The Innovation Magazine November 2018

BUILDING

R E N O V AT I N G

LIFESTYLE

EDITION 12 NOVEMBER 2018 Your only locally owned and produced Snowy Monaro Region Building Magazine

IT’S ALL HERE FOR HOME AND GARDEN

COOMA & Styling your home with beautiful decor!

Fall in love with new seasons trends.

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Photo: Squatters Arms

C O N T E N T S P 4: History for sale: ‘Springwell’

T H E I N N O VA T I O N T E A M . . . .

Editorial:

Elle Mackintosh Eliza Murdoch Sam Tonks

Gail Eastaway Robin Daley Trista Parker

P 12: Canadian log cabin in the Snowies

Sales:

Tracy Frazer Cori Isele

Naomi Bruce

P 16: Restoring the ‘Squatters Arms’

Production:

Jess Plumridge James Hanna

Pippa Lewis

P 30: Avonside Alpine Estate

Accounts:

Louise Platts

P 8: Property investors under 30

Monaro Media Group, producers of the Snowy Monaro Region’s only independently owned and produced newspaper, The Monaro Post, is proud to bring to you their 12th publication of their annual “Innovation” magazine. Innovation has been established to help you with all your building, renovating and lifestyle requirements. Please enjoy edition 12 of Innovation – a guide to all your building, renovation and lifestyle needs across our region.

Front page photo ‘Springwell’ is courtesy of Luton Properties. For more information on ‘Springwell’ see pages 4 and 5.

59 Vale St, Cooma • Ph: (02) 6452 03 0313 3 www.monaropost.com.au

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

“Springwell” Circa 1896-1907

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5

E DITION 12, 2018

On arrival the long winding tree lined driveway offers glimpses of quality Angus cattle grazing the propery’s rich basalt pasture paddocks leading to mature parkland gardens. On first sight of the stately home, two bedroom renovated cottage and historic sheds and out-buildings visitors immediately get a sense of history and grandeur of times gone by.

The huge sweeping verandah offers views of Cooma’s famed hills “The Brothers� and leads you into this beautifully and lovingly restored elegant home, drawing you further into the history and atmosphere of its early pastoral origins that make this one of the region’s most well-known homes.

Grazier James Litchfield built at Springwell in 1858 and it was one of the Monaro’s early selections.

James Litchfield left Springwell in 1883 to reside on Hazeldean and in 1891, he divided his properties amongst his sons, handing Springwell to OC Litchfield.

The homestead was first constructed in 1896 and completed in 1907 to the design of GD Cochran.

Believed to have been built by Cooma builder Arthur Mason, the bricks themselves were made on site.

The building has quality late Victorian architectural detailing and is set in a pleasant garden with mature plantings. It is representative of substantial Monaro homesteads built at the end of the Victorian period.

SELLING AGENTS

Situated in a commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside this gracious home has garden and rural vistas. It has changed hands only once out of the original settler’s family when it was purchased by the current owners who spent three years on a major project to restore this beautiful seven bedroom, three bathroom home to its original splendour.

The hallway, which resembles the length and width of a cricket pitch, stretches past the formal lounge and dining rooms and draws the guest through to the former billiard room while the glorious master bedroom is across the hall and overlooks the garden. All of the entertaining rooms have grand open fireplaces as do most of the bedrooms while a three phase reverse cycle system ensures year round comfort to the main living areas of the house.

Superbly located 15km south of Cooma, 75 minutes to Canberra or 1.5 hours to the snow fields or the coast. “Springwell� could be the answer to your dreams.

This stately historic home with 26 rooms has far too many features to list and only an inspection can convey the past history and immense potential this home and property have for the future.

BUILD

Proudly

Andrew Campbell E: andrew.campbell@luton.com.au M: 0429 123 423

Rex Purcell E: rex.purcell@luton.com.au M: 0411 781 863

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

Get things growing with

Does your garden need some tender loving care? Are you passionate about reducing waste? Coompost may be the answer.

During the first 12 months of operation, Snowy Monaro Regional Council was able to divert around 696 tonnes of food and garden waste to the “Coompost Farm” for processing. The Coompost is available for purchase to use on your gardens for healthy, strong plants.

What is Compost?

Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as fertilizer and/or soil conditioner. At the simplest level composting simply requires taking a heap of organic material and waiting for it to breakdown into humus after a matter of weeks.

Modern methodical composting is a multi-step process, which includes certain measures such as input of water, air and nitrogen and carbon rich materials. These are decomposed by the aid of regular turning and watering with an Aeromaster turner.

Council wants to ensure that set goals are achieved for future generations and to enable community sustainability by keeping food and garden organics (FOGO) waste out of our landfills. Council is producing a local resource that can be used by gardeners, food growers and for other community assets such as parks and community gardens.

Council will continue to educate and engage with the community so we can work together to help the environment and to improve the fertility and health of our local soils.

Council’s Coompost is also currently being used as part of a three-year scientific trial to help improve soil fertility and carbon levels to assist with combating noxious weeds such as African Lovegrass.

Making Compost Currently compost manufacturing is undertaken at the Cooma Landfill where kerbside and dropped off FOGO are placed into rows approximately 100 metres long. This material is combined with manure, other organic materials and water which then undertakes a 10 to 12 week processing (cooking) period where the rows of material reach temperatures in excess on 60°C to ensure that all pathogens, seeds etc. are eliminated.

The material is turned on a regular basis to aid in the composting process.

All compost is closely monitored with temperature, nitrogen and carbon dioxide measurements taken regularly.

The final product is then screened to remove any contaminants and larger particles that have not yet broken down. This material is then returned to a new row to continue to breaking down process.

vogue

Evaluation By having a viable composting operation at the Cooma Landfill this provides many advantages both economically and environmentally. It utilises existing stockpiles of FOGO, which substantially reduces the amount of organic material going to landfills.

Council’s ongoing plan is to educate residents to adopt a more sustainable way of waste management, this is a key priority for diverting waste from landfill.

Whilst waste management is not only a local issue, Council is committed to providing best practice services to our communities and will be working with and encouraging residents to actively participate in waste avoidance and in particular keeping food and garden waste out of our landfills.

John Crisp Builder

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ONE AGENCY …We’re moving with the times …

After 14 years of negotiating sales in the region Craig is a proud owner of ONE AGENCY CRAIG SCHOFIELD. Craig’s experience in negotiating sales and his knowledge of the area, as he was born and bred in the Cooma region will go a long way in building a better and personalised client relationship.

“I get great satisfaction from matching people with property and ensuring every party achieves an optimal result and I will go the extra distance to deliver these results. I also enjoy building long- term relationships and making clients feel relaxed and confident throughout the sales process.”

There are many advantages to dealing with ONE AGENCY. We are not a franchise as each independent offices work as a network. The ONE AGENCY ethos is all about ONE on ONE personal service Out Standing Results

We are able to achieve outstanding results our fresh thinking sets us apart from the competition. We devote more time and attention to our clients.

Marketing

ONE AGENCY will tailor a marketing program that best suits your style of property. Our marketing material is clever, refreshing and contemporary.

It has been designed to be striking and memorable so that your property will stand out from the competition.

Innovation

ONE AGENCY has moved with the times and our focus on innovation has set a new bench mark for the real estate industry as recognised by the Real Estate Institute of NSW. We recognise the vitally important role that technology plays in today’s real estate market.

Property Management

ONE AGENCY, Craig Schofield is not just focused on sales, we are passionate about property

management and that is where Glenda and Jodi can help you.

We’re committed to maximising the return on your investment, minimising vacancies and providing accurate rental appraisals and ongoing rental reviews.

We source the very best fully reference-checked tenants and work hard to forge close ties with them to ensure they treat your property with the respect it deserves. You can expect regular feedback and reporting from us as well as targeted, cost-effective marketing of your property through a selection of mediums such as web, print and signage.

P: 02 6452 6121 | M: 0414 865 922 E: craigschofield@oneagency.com.au | W: oneagency.com.au 45 Vale Street, Cooma, NSW 2630, Australia

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YOUNG INVESTORS

The under-30 couple who own six properties Owning six properties under the age of 30, newly married couple Luke Tozer and Brittany Jackson are hoping to set themselves up for early retirement.

At just 28 years old, Luke and Brittany have celebrated a big year. Getting married in April, they also purchased two new properties and sold a vacant block of land.

Brittany bought her first property when she was just 19 years old.

“I had recently received a pay rise at my job, taking me to $10 an hour,” says Brittany.

“The first home buyers grant was also really good then, it had doubled from $7,000 to $14,000. I thought I should take advantage of that, thinking it was probably my best chance to get into the market.”

Living at home, with her parents and four siblings, Brittany was ready to find a space of her own. Without a car, it also meant she had a healthy savings account prepared for her deposit on a small unit in the centre of Jindabyne.

Living in the flat for six months, Brittany decided to rent it out for one winter season.

“I managed to find a tenant who was really reliable and helpful, so they just stayed, and it became an investment property.”

Luke bought his first house at 21 years old.

“I was also living at home with my parents and was looking to buy myself a place I could move into,” says Luke.

“After I had paid off my new car as fast as I could, I was able to build up my savings fairly quickly as I continued to put aside the same amount as the repayments after the car was paid off.

“I had some friends who were renting a property that came up for sale. I thought it was a good idea to get that one because I knew I would be getting good tenants. I planned on moving into it once they left, but they never did.”

Three years later Luke bought his second property in Cooma, and Brittany bought a vacant block in Berridale in 2015. This

was the year Brittany and Luke met. Their common interest in real estate fuelled the spark between them.

Both had good savings and it wasn’t long before they purchased their first property together in Cooma where they did a full renovation.

“As we got into the project, we became more interested in the design elements of renovating a house. We definitely learnt a lot from that experience and the whole renovation took 12 months.”

Newly engaged, Brittany and Luke started thinking seriously about their future, realising they may need a bigger property if they decided to have a family. So they bought another larger home in Cooma, which is now tenanted.

