Also present as special guests were Emeritus Mayor Brian Petschler and former General Manager Michael Forsyth, who initiated the project. More pictures of the site are available on thebugleonline.com
25 years of Jeans for Genes p6
Tourism opportunities identified in new plan Amongst the potential attractions outlined in Council’s new Kiama Tourism Opportunities Plan are making our surf clubhouses into visitor hubs offer restaurants, bars and entertainment; packaging up our area’s walks into a marketable network; encouraging an eco-resort at Jerrara Dam; and even a zipline from Jamberoo to Minnamurra. “This is a big picture document. It is about identifying opportunities so we can activiate them when the need arises. It is looking at all the opportunities we have to increase visitation, increase length of stay and increase spend,” says Destination Kiama Chair Councillor Matt Brown (right). The international bodyboarding event coming The ideas in the plan are based around to Kiama soon fits in with one of the identified Continued on page 5
hero experiences.
Look who’s coming to Folk By The Sea p7