The Bugle 26 May 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
See what Council plans for 2018/19 The community has until 14 June to have their say on what projects Kiama Council should spend its money on in the next financial year. Council’s new General Manager, Kerry McMurray, says it is an opportunity to put forward new projects, with the understanding the $55 million budget must remain balanced. “If the councillors, through community submissions, deem to put something else in, then something of the same value has to come out.” The draft Operational Plan 2018/9 contains details of the specific services, programs, events, facilities and infrastructure that Council will provide and maintain for the 2018-19 financial year. It is currently on display for public comment, along with the draft Delivery Program 2017/21 which details a broad plan of actions that will be taken to implement the Community Strategic Plan 2017/27. Mr McMurray says the first operational plan under his stewardship is very much ‘steady as we go’. “It has a focus on continuing to meet the seven financial benchmarks for sustainability [Fit for the Future]. “Council has consciously made the decision to put
a lot more money to asset renewal and maintenance rather than new capital. “The community is in a unique position in terms of how much infrastructure is actually provided. “The challenge for the Council is maintaining that infrastructure to the standard that the community expects.” The major new capital works this coming year are the building of the Blue Haven Care Aged Care Facility on the old hospital site, which is being funded by grants and a $60 million loan, and previously budgeted work on the Gerringong Library and Museum complex. Other new projects include: $1 million in preparatory costs for the Spring Creek land development $10,000 for air conditioning the Jamberoo School of Arts Another $223,000 for the Jamberoo Valley Cycleway $20,000 for the BMX track at Minnamurra Quarry $31,100 for water bubblers in eight locations $20,000 for the Arthur Campbell Reserve Over $460,000 for eight new playgrounds (see page 3). The focus on maintenance and renewal includes:
the resealing of at least 74 roads, with over $500,000 in additional money for those yet to be determined almost $1.1 million for the upgrade of amenities at Kevin Walsh Oval in Jamberoo, Surf Beach, Minnamurra and North Werri $200,000 in upgrades and maintenance for Council’s Administration building $500,000 to replace the columns of the Old Council Chamber, which have
concrete cancer $490,000 in IT upgrades. Shoalhaven St resident Peter Stuckey, with the support of the Central Precinct, will be calling for an increase on the $10,000 allocated for pedestrian safety work at the Bong Bong and Shoalhaven Street intersection. “All of the work proposed in the Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan prepared for this corner should be completed in 2018,” he says.
“If Council can justify spending money on water bubblers and other nonessential matters ahead of urgent work on road safety it should check its priorities. “Residents have been requesting Council to undertake these works since 2015. “Delaying works by allocating such a paltry sum cannot be justified.” The Operational Plan includes a 6 per rate variation
Inside this issue New playgrounds pass user test p 3
New tree policy will focus on risk p 3
Continued on page 6
Join in the Red Cross Fun Run Kiama Red Cross is hoping to attract even more people to participate in this year’s Kiama Fun Run, which has quickly become its major fundraiser. “We’ve had great support from locals right from the start, but word is definitely spreading that it is a great reason to come to Kiama on the June long weekend,” says President Judi O’Brien. “There’s a course for all levels of fitness, so we attract everyone from serious runners to family groups out for a stroll along the coast. “It’s a great way to promote Kiama as a destination for healthy activities, while raising much needed funds for the Red Cross.” Competitors can choose to register for a 21.1 km half marathon (a run from Surf Beach to Dunmore and return), or a walk/run for 9 km from Minnamurra or 5 km from Bombo to Surf Beach. “The shorter events are ideal for people wishing to push strollers or bring their dog along on a lead, so it is a real family affair,” says Ms O’Brien. Details: Sun 10 June. Register at kiama.com.au or enquire at the Visitors Centre.
125 years since the train came to town p7
Bombo Headland Landcare anniversary p9
This father and daughter travelled down from Sydney to participate in the increasingly popular event last year