Shortly afterwards they sold Brittany’s vacant block in Berridale.

“The market had really shot up in Berridale because of the Snowy 2.0, and after going through such a big renovation, we didn’t feel up to building a house from the ground,” said Brittany.

By this time, Luke was in his third year working as a property manager at Fergusson Real Estate. His job helped him to develop a working knowledge of the rental market, what people are looking for in a rental and the changing trends. He noticed a need for modernised properties in the market and showing some parties their newly renovated house, they were able to achieve a strong rental return for their investment and efforts.

Moving back into Luke’s parents, it was not long before the couple found the need to buy another property to move in to.

This brought their property portfolio to six. Brittany and Luke say the current Cooma market provides lower house values, with strong rental yields, making it a good environment for investing.

So what tips do these two investors have for those who wish to get into the market?

• Get together as big a deposit as possible. The less you can borrow from the bank, the better. This will also mean you can avoid taking out mortgage insurance, which is a large and unnecessary expense.

• Learn to go without. You don’t need to own the latest iPhone, you don’t need expensive furniture, and you don’t need a brand new car. Be mindful of where you spend your money.

• Save, save, save. Pick up second jobs and do whatever you can to get those savings growing.

• Decide what you need in a property. Do you need lots of space for a family, or do you just need space for yourself? Research the area and the market and where possible, find someone who has lived in the property to find out all the details you can.

• Shop around for your home loan, and know exactly what you are signing. If you are going with a fixed loan, know what the fixed rate is, for how long and what the break fees are if you want to pay it off quicker.

• If you are buying an investment, crunch the numbers.

Make sure you will have enough return through rental yields to cover your mortgage and maintenance costs.

• Be prepared for maintenance. You never know what will need repairing in the future, and with rental properties, there will always be something.

• Understand the risks involved and always go with a good real estate agent.

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n e d r ls a G goa

E DITION 12, 2018

DIY with Mitre 10

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How to build a vertical garden

Vertical gardens can add a flourishing, living garden to even the smallest of outdoor areas and a range of different plants, flowers or herbs can be used.

These steps will guide you in making your own vertical garden from guttering, but you can use purposebuilt pots, old pallets, or other recyclable items - get creative!

STEP 1: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Glue the gutter ends to the gutter with the PVC glue. Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom of the gutter. Depending on the colour of guttering that you want, you can choose to paint the gutter at this stage. Make sure you use a weatherproof paint, drop into your local Mitre 10 for advice on colours and the best paint to choose.

STEP 2: MOUNT THE GUTTERING First, check the fence or wall you have chosen has the weight capacity to hold the guttering. Measure the length of the guttering and transfer this measurement to the wall for the placement of the brackets. Mark the drill locations with a pencil and use a spirit level to ensure the line is straight.

Drill in your brackets and mount your guttering to the brackets.

potting mix. You can space the plants as close or far apart as you like. Give them a good watering until the water is dripping through the drainage holes.

STEP 4: ENJOY YOUR VERTICAL GARDEN Your vertical garden is complete! Don’t forget to regularly water and care for your plants to ensure you have a lush wall garden.

STEP 3: PLANTING Fill the guttering about three quarters of the way with potting mix and make sure it’s evenly spread. Plant your plants and make sure the roots are dug well into the

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

Slice of Canada in Jindabyne

A true Canadian log cabin has appeared on a hill near Jindabyne. With spectacular views and beautiful Western Red Cedar logs, it is a sight to behold.

Local builders, Absolute Constructions are busy constructing a log home near Jindabyne.

The logs for the structure have been specially imported from Canada.

The builder, Phil Johnson, said the house was actually built in Canada first, treated for insects then disassembled and shipped in three large containers to Jindabyne.

“It took about three to four months to arrive in Australia. Monaro Freight brought it from Sydney to Jindabyne where it is being built now.

“We needed a big crane to lift the components from the truck.

“Two Canadians came out to Australia to help us erect the

frame which took three days.”

The log home company in Canada, Log Homes Canada is a family owned and operated business. It started with one man building his personal home in the back woods of British Columbia and has become a family of individuals with a passion to create log homes for any location around the world. Today Log Homes Canada has created a reputation of unsurpassed quality and is recognized world-wide for crafting some of the best log homes from native Western Red Cedar.

“The components of the house are all numbered so it makes it easier to reconstruct. Each log is between 300 to 500mm in diameter,” said Phil.

Western Red Cedar has many useful properties for house owners. Its fire-hazard properties far exceed minimum building code requirements. Its open cellular structure helps absorb and dissipate sound energy making it effective in confining noise. It has been acknowledged as the ultimate sustainable building product and its thermal qualities is both practical and eco-friendly. Its low density makes it the best insulator of any available softwood.

Phil says he has thoroughly enjoyed the experience and challenge of building this home.

It is unlike anything he has done before and he says he would do it again in a heart beat.

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

Keeping up with the interior trends for 2019 Louise Lynch at Your House Cooma talks us through the best of this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trends.

BACK TO NATURE

Natural fibres are having a major comeback. Our local Merino farmers will be happy to hear there is a resurgence of woollen products on the shelves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This leads into texture, which is continuing from last season,â&#x20AC;? Louise said.

Natural fibres such as wool and cotton are joined by Australian native flora on the it-list.

Natives such as gum and proteas feature heavily in decorative flowers and even this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas decorations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a nice trend really,â&#x20AC;? Louise said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instead of following America all the time, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking the lead and making it our own.â&#x20AC;?

Cow hide remains a popular choice for furnishings, cushions and accessories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But, there is still a call for synthetics because of price point,â&#x20AC;? Louise said.

Following on from winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trend of furs, summer 2019 will see natural texture in cushions and throws.

YOUR 2019 PALETTE

The colour palette for 2019 is veering away from bright colours towards soft, almost feminine hues.

The palette for hardware (tiles, carpets, wall colour) is moving from beige towards greys. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a neutral palette, but the base colour is grey rather than cream. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adding colour through accessories such as cushions, throws, rugs and artwork allows you to bring colour to a room without going too crazy,â&#x20AC;? Louise said.

MAKE IT YOURS

Unique accent pieces, such as funky chairs, colourful ottomans and lamps can make a room stand out and add vibrancy. Show your personality and style by choosing a hero piece to complete a space.

Cane furniture is having a comeback, particularly in coastal areas. The 70s style pieces are being revamped to suit a modern taste.

On the Monaro, recycled timbers work well with many interior styles. Louise stocks mostly recycled elm and said a natural look with no stain adds character. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each piece of recycled timber is unique,â&#x20AC;? she said.

BRING A SPACE TO LIFE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indoor plants are huge at the moment,â&#x20AC;? Louise said.

People who are time poor and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want a living plant can find many great fake alternatives - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hardly know the difference!

Hanging ferns and baskets are a great way to bring the outdoors in. Choose a fabulous soft fern, or save the hassle and buy a convincing artificial version. There are so many beautiful pots available - another great way to add colour to a room.

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E DITION 12, 2018

LOVE your new home Salvestro Developments is making dreams come true for local families.

The company handed over the keys to another happy family in Cooma this week and everyone is delighted with the finished product.

Two years ago Salvestro Developments became part of the Independent Builders Network (IBN) bringing 120+ plans and fixed price contracts to the Snowy Monaro region. Since this time Ricky and his team have been busy building new homes for families across the areas.

“It’s been great’, says Ricky.

“We introduced the option on the back of demand from clients – everyone was wanting plans so we looked at how we could deliver this and the IBN was a great fit with 120+ plans, fixed price contracts and finance options.

“One of our clients, a young couple with a small family, said they never dreamt that their first home would be a brand new one but with the plans we were able to make it a reality – I don’t think they can still believe it happened.”

One of the biggest barriers to building a new home is that people are often scared about the costs and cost blow-outs but the fixed price contracts offered

by Salvestro Developments sort out any grey areas and give people the confidence to go into it knowing they can afford the build.

Another new home that Salvestro Developments has just completed started out with one of the plans but the couple made plenty of adjustments to suit their lifestyle and make it unique.

“We’re always really happy to work with people to

make any alterations and modifications that they want,” says Ricky.

“We’re upfront about the costs of any changes and really understand that they want to make it their own and put their stamp on it.”

This recent project included additions like a custom wine cabinet, inclusion of a sink in the butler’s pantry, a stand-alone bath, granite benchtops and polished concrete floors - it is a beautiful home and we are all really happy with the finished product.

Ricky explored a number of options before discovering IBN. “From the beginning I have been impressed with the quality of the homes and finishes. I also felt that with 120 different plans and 60 facades that there would be homes that would suit pretty much everyone.”

The process is very easy, people can arrange a time to talk to Ricky about what they want in their new home and he will bring up the floor plans and facades online. When you’ve decided which one you’re interested in, he can give you a comprehensive quote on the spot.

Salvestro Developments has more than 25 years of experience and is still available for commercial work, renovations, new homes, vinyl cladding and asbestos removal as well as the new IBN homes.

Call Ricky today on 0404 094 161 to talk about your building project or visit our website www. salvestrodevelopments.com.au

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A new life for an iconic home

The Squatters Arms at Bunyan is in the throes of being renovated. New owners Raelene Forbes and Marshall Sanderson took over ownership of the building in September 5, this year.

Raelene was offered a job in Cooma so the family moved from the Hunter Valley to the Monaro.

“At first we looked in Jindabyne for a house to buy but after many attempts to secure a house we gave up and turned to Cooma. We had seen the Squatters Arms as we drove through to Cooma and knew it was for sale but it was not on our radar,” Marshall said.

“After a few attempts to buy a house in Cooma we came back to Bunyan and on looking at the Squatters Arms we fell in love with it.”

“However, we took a week or more mulling over whether to buy it or not.

“I have been carrying out a lot of research about the house and Chris Batten from the Cooma Historical Society has been a great help with the history of it,” Marshall said.

