The Bugle 3 June 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
Inside this issue
Kiama Farmers’ Market first to go plastic free One of the group’s driving forces, Camilla Kerr-Ruston, says she couldn’t be happier at the way the community has come together to make Kiama Boomerang Bags a success in such a short time. “People really want to make this happen. We live in a beautiful part of the world and we need to do our bit to reduce the damage that is being done to the environment by plastic. “Together we can make a tangible difference.” Apart from its free bags to borrow, the group has developed some items to sell to make its ongoing work selffunding. These include
smaller produce bags, market bags and beeswax cloth (to use instead of clingwrap). All of these will be available to buy at the Market, in an on-going partnership. Tricia Ashelford, the Market’s Manager, says its waterfront location is a constant reminder of the importance of keeping plastic out of the oceans. “We’ve all seen the dreadful damage plastic can do to birds and sea animals, and there is a cumulative effect as it never breaks down. “Our stallholders have embraced the idea.” Deputy Mayor Kathy Rice says the partnership is a
Panel over-rides Council’s Golden Valley Rd decision The Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel has released its decision that the planning proposal to rezone land in Golden Valley Rd in Jamberoo to residential should proceed for a Gateway determination. The Panel said the proposal demonstrated strategic and site specific merit. The Panel’s review was initiated by the landholders, Branko and Tiana Simicic, following Council’s decision to reject their proposal to rezone a 4.6ha block on the eastern outskirts of Jamberoo from RU2 (Rural Landscape) to R2 (Low Density Residential). The proposal will now go to the Department of Planning & Environment, who will assess the proposal on its merits, and decide if Gateway determination should be issued.
Kiama shark project attracting attention p3 Photo: Rebecca Rosconi
The fulfilment of a long held ambition by the Kiama Farmers’ Market to go plastic and polystyrene free will be the focus this year’s local World Environment Day commemorations. The initiative has been made possible with the support of Kiama Council and the enthusiasm of the new Kiama Boomerang Bags group, which will be supplying their ‘borrow and bring back’ bags to shoppers who need one. In record time, the group has made over 750 bags, from donated waste fabric. They hope to have 1000 made by the launch date.
Plenty to do this long weekend p2
One of the distinctive bags you’ll be seeing around town
fantastic initiative, which will see around 800 fewer plastic bags being used at Mayor Mark Honey, one of the eight the Market every week. councillors who voted to reject the proposal, “I congratulate everyone says he was not surprised by the outcome. from the Kiama Famers’ “They strongly related their decision back Market and the Council staff to the Kiama Urban Strategy which has who have worked to make identified the land for future subdivision. this possible,” Councillor “Emotion doesn’t play a big part in a lot Rice said. of these decisions. It is a case that needs to “This once again shows be argued under planning laws. how innovative our commu“When I first got on Council I asked plannity can be when it comes to ning staff: can I reject something because solving problems to do with I don’t like it? They said no. You have to litter and managing waste.” have a clear planning reason to reject it.” Waste Management OffiIf a Gateway Determination is made by cer, Josephine St John says, the Department, Council is likely to take on “We’ve also been able to the role of the Relevant Planning Authority. help stall holders prepare for In this role, it will consult with the public, going plastic bag and styroContinued on page 3 foam free, by identifying
packaging companies that supply compostable packaging such as take away containers and coffee cups.” Council says it will evaluate the initiative before considering whether to extend it elsewhere. Details: The initiative will be launched by Cllr Rice at the Market on Weds 7 June, at 1.45pm. Bags available for borrowing or purchase on the day, and at future markets. The Kiama Farmers’ Market is held at the park at Surf Beach every Wednesday, from 2-5pm.
Friends win Queen Scout Award p6 Raising awareness of heart disease among women p7
Wear a heart this June