The Bugle 18 May 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
Extra incentive to shop locally The Kiama & District Business Chamber has launched a campaign to encourage people to buy their goods and services locally over the quiet winter months. “We think this is a great time to focus people’s attention on the wide range of businesses operating in our area,” says Carter Ferguson’s Cameron McDonald, the Chamber’s Vice President. The Chamber is offering a chance to win $1700 in prize money (1st prize $1000, 2nd $500, 3rd $200) every time a shopper spends $50 or more at a participating business displaying the Think, Shop & Buy Local logo. “Any local business, not just Chamber members, can participate in the campaign and offer their customers the chance to win.” Mr McDonald says shopping local has a multiplier effect across the whole community. “These businesses create local employment, and they and their employees also shop with other local businesses. “The Chamber is all about supporting the local economy. “We are hoping this campaign will give people an extra incentive to support local businesses.
“Without these businesses, we’d just be a dormitory suburb of Shellharbour and Wollongong, and nobody wants that.” The competition runs from now until Sunday 14 July. To make it as easy as possible to enter, customers will write their contact details on their receipts, and leave them with the shop or service provider (after having taken a photo of them, if necessary). So next time you need a haircut, or a gift, or an architect, or a meal out, or flowers, or clothes, or any thing, Think Local. The competition is open to locals and visitors.
Inside this issue Kiama’s Biggest Morning Tea p2
Kiama LGA has 3rd highest median house price p 3
Council extends two exhibition periods p3 Sneak peak at Blue Haven Bonaira p5
Right: The Chamber’s Vice President Cameron McDonald with the owner of Pretty Shores Boutique, Sandi Foley
Kiama rates increase approved The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Kiama Council’s application to increase rates by 16.42 per cent over the next two years. The cumulative increase includes a 9.83 per cent rise from 1 July 2019, followed by a further 6 per cent in-
crease from 1 July 2020. All percentages include the 2.7 per cent rate peg applicable to all NSW councils in 2019/20, and an estimated rate peg for subsequent years. The increase in revenue will be permanently retained in the rate base. “The approval completes a
range of matters that Council has addressed over the past two years, which formed part of our submission to remain as a standalone Council,” says Council’s General Manager, Kerry McMurray. “It ensures that we are able to renew and maintain our community infrastructure to
an acceptable standard and enables Council to meet the performance indicators under the Fit for the Future regime. “Council currently has over $350 million of community assets to renew and maintain to meet community needs and expectations. “The SRV will enable us to Continued on page 4
Show Society looks to future P7