“I believe it has had four period changes or renovations in its life. “ Presently the house is being made liveable for Raelene and Marshall and their two young boys, Sam and Flynn. There is an electrician working on the powerpoints and the lighting, a carpenter repairing the beautiful hardwood floors and Marshall is working hard to bring the house up to standard.

The pair hope to move into the house in about a month but Marshall said the project to fully renovate was a five-year project.

“The house has been empty for about three years so it does need a lot of work,” Marshall said.

“The iron sheets on the roof are unique these days. The only

other building I have seen in Cooma with a roof like ours is the Raglan Gallery in Lambie Street.

“The property is on six acres of freehold and 20 acres of crown land, so we will decide how to use that land.”

Talking about the renovation of the wood flooring, Marshall said a bloke in his 70s, local builder, Tom Brown has done a great job on the hardwood flooring.

“He has flattened out all the peaks and troughs of the original timber which is 170-years-old.

“The renovations will cost a lot of money but it will be worth it in the end.”

Renovators can often come across unpredicted surprises that set them back in time and money.

Marshall and Raelene went into renovating the Squatters Arms with their eyes open but ready to cope with any unexpected issues.

WALKER GIBBS & KING HONESTY

EXPERIENCE

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Buying your home is often the largest single financial decision you will ever make.

Selling a home often means a new chapter in your life.

While it is exciting, it can be stressful. Let us take any apprehension out of the process so you can enjoy the end result!

We work closely with real estate agents and financial institutions. We can also take care of your business lease, easement and access to property issues, boundary adjustments and other real estate concerns. We also provide solutions and advice with Estate planning, Elder Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, Family Law, Property Division, Disputes, Mediation, Civil & Criminal Court work and compensation claims.

Walker Gibbs & King Solicitors | 7 Dawson Street, Cooma PO Box 8, Cooma NSW 2630 P: 6452 1488 | F: 6452 1725 | E: administration@coomalaw.com.au | www.coomalaw.com.au

E DITION 12, 2018

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

An artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective How Vicki Flynn was inspired to create her unique resin art Vicki Flynn was introduced to resin art b by her daughter Rachael. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She saw there was a class for resin happening in Sydney, where she Syd lives and she said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Come on, Mum. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do this.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; That was wa the start of the story,â&#x20AC;? says Vicki. sto Rachael owns a Rach graphic design gra business, and she bu and Vicki have a always shared a love for creativity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was always doing crafty things with the kids as they were growing w up,â&#x20AC;? says Vicki. u Experimenting and learning about the different techniques and techniq products is what Vicki enjoys most about making her resin art.

Mixing together the resins, adding colours and then pouring tthem onto MDF

cut outs, she says you only have about half an hour to work with them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have to be very prepared and really think about what I want to do before I start so I have everything I need set up and ready to go.â&#x20AC;?

The resin takes 24 hours to set, and Vicki says you can go back and add more coats, or sand it back. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are lots of different kinds of resins. Some are really fluid and others are more like glue and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much movement. So I pour on the resin, which I add colours to first, and then I pick up the MDF and tip it to let the resin move and create patterns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have learnt to understand the colours too, as some like black and white are dominant and different to work with. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I usually start a project with some colours in mind. I might decide Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in a blue kind of mood, so I will choose another few colours to complement it.â&#x20AC;?

Vicki sells some of her resin work in Pacific Furniture Cooma. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tracey in Pacific Furniture was kind enough to take my art in,â&#x20AC;? says Vicki. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was very nervous about taking it there as I really do my art for me, as a hobby and I am my own biggest critic. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to be in the spotlight.â&#x20AC;?

Vicki says although she would work with resin every day if she could, it is quite expensive to buy at about $40 per litre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do a lot of work with cement, creating crafty things, because I can buy it for just $10 a bag.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am always looking for something to be creative with.

I have even got into making some jewellery lately, as well as acrylic painting.â&#x20AC;?

Vicki has donated some of her resin art works to some local causes, including the Louie Mould Fundraising Night and the Nimmitabel Country Club.

Vickiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works can be seen on her Instagram page called 2548art. 2548 is the postcode at Merimbula.

Vicki and her family often visit Merimbula when they need to get away from their busy lives. Being in Merimbula inspires a lot of Vickiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artworks, especially the beach and the water.

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E DITION 12, 2018

Prepare your home for the bushfire season

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about bushfire season.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted the next few months will be warmer than average. This, combined with low rainfall across the board means preparing your home for bushfire is more important than ever.

The Rural Fire Service provides the following maintenance tips to help prevent burning embers destroying your house: - Install metal gutter guards - Repair damaged or missing tiles on the roof - Install fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors - Fit seals around doors and windows to eliminate gaps - Enclose the areas under your house - Repair or cover gaps in external walls - Attach fire sprinkler systems to gutters

19

Things to do around your house and garden checklist

rdens well maintained.

Keep lawns short and ga s overhanging buildings.

Cut back trees and shrub d twigs and debris aroun Clean up fallen leaves, the property. r h to reach around you Have hoses long enoug house. up to date.

Check your insurance is at Survival Plan available Complete a Bush Fire www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Essential Energy reminds those renovating or excavating to check for underground utilities before beginning works.

Don’t dig before checking what’s underground Essential Energy is reminding those renovating or excavating to check for underground utilities before beginning work to minimise the risk of damage to assets or disruption to vital services.

Regional Manager Southern, Sarah Roche said workers were legally obliged to contact the free national referral service Dial Before You Dig to confirm the location of underground networks before excavating.

“Knowing the location of underground cabling such as electricity, gas, telecommunications and water prior to work reduces the risk of death or serious injury to

workers or the general public,” Sarah said.

“It’s a statutory requirement under the Electricity Supply Act yet Essential Energy continues to receive regular reports of incidents involving machinery that has damaged underground cables.”

In the past two months, Essential Energy has received eight reports of contractors or customers contacting underground electrical or streetlight cabling when digging or excavating. These incidents occurred in August and September in Batemans Bay, Dry Plain, Forbes, Forster, Narromine, Orange, Tumut and Wentworth.

COOMA FLOORING

“Heavy financial penalties apply to those found responsible for negligent behaviour when excavating,” Sarah said. “These types of incidents often result in damage to underground assets which require costly repairs and can impact services for local communities.”

To contact Dial Before You Dig for underground utilities information, call 1100 or visit: www.1100. com.au.

For more information on working near Essential Energy’s underground electricity network, visit: essentialenergy.com.au/dbyd

TRA

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COOMA FURNISHING CO

62 Sharp Street COOMA NSW 2630 P. (02) 6452 1499 F. (02) 6452 4840

20

EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

Refresh your living space at Liv4 Home and Kitchen 2019 is all about keeping it simple with greys and neutrals.

Create subtle texture in your lounge room by adding linen cushions, curtains and throws.

Liv4 Home and Kitchen has a fresh new range of products to suit this season’s trends.

Dusty pinks pair well with a neutral palette and bursts of greenery Along with a range of greys and soft neutrals, Liv4 has a new collection of fresh hues to add a pop of colour to any room.

Dusty pink, terracotta and sage are the colours of the moment and something

Liv4 have a great new range of towels in this season’s hues - terracotta and sage

as simple as updating your cushions or bathroom towels can freshen up a space.

Start with a grey/neutral palette in a room and accent with coloured accessories which can be changed depending on the

season, trends, or your mood!

In the bedroom, changing doona covers or throw pillows can brighten the room and make it feel new and different, without breaking the budget.

Black and white is always on trend. To master monochrome, try using interesting geometric patterns.

Update your kitchen with this season’s accessories and ceramics in sage hues

Light timber helps soften a space and works well with most colour palettes

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In the lounge room, light timbers are a great way to bring the outside in. Choose easy to maintain, hard to kill indoor plants to bring life into a space. Fiddle leaf figs are a great choice - just spray the underside of the leaves with water every now and then.

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Phone: 02 6452 6826 Fax: 02 6452 7755 PO Box 910 Cooma NSW 2630 Email: jeffreybateman@bigpond.com

Maybe Decor Gifts, Homewares, Soft Furnishings, Ladies Fashion

Open Mon to Fri 9:30am to 5:00pm Sat 10:00am to 2:00pm Sunday Closed 122 Maybe Street Bombala NSW 2632 Email: maybedecor.bombala@gmail.com PH: 0429 343 534 Find us on Facebook & Instagram

E DITION 12, 2018 In Australia out of 1.7 million solar installations, too many are in the category of ‘crap solar’. ‘Crap solar’ is a system that under-performs or is simply dead – sometimes without the owner’s knowledge.

Avoid being a ‘crap solar’ owner. Buy cheap; be seduced by ‘no-brands’ with long but worthless warranties and you will be the proud owner of ‘crap solar’.

There is even a Facebook page with close to 12,000 members called ‘Crap Solar’.

If you would like to view the page yourself, you can find it at: facebook.com/ groups/1453886731514406/.

Cheap panels are a sure path to disastrous issues well before the “crazy” warranties quoted will be “possibly” honoured.

Here in the Snowy Monaro we have our fair share of “Crap Solar” as too often, companies from out of our region have flown in, poorly installed substandard systems (crap solar) and then left, leaving unsuspecting locals with the unenviable task of sorting out inferior products and installations.

The old adage of “Buy quality; buy once”, has never been stronger than now, in the solar industry.

Today a quality mid-size system installed in the Snowy Monaro will cost between $8,500 and $10,500. Be careful if the quote is much cheaper than that. A quality system can last for decades, a cheap system will definitely not stand the test of time. Check out the adjacent table for more information.

When we interviewed Russell Vine of Snowy Regional Solar he explained, “the lack of quality products and support is exactly the reason we established the business here in the Snowy Monaro. You can expect the entire project to be designed, and installed, by suitably accredited and trained, local specialists and tradespeople”.

Mr Vine explained the five main benefits of installing solar at your home.

1. Solar power can save you money.

By using your own electricity rather than buying it from your electricity company, you will save money with every kW/h of electricity you use from your solar

21

CHEAP SOLAR

system.

2. Environmental benefits – By using electricity generated from solar panels, we reduce the need to generate electricity from fossil fuels like coal and gas which create carbon dioxide (CO2).

3. Energy independence – This reduces your reliance on the electricity grid and electricity retailers and increases your control over your future electricity needs, expenses and lifestyle especially if you add batteries to your system in the future.

4. Property value – Home buyers are increasingly recognising that a home with quality solar panels installed will have lower electricity costs.

Check out h t t p : / / w w w. realestate.com. au/news/85ofaussies-saysolar-panels boost-propertyprices/ 5. Energy reliability – High quality solar power systems are a reliable power source for many years.

So…what do you do if you need a quality solar energy system in your home?

Call or email Russell Vine at Snowy Regional Solar at telephone 6457 2864, email at russell@ snowyregionalsolar.com.au, or check out their web site at www.snowyregionalsolar. com.au.

Snowy Regional Solar is the LG dealer in the region ensuring your system will be designed and installed by locals, warranted by quality time proven companies, and provide you

A Cautionary Tale

renewable energy in your home for many trouble free years.

Additionall…Snowy Regional Solar is part of the LG solar network and as such enjoys one of the highest installation reputations in the solar industry. This also means in

future years your ongoing system support is guaranteed via LG solar and the associated partners.

These systems are designed for maximum long term life and therefore maximum financial return.

22

EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

After the announcement of the Snowy 2.0 expansion in 2017, the local property market saw a massive boom. Waiting for the official confirmation, expected at the end of the year, the market has quietened down over the last 12 months.

Cooma property market slowing down, for now Shannon Fergusson of Shannon Fergusson Real Estate and Property says there are significantly less properties currently on the market.

“Over the years it is my belief that Cooma agents have generally 20 plus residential listings each, plus rural listings at any one time which generally saw upwards of 250 – 300 properties for sale at any one time,” he says.

“Currently on Allhomes.com.au there are 100 listings and of the 100 listings less than half are residential houses in varying price brackets currently for sale in Cooma. So the amount of stock is significantly less than we normally see.

These sorts of conditions will generally mean that if there is a sudden influx of buyers due to a major infrastructure project such as Snowy 2.0 we should expect further capital gains in house prices.”

Cooma One Agency’s Craig Schofield says the demand for the Cooma market is still there.

“Things have slowed down over the last 12 months, but there is still an increased level of interest in Cooma and surrounds from outside the area,” says Craig.

“I think everyone is waiting for the official go ahead of the Snowy 2.0 expansion project, and we will see another increase happen once that is announced.”

Shannon Fergusson also believes the announcement will have an impact on the market.

“I believe the past 12 months has continued to stay strong, with residential house prices rising in most cases by $50,000, and in the higher end of the market, more like $80,000 to $100,000. We have noticed the outside investor activity has slowed up in the past six months because we believe people are waiting for the December Snowy 2.0 announcement and whether or not the project will officially be approved. If this occurs we expect to see another wave of investor activity into the new year.”

Alicia Carraro of Fisk and Nagle Cooma says the changes banks have made to their lending regulations has had a negative impact on the market.

“The Banking Royal Commission have started to crack down on irresponsible lending practices, therefore, have made the banks more accountable and had a clampdown on bank lending,” says Alicia.

“ASIC also made the banks change their policies and procedures, making it harder again for people to borrow money. With all this, the banks hit back with increasing interest rates but the RBA (Reserve Bank of

Australia) decided to keep cash rates on hold at 1.5%.

“The banks are also now looking more closely at peoples spending habits and living expenses. If you spend a lot of money or live a ‘luxurious’ lifestyle, this will be taken into account in your living costs. The introduction of things such as After Pay are also seen as credit card accounts in the eyes of the banks.”

However Alicia says the market is still very positive, with plenty of interest from outside the area.

“With cities becoming more expensive, not only in terms of house prices, but the cost of living as well, we are seeing lots of people interested in moving into regional areas.

“We are also seeing a fair bit of movement from locals as well. Some with growing families looking to upsize into bigger properties, whereas retirees are looking to downsize into something more manageable.”

Craig, Shannon and Alicia say the rental market is also still in high demand.

“The cost of rentals has also increased significantly simply because of the demand. I think every real estate agent in the area has a shortage of rentals at the moment,” says Craig.

“There just aren’t enough houses to rent at the moment,” says Alicia.

“We’ve found lots of people are actually inquiring about units, because house rentals have increased so much in cost, they are looking for something smaller and more affordable. However the Cooma market is really lacking in those types of low maintenance smaller properties.”

“The rental market continues to be very tight for those looking for any type of property,” says Shannon.

“In most cases we are presenting up to half a dozen quality applicants to a landlord at a time which obviously means a lot miss out and are left with not very many options to look elsewhere. Again if the Snowy project gets off the ground as well as the second stage of Boco Rock windfarm, which I am hearing whispers about, you can expect meeting the demand for rentals in Cooma to be impossible.

Which is another ingredient that will grab the outside investors attention.

“So my belief is that the Cooma Region is on the cusp of something not seen before and bound to benefit local home and property owners over the next 10 years.”

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E DITION 12, 2018

Choosing the right flooring for your living area with South East Tile and Bathroom Centre

Do you Love Instagram?

It’s okay. We’re addicted too.

Follow us @themonaropost

It’s important to put time and effort into choosing the right flooring to suit your style and budget. With so many types of flooring available, the choice can be intimidating.

The team at South East Tile and Bathroom Centre is here to help you find a floor suitable to the Snowy Monaro climate and your unique style.

TILES Coming into the summer months, tiles are a great choice to keep your home cool. Once they’re set, there’s no maintenance and they are extremely durable.

In winter, tiles are a great option if you’re looking to run underfloor heating. There are many variations in colour, styles, texture and look to suit your living area.

Large, light coloured tiles are a good choice for small rooms as they make a space feel bigger and brighter.

Prices are very reasonably and start at about $30 per square metre, but the cost of laying the tiles can add to your budget.

BRIAN GEACH PTY LTD

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ͻ &ůŽŽƌ ,ĞĂƟŶŐ ͻ WLJƌŽƚĞŶĂdž ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ

FLOATING Floating laminate flooring is a great choice if you’re looking to keep costs down (starting from $30 per square metre) and can be self-installed if you’re reasonably handy. There’s a huge range of colours, textures, grains and finishes available. Laminate features an extra layer of protection that withstands stains and spills.

Combined with a moisture barrier underneath, it is suitable for laundries, bathrooms and kitchens.

Floating timber is a classic luxe look that never goes out of style. Its durability is second to none and it ages beautifully if well maintained. There is a huge variety of choices, from the type of wood to the thickness of the board.

Timber is warmer than tiles, but pet owners beware - it can get scratched. Prices start form $100 per square metre.

ͻ /ŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ Θ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ͻ ŽŵĞƐƟĐ͕ ZƵƌĂů͕ Θ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů

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TRANSPORT & Building Supplies P/L

VINYL Vinyl is a hardwearing, durable option that is warmer than tiles and low maintenance.

It’s a popular choice due to its low price point ($40-$50 per square metre) and the wide range of colours and textures available.

Its durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas and water resistance means its suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

ABN:20 086 780 421

For all your Transport needs Depots in Sydney – Canberra – Melbourne For all your Building needs call in and see our friendly staff.

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Plumbing, Roofing, Gyprock, Cement Products, Steel, Mesh, Bricks, Blocks, Timber, Mouldings, Treated Pine Sleepers and Plastic Lattice.

Huge range of Garden tools, Potting mix, Sugar Cane Mulch, Water Tanks and Fittings.

H Huge range of Power and General Tools, Fixings, Fittings and Large Eskys.

Free Town Delivery

3 Badgery Street, Bombala NSW 2632 Ph: 02 6458 3190 | Fax: 02 6458 4060 Email: mtb190@bigpond.com

Stylish.

Sophisticated.

On trend.

The new Crompton Lighting range has been designed to enable functional, inspiring and beautiful living through lighting in all rooms of the home and outdoors.

With the addition of the pendant lighting range in particular, Crompton offers a new degree of sophistication and style to your home. Call in and see our selection on pendant lights in store.

Garden.

Decor.

Landscape.

We have a growing range of garden supplies with new stock arriving weekly to fill our nursery at Polo Flat. Our staff go above and beyond to be friendly and helpful, so you’ll have no trouble finding what you are looking for.

We have a great range of vegetable and flower seedlings all ready for your garden. There is also a huge range of beautiful potted colour for that instant effect. With fruit trees, ornamental trees and plenty of other plants to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

There are also lots of umbrellas, gazebos, wall art, outdoor furniture, cushions

Bold.

Creative.

Modern.

Whether your look is classic, modern or something in between, you will find a beautiful wall covering to compliment to your home. Call in and have a look at the beautiful range of Vision Wallcoverings selection books in store now.

Warm.

Cosy.

Comfort.

Eureka woodheating has been a key player in the Australian Woodheating industry for over 30 years and have sou sought to continue to provide Australian families with a vibrant heat source that can

and fire pits available to create the per-

be counted

fect outdoor setting ready for the sum-

upon during

mer months.

If you’re taking on a bigger landscaping project, there are also sleepers, logs, pavers and retaining wall blocks in store.

the cold winter months.

W We have several d display models in store to see.

58-62 POLO FLAT RD, COOMA Ph: 6452 1736

Durable.

Efficient.

Texture.

Outdoor.

Lifestyle.

Relaxing.

Bricks are strong, durable and a

For 30 years Hartman have been designing, manufacturing and collaborating with leading retailers supplying exclusive outdoor furniture to the Australian market.

Hartman’s Australian design team have travelled extensively across the globe with a focus on merging the best design elements from the worldwide stage. By translating and combining these elements with the relaxed Australian lifestyle, Hartman remain a leader in innovation, quality and comfort. Come and see our beautiful selection in store.

popular choice for new home builders and renovators. However, with a broad range of great options available, choosing bricks may seem overwhelming! A brick’s colour, shape, size and texture will influence the overall look and feel of your house, so make sure you choose a brick that suits the design of your home. It’s worth getting ideas from the internet, display homes, websites, magazines and display centres. There are many options and combinations to choose from to achieve your design vision, call in and see our brick display.

Innovative.

Functionality.

DIY.

The kitchen is the heart of the home for many of us. It should shine with functional, innovative and high-quality products and be a place where families and friends come together and feel comfortable.

Hafele offers a wide range of products to create the kitchen of your dreams.

Come and see some of the great storage solutions that Hafele have to offer in our display kitchen.

Frames.

Trusses.

Locally made.

We can manufacture and supply prefabricated timber wall frames, roof trusses and floor systems for your new home, extension, garage, shed or even a new pergola.

We are happy to supply all builders and owner builders, no matter how big or small.

We deliver into the ACT, South Coast, Snowy Mountains and surrounding areas. With a factory full of Multinail Machinery and a great team of dedicated staff, we will get the job done right.

58 - 62 Polo Flat Rd, Cooma NSW 2630 Ph: 6452 5884 Fax: 6452 5441 sales@hctruss.com.au

OPEN MON TO FRI 7am till 5pm, SAT 8:30am till 2pm, SUN 9am till 1pm

26

EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

So, you want to be an

Owner Builder?

Robin Daley Becoming an owner builder is not for the faint hearted, especially if there are two of you involved in the decisions.

There are so many decisions and you can bet your boots neither of you will agree. So, compromise is the only word to use.

However, before you launch into owner-buildership you must get a licence to become an owner builder. The certificate exam is available online from various companies but before you embark on the online exam you will need to look at http://www. service.nsw. gov.au/transaction/apply-ownerbuilder-permit and http://www. fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housingand-property/building-andrenovating/becoming-an-ownerbuilder.

Of course, the first thing is to have some land to build on. So off you trot to the agents to look at many blocks and there the disagreements can start. However, price plays a big part in the cost of land so make the first decision carefully so you have enough cash

to build the house of your dreams.

When looking at land, whether it

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...many people have been known to make their toilet so small one has to stand on the toilet seat to shut the door for some privacy.â&#x20AC;? is a town block or a rural block, you must talk to your local council about services that are available and rules and regulations on erecting a building on the piece of land you favour. Beware you are not buying a lovely piece of land which has a no building permit on it.

With the land securely in your ownership, the next decision is will we employ an architect or will we draw up the plans ourselves? The latter is fraught with problems as many people have been known to

It is not easy deciding on where your power points will go when your kitchen looks like this!

make their toilet so small one has to stand on the toilet seat to shut the door for some privacy. And of course, that is not the only mistake a layman can make. There will be others.

So, the message is, either employ an architect or a draughtsman of some repute to fiddle with your plan and make it workable so no one must stand on the toilet to shut the door.

The next decision is whether to employ a builder to get the house to lock-up stage and being true owner builders, do the inside yourselves. Or, employ a builder to build your house to completion which could be the best decision you ever made, as the finishing off takes a lot of time and effort.

If you decide to employ a builder, then some sound advice from an experienced owner builder is to employ a local builder as there are many questions and queries to ask them, so being close and on hand to consult is handy.

Being experienced means your builder can guide you with difficult decisions.

When thinking about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;white goodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, being ovens, hot plates, baths, sinks, basins, baths; the list goes on. Sound advice is to again think local. The Snowy Monaro area is full of retail outlets who are only too happy to please you, offer great service and treat you like one of the family. They know your name, where you are building, your kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names, the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and they love to help you with decisions. A bonus is most local retailers are happy to take back goods that are not up to scratch.

Much better than trying to post an oven to Sydney or Melbourne, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you think?

One piece of advice that is

Roof trusses were supplied by Cooma business, High Country Truss and Frames essential is the placement of power points. How do you decide where their placement should be when the house is only up to frame stage? How you work out where you want power points with no solid walls is a mystery. However, try to visualise where your furniture might go and try not to place power points where they will be behind that heavy sideboard your grandmother insisted in her will was to go to you. Even power points can cause an eruption of

â&#x20AC;&#x153;After moving into your place you will never want to go away again...â&#x20AC;? disagreement. Stand back Mr Electrician and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interfere!

Next, plumbing. Well plumbing is not too bad a trade to get along with. Most plumbers know their stuff and can advise you the best place for taps, including garden taps and perhaps the large bath you desire. Apart from taps, baths, shower recesses and vanities, plumbing is a bore to women, so pick your bathroom white goods and leave the rest to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Carpet, wood or tile floors can be a stimulus for a huge row. As the woman is usually the one to clean the floors, stick to your guns and chose the kind of flooring you like.

But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the kids running into the house with muddy shoes or the dog who slinks in with a muddy coat and feet. Carpet is warm but if you have done the sensible thing and faced the living

rooms of your new house north, then tiles and to some degree, wood are pretty good at soaking up the warmth during the day and transmitting it during the night.

The advice could go on and on but the one thing that is imperative is to think of your electricity supply.

More people are thinking Standalone Solar and what a great asset that can be. There are numerous outlets in the Snowy Monaro area who can supply you with a standalone solar system but it pays to ask around so you get the ridgydidge supplier and not a fly-bynighter. A decent sized system will save you the cost of on-thegrid electricity. If you are sceptical about stand-alone solar then perhaps you should think about back-to-the-grid solar and a solar hot water system. Solar electricity doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you must have gas lanterns in your house and only do the washing once a fortnight and sit in the dark. Or run a generator if you forget to turn the verandah light off when you go away for a weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday.

A weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a joke.

After moving into your place you will never want to go away again, so get out in the garden and get rid of the building site that surrounds your lovely new house.

Do remember to pick up all the used or bent nails builders are prone to chuck aside as they nail the frames together. No way do you want to buy a new tyre after a stray nail embeds itself in your car tyre. Not a flat tyre after all the expense the house cost you! And, please make friends with your partner and settle down to enjoy your lovely abode.

Sprocketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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E DITION 12, 2018

27

Tips for buying at auction with Nick Kirshner

Bidding at auction can be intimidating, especially for a first-timer. Local auctioneer Nick Kirshner of Nick Kirshner Property and Livestock has provided his top tips for anyone thinking of raising a paddle for the first time.

Before the auction Nick’s number one tip for buying property at auction is due diligence.

“First and foremost, have your solicitor look over the contract,” Nick said.

“Get a property and weed inspection so you know what you’re buying.”

It’s important to get your finance preapproved so you know your budget.

Have your 10 percent deposit ready to pay on the day.

“Know your financial restrictions and your upper limit,” Nick said.

“Have an opening bid in mind so you’re ready to go come auction day.”

At auction Nick’s advice to keen bidders is to be the first off the block and set the pace.

“If you’re happy to pay $500,000 for a property, open at $400,000 and see what happens,” he said.

Once the opening bid is set, the auctioneer will then suggest upwards increments.

“Most people wait for other people to open the bidding,” he said.

“Don’t sit back and see what everyone else does; bid quickly and be decisive.

“Small, slow bids are often a sign that a bidder has reached the end of their tether.”

Nick said being indecisive and deliberating over your next bid is a sign of weakness. The aim is to have the other bidders to think you’ve got deep pockets and no limit.

“At a clearing sale, jump in at what you want to pay,” Nick said.

“Make sure you know what you’re buying and don’t rely on the product description alone. If it’s a bulk lot with boxes, know what’s in there. Most people won’t have looked properly.”

After the auction If a property doesn’t reach the reserve and is passed in, any bidder has the right to negotiate, regardless of whether they were the highest bidder.

“Many people think only the highest bidder can negotiate,” Nick said.

“Usually the highest bidder gets to negotiate first, but this is only courtesy - not the law,” Nick said.

“It’s like taking your hat off when you walk into a room, it’s just good manners.”

Nick said it’s worth thinking about negotiating, regardless of your position at the end of the auction.

“You may not have been far off the reserve, and it could still be within your budget” he said.

If you’ve never bid at an auction before, calm your nerves by attending a few auctions as a spectator.

This will allow you to get used to the auction process and even pick up a few tips along the way!

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By recycling right and recycling more, both domestic residents and commercial businesses help in protecting the environment and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Council have a wonderful education team that are only too willing to help the residents and businesses to recycle right. If you are a community group, business house or school, Council’s Resource and Waste Education team are available to conduct education sessions by arrangement.

Other Recycling Tips:Recyclable materials that CANNOT be placed in domestic kerbside recycling:

NO Scrap Steel & Wire NO Batteries NO E-Waste

NO Waste Oil NO Flurotubes

*These materials can all be recycled at Council’s Waste Facilities FREE OF CHARGE.

1300 345 345 WWW.SNOWYMONARO.NSW.GOV.AU

Your Community Recycling Centre is Open Visit your Community Recycling Centre today and help build a healthy environment for our Future Not all household waste can be put in your kerbside bins. Community Recycling Centres offer a FREE and EASY solution for the disposal of household problem waste such as paints, gas bottles, motor oils, batteries, smoke detectors and fluorescent globes and tubes.

Many of these materials can be reused and recycled if processed correctly. Recycling helps our environment because it saves water, energy and natural resources.

Cooma Landfill Community Recycling Centre Cooma Landfill 8448 Monaro Highway, Cooma Hours: Sunday to Friday: 11am–5pm Saturdays: 1pm-5pm Snowy River Community Recycling Centre Jindabyne Regional Waste Facility 6013 Kosciusko Road, Jindabyne Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am–2pm Closed Public Holidays

For more information call Snowy Monaro Regional Council on 1300 345 345 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/recyclingcentres This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au. Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

WASTE TO LANDFILL A LIFE TIME SENTENCE “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, Have a look in our ScrapMart Shops located in Cooma and Jindabyne to see what treasures you can find or simply drop off any unwanted suitable items for resale.

GIVE IT A GROW TODAY

COOMPOST is now available for sale from Cooma & Jindabyne Landfills for $52.50 per tonne. That’s just $1.05 per 20kg’s of Grade A Screened Compost!!

COOMPOST is made by Snowy Monaro Regional Council from separated kerbside Food and Garden Organic Waste, and green-waste disposed at Council facilities. ,ĞĂĚ KĸĐĞ COOMA

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Mayor John Rooney ĐƟŶŐ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů DĂŶĂŐĞƌ Peter Bascomb ĐŽƵŶĐŝůΛƐŶŽǁLJŵŽŶĂƌŽ͘ŶƐǁ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ

30

EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

Avonside Avonside Alpine Estate is the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest farm stay accommodation.

The two eco luxury cabins situated on prime farming land situated in between Jindabyne and Berridale, owned and operated by Olivier and Jacqueline Kapetanakos.

This unique farmstay experience is completely self-efficient, totally relying on nature. Starting from fully utilizing the power of the sun via a modern off-grid system tailored

by Snowy Regional Solar and Mick Allen Electrical.

This custom design allows the cabins to avoid the use of gas as would normally be the case.

The water is captured from the rain and stored in tanks on the hill above, allowing for gravity to provide the pressure.

When starting a hot shower, the cold water is captured and returned to the tank in a smart way constructed by GP Plumbing.

The cabins are heated via state of the art hydronic system commissioned by Jay Kelly Refrigeration that also has the capability to cool in summer.

This is made possible by having a polished concrete floor which acts as a thermal battery, laid

by Concrete Constructions and Creation.

Even the concrete polish is special, as in part it is from the beeswax harvested from the estate hives.

This Scandinavian inspired accommodation is the first prototype in the world.

The Australian designed and European built flat pack system arrived in Australia in two 40ft containers. The unique design calls for the most efficient blow in insulation from Alexander Watson insulation experts in Canberra.

The combined hydronic system with 240mm wall and ceiling insulation makes for a cozy building.

QUODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

PLUMBING

Â&#x2021; 6(59,&(6 Â&#x2021; J & T Quodling /,& &

Â&#x2021; 3OXPELQJ Â&#x2021; 'UDLQDJH Â&#x2021; *DVILWWLQJ Â&#x2021; +LJK SUHVVXUH ZDWHU MHWWHU Â&#x2021; %ORFNHG GUDLQV LQFOXGLQJ VWRUPZDWHU Â&#x2021; KRXU VHUYLFH Â&#x2021; 6HZHU &DPHUD ,QVSHFWLRQV Â&#x2021; 6RODU DQG +HDW 3XPS ,QVWDOODWLRQV Â&#x2021; +\GURQLF +HDWLQJ ,QVWDOODWLRQV PO Box 1500 COOMA NSW 2630 Quods@bigpond.com M: 0407 413 858 Ph: 6452 4595

Think local - be cared for locally Â&#x2021; ,QWHUQHW VHUYLFHV Â&#x2021; :LUHOHVV DQG ,3 1HWZRUNV Â&#x2021; 9R,3 DQG +RVWHG 7HOHSKRQ\ Â&#x2021; ,3 6HFXULW\ &DPHUDV Â&#x2021; 3DQDVRQLF %XVLQHVV WHOHSKRQ\

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31-33 Mulach St E melvin@rjs.com.au www.rjs.com.au PO Box 866 ABN 63 855 143 115 Cooma NSW 2630 P 02 6452 2244 | M 0412 384 443

E DITION 12, 2018

Alpine Estate A Snowy Mountain retreat would not be complete without a fireplace.

In this regard, the owners chose a unique firebox made in Norway and sourced from South East Tile and Bathroom Centre that draws cool air from outside, rather than using already heated internal air.

One of the outstanding features of the cabinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; design is the ecologically sound materials.

The wood used in the flat pack is all wood chip laminated ply board, made without the use of formaldehyde.

This, and the choice of environmentally safe paints, oils and finishes means the cabins have a very low volatile organic compound (VOC) footprint, resulting in a short stay accommodation suitable for those with allergies.

Wooden structural beams and the wooden external boards are all sourced from plantation forest.

Both the external and internal walls are wrapped in modern breathable membranes designed to remove any issues with condensation and mould, further enhancing its clean design.

The cabin design and materials are only the start of innovation for these cabins.

All the organic waste generated during the stay will be processed by 5000 worms using the latest design in worm sewage system from WormSmart.

The two cabins are situated on a 130-acre purpose built farm enabling a modern luxury four-star farm stay experience.

The farm is also home to a small herd of Scottish Highland Cattle that love nothing more than a back scratch.

Avonside Alpine Estate is just 20 minutes from Jindabyne.

For more information, visit avonsidealpineestate.com.au

A four star luxury and modern farm stay experience.

MONARO GLASS YOUR LOCAL DISTRICT SUPPLIER FOR Ĺ° "-6.*/*6. 8*/%084 Ĺ° 7&-69 4,:-*()54 Ĺ° (-";*/( Ĺ° %06#-& (-";*/( Ĺ° .*33034 Ĺ° 4)08&3 4$3&&/4 Ĺ° '-: 4$3&&/4 Ĺ° 4&$63*5: %0034

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BREAKING NEWS! NEWSPAPERS ARE THE

No.1

The Perfect Piece

Lovers of beautiful things will be right at home in Berridale’s newest gift, clothing and homewares store, The Perfect Piece.

Created by Berridale Post Office’s leading lady Annie O’Keefe, The Perfect Piece offers a range of products from the brands you love, as well as some new surprises.

Luxurious Hutwoods candles, Olieve & Olie skincare and Splosh canvas prints are just some of the perfect pieces you’ll find.

Beautiful Sass dresses and Betty Basics summer gear is about to hit the racks as well as stunning new release Fable and Nest of Pambula jewellery.

Annie has always loved finding unique homewares, clothing and gifts and introduced a collection into the Berridale Post Office. After the previous shop owner asked her if she’d like to take on the lease of the shop, Annie jumped at the opportunity.

“Seeing a need in the local area for a homewares and gift store, it was a no brainer to open The Perfect Piece, extending the range of beautiful things already available at the Post Office,” she said.

Now with an entire shop to play with, Annie has let her personality shine through, and customers are loving the result.

“I’m heartened by the way people are embracing what I’m wanting to do,” she said.

“We’ve had a massive positive response from locals and tourists, with Canberra people making day trips to Berridale on a regular basis, providing them with another place to visit.”

Berridale is proving the place to be at the moment, with so much to do in a small area. There are four galleries, cafes, a cellar door and of course, The Perfect Piece.

With nothing in the shop priced over $100, Annie gives locals and travellers the opportunity to buy beautiful things at a fantastic price point.

With no time to go away and visit stockists, Annie has grown her collection from online stores.

“I’ve basically been trolling Instagram and finding beautiful shops online!” She said.

Annie will keep the new stock rolling in to ensure locals and travelling customers will always find something new and different in store.

“The range will continue to grow and brands will come and go,” she said.

“If there’s something different a customer is interested in, I’ll try and source it.”

SOURCE OF LOCAL INFORMATION

The Monaro Post plays a unique & valuable role in our local communities of the Snowy Monaro Region. With all the latest news, sporting results, rural news, and a great advertising environment for businesses.

THE MONARO POST, YOUR LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER www.monaropost.com.au Ph: 6452 0313 | 6452 0312 2

The Perfect Piece is open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Find it at Shop 3, 72 Jindabyne Road Berridale, next to Whisk and Cocoa.

“Grab a coffee, then come over and have a browse!” Annie said.

E DITION 12, 2018

33

Using the sun to either produce electricity or to heat your hot water can be a very attractive alternative to the option of connecting to the electricity grid and buying your electricity for either power and lighting or water heating.

Electricity production If you are considering a solar power supply for electricity (photovoltaic) for your new or existing house there are numerous options available to you. Photovoltaic systems absorb ultraviolet light into the solar panels to produce electricity.

You may already have a house connected to the electricity grid and wish to either use solar power to save money by being paid for the power you produce and transfer into the grid.

Or use the power your solar produces to offset the power you buy from the grid through your electricity retailers.

Being paid for the power you produce is attractive but on the current retailers’ purchase price for your electricity, you will only be paid a small proportion of what you are charged when you buy power from your retailer.

The standing charges for your connection remain and as those charges are often a large proportion of your bill, what you receive may not be all that appealing after all.

Therefore, the financial modelling of what you are proposing may convince you that the investment will have a long payback period thereby making the proposal unattractive.

To take advantage of using the power as it is being produced is possible if most of your power usage is happening during daylight hours when solar activity is at its maximum and you are at home using some or most of the

power your system produces. For working families who are away during daylight hours, this may not be a suitable option unless the power you produce can be diverted into your hot water storage system thereby saving the cost of heating that water at off peak rates from the grid.

If you are building a new house and are considering a standalone system (not connected to the grid) you should seek advice and obtain quotes from solar system suppliers and installers.

Where the price of connecting to the grid seems awfully expensive, the option of stand-alone system may be financially appealing. Stand-alone systems are free of the ties to the electricity grid and the power you produce is stored in a battery system on your property for use outside daylight hours (night time) or during overcast days when there is not much solar activity.

Your suppliers and or installers should determine your daily electricity usage from information you supply to them and will design the system to allow for that usage plus some extra for days when there is little solar activity. Three days of autonomy is usually factored into the system designs.

Most stand-alone systems will require a generator backup to avoid drawing too much power from your storage batteries when there is extended periods of limited solar activity.

It is important to have the backup generator system available during these periods as drawing down the available power in your batteries will shorten the battery life.

Stand-alone solar power can be very rewarding particularly when you no longer receive electricity bills but it can have

its drawbacks such as if, and when you experience a system fault and by having to be more conscious of the effect of your electricity usage on the system.

With a properly designed and installed system those concerns should not be too great and it is a great feeling to know you are not subject to the ever increasing costs of purchasing electricity from the grid.

Hot Water Heating Another solar option to the above which can also save you considerable money may be to simply have a solar hot water system which uses the sun’s heat rays to heat your water.

Solar hot water systems are not as efficient during the colder months of the year when there is less heat from the sun but during times of hot summer sun you will be rewarded with hot water that has not cost you an arm and a leg to heat.

Your hot water system may at times require boosting either from the electricity grid, your stand-alone system or by gas or heat transfer technology.

In the Snowy Monaro area you need to be mindful that frosts can freeze your system and damage it, so be sure to select a system that is frost tolerant such as evacuated tube technology. Be sure to seek advice from the experts in this field and challenge the information you are given.

As with all things in life, solar electricity and water heating require detailed investigation as to what system will best suit your situation, whether you can afford it and will it be a cost-effective option for you.

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

Starting out as an alterations store, Maybe Décor now also offers beautiful hand crafted soft furnishings, as well as women’s clothing, homewares and gifts, with Keiren even able to make the curtains for your home!

Custom upholstery We already loved Bombala’s Maybe Décor for its beautiful gifts and homewares, but as its gorgeous range of women’s clothing expands, we are also reminded that the business started out as an alterations shop.

Maybe Décor’s owner, Keiren Anderson has been sewing her whole life and can turn her hand to anything involving fabric, with her creative flair seen throughout the handcrafted soft furnishings found in Maybe Décor.

“I started out in the cutting room at Bonds in Wentworthville,” Keiren says, “then I went into making lingerie, and eventually into patternmaking and that side of things. Later I was making clothes for my own children, and then got back into doing alterations in the 80s.”

Keiren makes it all sound very straight forward, but armed with a needle and thread she can take on any alteration requirement you may have, from day to day

clothing to the high pressure stakes of bridal wear.

Importantly for home decorators, Keiren is an upholstering genius, and does beautiful fabric work on the various chairs and footstools that she refurbishes for sale in Maybe Décor.

Scatter in her fabulous range of handmade cushions and bags, and you have the perfect fit for any home.

And in another highly sought after skill, Keiren is also experienced in curtain making, so if you are among the many who are seeking high quality, custom made curtains, look no further than Maybe Décor.

“Since I’ve been doing alterations and other sewing in Bombala it has just gone crazy; the demand is huge,” Keiren says.

If you want to find out why, visit Maybe Décor in the main street of Bombala, follow the business on Facebook or contact Keiren on 0429 343 534.

COOMA Ph: 6452 1755 28 Vale Street Cooma

Ph: 6452 3392 |25 Bombala St, Cooma www.pacificfurniture.com.au

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CENTRE

Ph: 6452 1500 44-48 Bombala St, Cooma www.southeasttiles.com.au

E D I TI O N 1 2, 20 1 8

37

Natural Lighting Range

Inspired by the shapes and hues of nature, these pendants in timber, woven or raffia finishes create an earthy, yet sophisticated feel. Ideal for complementing coastal living, or adding a sense of warmth and a soft, ambient glow. The Anja range and Bailey timber pendant achieve this beautifully.

Industrial Lighting Range Transform your walls with wallpaper Be creative in ways never before possible by using wallpaper to transform your interior spaces. Wallpaper and wall murals offer inspiration to match your imagination when it comes to making your house, your home.

Use the latest Paste The Wall products and discover how easy it is to hang and remove wallpaper, making it simple to update your interior as often as you like.

Vision Wallcoverings carries a huge selection for you to choose from.

Whether you look is classic, modern or something in between, you will find a beautiful wall covering to compliment to your home.

Old factories and retro industrial spaces are the inspiration for this range of statement pendants, where metal and glass feature heavily in their construction. They’re particularly suited to pairing with weathered materials such as wood, exposed brick and concrete. The Aero pendant, with its heritage style filament lamp and metal casing reflects this trend, as does the Revolve Metal Pendant and the Smokey Glass ‘Cast’ range.

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

C O A T I N G

Painters & decorators

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Time to prepare your pool The temperatures are starting to rise and it’s time to take advantage of that beautiful pool in your backyard. Baracuda, the trusted name in pool care, has a pool maintenance program that won’t fail you this summer.

• Increase your filtration running time to 8-10 hours. The filter needs to operate enough hours per day to ensure the water is turned over adequately while assisting to deter algae growth and to produce enough chlorine if you have a salt chlorinator.

• Cleaning your filter. We recommend this treatment is performed at the beginning and the end of the swimming season. To deep clean your filter, we suggest Filter Cleaner Degreaser which effectively degreases the media in your sand filter (also suitable for soaking cartridge filters) to rid your filter of the build up of oils and greases that backwashing/hosing does not remove to allow for optimum filtering of water.

Weekly Maintenance: • Test your pool water for Chlorine and pH. Chlorine should be kept between 2-4 parts depending on climate and bather load. Ph should be between 7.4 - 7.6. Staying within these guidelines will ensure the safety and comfort of those who use your pool. The easiest way to test is with test strips available for purchase instore at Cooma H Hardware, Polo Flat.

By keeping your chlorine and Ph within range, you are ensuring optimum comfort for the bathers, taking preventative steps against algae growth, and assisting the longevity of your pool equipment.

• Brush the sides and floor of your pool and vacuum the debris from your pool.

• If your pool relies on manual application of chlorine as your method of sanitation, then add your weekly super chlorination dose of chlorine or top up your in-line chlorine feeder with chlorine tablets.

• A weekly addition of Clarifier will keep pool water sparkling.

• If your pool is salt water chlorinated, a weekly addition of Pool Acid will help control the Ph. (As a guide you can use 500 mls of pool acid for a 50,000 litre pool.)

• By keeping your chlorine and Ph within range, you are ensuring optimum comfort for the bathers, taking preventative steps against algae growth, and assisting the longevity of your pool equipment.

Monthly Maintenance: • Backwash and rinse your sand filter or hose out your cartridge filter.

• Add a maintenance dose of algaecide to deter algae. It is a good habit to get into when the filter is cleaned so that you are continually topping up your levels in the water to prevent algae growth. If your pool has a history of high phosphates then a monthly application of Phosphate Remover will remove the nutrients that algae feeds on.

• Bring in a water sample for us to do a comprehensive test. As with all things, regular maintenance will help to avoid costly repairs and ensure that your equipment and pool surface are always kept in peak condition.

Happy Swimming!

E DITION 12, 2018

39

Creating a self-sufficient home Creating a self-sufficient home can be quite a challenge, and it really is a big lifestyle choice to make. For Hilton and Margaret Reynolds it has been easy, because they love the lifestyle. Being self-sufficient in meat, vegetables, eggs, fruit and water, their property is just the way they like it.

Hilton and Margaret live at the Four Mile, just south of Cooma.

They are keen gardeners and are particularly passionate about their vegetables. The couple used to grow produce for restaurants and shops in Canberra, but they had to give it up one year when their water levels became too low.

The Reynolds use bore water for their gardens, and rainwater for the house. Hilton’s biggest tip for water conservation when you are growing your own fruit and vegies is to only use the water where it is needed. They have drip lines along their vegetable patches. Hilton believes using sprinklers means a lot of the water is wasted on the area around the plantings.

One of Hilton’s mottos is “If you can’t eat it, don’t grow it”, but Margaret doesn’t necessarily agree with that.

The Reynolds only use organic fertilisers. Last year they sourced two tonnes of Coompost, a compost created at the Cooma Landfill by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. Hilton said the results were marvellous and he intends to buy more for his vegie garden this year.

They also use a slow release pellet fertiliser called Dinofert, and for their paddocks, which they run their sheep on, they use a liquid fertiliser called NutriSoil.

Hilton and Margaret also have a number of greenhouses. One is a metal frame, which they cover in soft plastic sheeting. While Margaret says glass is a better option, it is much more expensive.

The plastic can resist temperatures as low as -5°C. With the unpredictable frosts in the Snowy Monaro climate, Margaret and Hilton say root vegetables are often the most successful. They grow their tomatoes in the plastic-covered greenhouse and they have another greenhouse with a hydroponic system where they grow their above-ground plants such as strawberries and beans.

For power, they have enough solar panels to power their house throughout the day and generate some extra to be fed back into the grid. During the night they use power from the grid. With quarterly power bills of $150 to $180, the Reynolds are happy with their set up.

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E DITION 12, 2018

g n i t n i p a Pros like

DIY with Mitre 10

How to prepare your walls for painting Anyone can slap some paint on, but keeping it on and looking great for years to come requires patient surface preparation.

Here are some tips from Mitre 10 to get you started.

First, slow down!

The end result of a painting job is directly

g

STEP 1: GET READY Start by putting down a drop sheet to catch any dust or spills. Carefully remove any nails or pins on wall surfaces

STEP 2: SAND AND WASH Sand the wall with sandpaper and a sanding block to remove any flaky paint and flatten uneven surfaces. Add Selleys Sugar Soap to a bucket of water and wash down the wall with a sponge. The great thing about Selleys Sugar Soap is,

41

you don’t have to rinse off, just let it dry and it is good to go.

lightly and remove any dust.

If needed, apply a second coat.

STEP 3: PATCH AND FILL

STEP 4: FILL ANY GAPS

Fill any cracks, dents, nail or screw holes with Selleys Spakfilla Rapid. Using the plastic scraper supplied, scoop a small amount and draw it across each imperfection. Do this in both directions to work the filler into the crack or hole, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Remove any excess.

Allow it to dry, then sand

Fill any gaps between the skirting boards with Selleys No More Gaps or No More Gaps Ezi Press. With NMG Ezi Press, the tube is pressurized, meaning there is no need for a caulking gun. Cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. Then tilt the tube when applying and make sure you force enough filler into the gaps. Use a

wet finger to smooth and clean up with a rag.

Let it skin – about three hours for water based paint, but allow longer for oil based paint or in cold or humid conditions.

Once you’ve filled any gaps and prepared your surfaces, you’re ready to get stuck into painting.

related to the time you take to do it. That includes taking time for proper surface preparation. A fast job almost always gives a result somewhere between average and disappointing.

Of all painting defects, the most common are cracking, peeling, reasonable estimate. The guide is based on two coats of paint, 16 square metres per litre coverage. Don’t forget to reduce the surface

flaking and blistering.

The main reason for these is almost always the same – poor surface preparation, or no surface preparation at all. Sometimes it’s an issue of moisture penetrating the timber or other material from the inside, or getting behind the paint film. area to be painted if the area includes large windows and doors.

PAINT CALCULATOR The amount of paint you will need will vary according to the paint as well as the condition of the surface. The chart below will give you a

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EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

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JINDABYNE

Many ways to BUILD A HOUSE There are many ways of building the house of your dreams. You can employ a local builder, you can engage a large building firm, you can contract a manufactured house building company or you can commission a kit home company.

Some of these companies will deal with all your council regulations and forms, which will save you time and effort, but not all will. Whichever way you choose to build your house you must make sure whoever you pick is a licenced builder and uses licenced tradesmen for all the work involved.

Kim and Bob Jameson from Dalgety took delivery of their manufactured home (pictured above) in late October and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier with it. While they loved one of the designs they did ask for some alterations, which were agreed upon with no hassle.

They were able to choose all the paint colours and choose their own style of tiles.

Kim said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We opted to buy the carpets and timber flooring from local businesses.â&#x20AC;?

Bob and Kim are delighted to be in their new home and are pleased they decided on buying a manufactured home.

Kerry from Numeralla decided on buying a kit home because as she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know almost nothing about building houses so it is great to have someone else build it for me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My house comes in three stages and at the moment (mid-October), stage one, the roof trusses and all the house frames are sitting on my block

waiting for the builders to commence.â&#x20AC;?

The footings have been poured and the stumps are steel so Kerry is glad there are no white ant issues.

Kerry said stage two consists of doors, kitchen and kitchen appliances, bathroom furniture and even a dishwasher. Stage three is tiles and a cupboard in the kitchen for Kerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small but workable laundry.

The overall house is small but adequate for Kerry whose children are grown-up and have houses of their own. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I asked for the planned laundry to be taken out and the second bedroom to be made bigger and all bedrooms to have built-in wardrobes. The third bedroom is small but I will use it for a study and craft room. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do have to get my own electrician and plumber to do their work so I will be employing local tradesmen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building a house has its ups and downs but I feel confident about it all and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to moving in.â&#x20AC;?

There are many ways to build a house but tread carefully before you commit. Make sure you explore all avenues and ask around to ensure you are making the right decisions.

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CONTACT THE MONARO POST TO ADVERTISE IN THE PROPERTY MUSTER SECTION: 6452 0313

A unique garden experience

Do yourself and garden a favour and drop in to see Julie & Julieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive range of plants, pots & boots!

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The Monaro Post plays a unique & valuable role in our local communities of the Snowy Monaro Region. With all the latest news, sporting results, rural news, and a great advertising environment for businesses.

THE MONARO POST, YOUR LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER www.monaropost.com.au Ph: 6452 0313 | 6452 03122

E DITION 12, 2018

Your local landscaper

With more than 20 years experience, Greg is your local expert in hard and soft landscaping, and can provide a comprehensive range of landscaping services from simple tidy-ups to complete outdoor entertainment area transformations.

Delivering the highest quality customer service and workmanship every step of the way, Greg believes the success of any landscaping project relies on selecting products and plants suited to the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual needs, and the harsh Snowy Mountains climate.

Greg works closely with local suppliers to bring your landscaping to life, covering all aspects of landscape construction including paving, retaining walls, turf installation, paths, natural rock features, and garden maintenance.

This not only ensures outstanding results, but also ensures long term satisfaction for our customers.

Greg has earned the reputation of getting it done, on time, right, and on budget. Small or large projects, domestic and commercial.

He is fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind.

Call Greg to discuss all your landscaping needs.

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44

EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

ASBESTOS: The facts Asbestos is a naturallyoccurring mineral fibre.

Historically, it has been mined and used by many industries worldwide.

Asbestos was once considered to be a very useful mineral because of its versatility. It can withstand heat, erosion and decay, has fire and water resistant properties, was flexible, strong, affordable

and can insulate from heat and electricity.

Because of this, it was commonly used in the construction of homes and buildings.

Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause life-threatening illnesses, so use of asbestos has been greatly reduced and it is now banned in 61 countries.

It becomes a health risk when asbestos fibres are released into

the air and breathed in.

Asbestos or asbestos-containing materials could be found in the following areas: o roofing and gutters o gables and eaves o walls o vinyl, carpet and tile underlay o Lining behind wall tiles o imitation brick cladding o fencing

o sheds o splashbacks in wet areas o telecommunications pits o some window putty

o expansion joints o packing under beams o concrete formwork

Who to contact For more information regarding the regulations for Asbestos Safe Disposal within the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, please contact the Waste Facilities directly on the below details.

Jindabyne Landfill 6013 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne Phone: 02 6457 1064 or Jindabyne Landfill Supervisor Phone: 0428 411 045 Open: Everyday 10am - 3pm (Closed on Public Holidays) Council will require you to give the following details to the attendant at the Jindabyne Landfill or the Cooma Landfill at time of disposal o Location where the asbestos materials have come from. o Weight and size. o Contact of the Licensed removalist if asbestos over 10sq or 100kg Because of the dangers associated with the handling of asbestos, its safe removal and disposal is very important.

Before renovating, visit Asbestos Awareness website to learn where asbestos might be found in your home, the dangers of disturbing it and how best to manage it.

Cooma Landfill 8448 Monaro Highway, Cooma Phone: 02 6452 1105 Open: Sunday - Friday 11am - 5pm and Saturdays 1pm - 5pm

o Australia has been ranked among the world’s top consumers of asbestos products per capita. o 1 in 3 Australian homes contain asbestos in some form or another (a conservative estimate). o There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres so it’s vital to safely manage asbestos-containing products. o Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma (an incurable asbestos-related cancer). o Every brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad home built or renovated before 1987, most likely contains asbestoscontaining products in some form or another.

Need LPG?

o During renovations or the demolition of homes containing asbestos products, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and be inhaled putting renovators, families, tradespeople and bystanders at risk. o If you find asbestos in your home; Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it ! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! and whatever you do...DON’T DUMP IT! Asbestos materials were commonly used in the building industry from 1940 to 1980. There is now a ban on using asbestos products.

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E DITION 12, 2018

45

A headstart for your first home If you are thinking of buying your first home in NSW, there are a few government schemes you may be eligible for. Every little bit helps when you are making one of the biggest purchases of your life. With interest rates currently so low, and Snowy 2.0 on the horizon, now is a great time to consider purchasing your first home in the Snowy Monaro region.

First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme

First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) scheme

The First Home Buyers Assistance scheme is a NSW Government initiative, which provides exemptions or concessions on transfer duty for eligible NSW first home buyers. This includes vacant land on which you intend to build your first home.

The First Home Buyers Assistance scheme commenced from 1 July 2017.

The First Home Buyers Assistance scheme provides eligible purchasers with exemptions on transfer duty on new and existing homes valued up to $650,000 and concessions on duty for new and existing homes valued between $650,000 and $800,000.

Eligible purchasers buying a vacant block of residential land to build their home on will pay no duty on vacant land valued up to $350,000, and will receive concessions on duty for vacant land valued between $350,000 and $450,000.

To qualify for First Home Buyers Assistance, you must meet the criteria listed below: • The contract and the transfer must be for the purchase of the whole of the property.

The First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) scheme was established to assist eligible first home owners to purchase a new home or build their home by offering a grant.

The grant amount is determined by the date of the eligible transaction. This is the date of the contract to purchase a new home or contract to build a home. For an owner builder, the eligible date is when the building work commences.

From 1 July 2017, the First Home Owner Grant Cap for new home purchases is $600,000; for a property where you enter into a contract to build, or are an owner builder the total value cannot exceed $750,000.

For eligible transactions made on or after 1 January 2016, the grant amount is $10,000.

For eligible transactions made between 1 October 2012 and 31 December 2015, the grant amount is $15,000.

A new home is a home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence and includes a home that has been

• All purchasers must be ‘eligible purchasers’.

• An ‘eligible purchaser’ is a natural person (i.e. not a company or trust) at least 18 years of age who has not, and whose spouse/de facto has not: - at any time owned (either solely or with someone else) residential property in Australia other than property owned solely as trustee or executor - previously received an exemption or concession under First Home— New Home.

• At least one eligible purchaser must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of six months, commencing within 12 months of completion of the agreement. (Where an eligible purchaser was a member of the permanent forces of the Australian Defence Force and all purchasers were enrolled on the NSW electoral roll, as at the transaction date, then all purchasers are exempt from the residence requirement).

For more information on the scheme, visit www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants.

substantially renovated and a home built to replace demolished premises.

To be eligible for the grant: • the contract date must be on or after 1 January 2016 • the home is a brand new home • you are over 18 • you or your spouse (including de facto spouse) have never held a relevant interest in any residential property in Australia prior to 1 July 2000.

However, you may be eligible if you or your spouse, including de facto spouse, have only had a relevant interest in any residential property in Australia on or after 1 July 2000 and you have not resided in that property for a continuous period of at least six months.

• the value of the property must not exceed the First Home Owner Grant Cap of $750,000 • you have not received a first home owners grant in any State or Territory, unless subsequently repaid • you need to live in the home for a continuous period of at least six months

• at least one applicant is a permanent resident or Australian citizen • each applicant must be a natural person and not a company or trust.

If your contract is dated prior to 1 October 2012, visit the First Home Owner Grant page.

If you cannot meet all of the eligibility requirements, you are not eligible to receive the grant.

If you receive the grant and fail to meet the eligibility requirements (for example, not living in the home for a continuous period of at least six months), you need to payback the grant. Failure to do so can result in prosecution and penalties up to $11,000.

If you are part of the Australian Defence Force and all applicants are on the New South Wales electoral roll, you may be eligible for an exemption from the six month residence requirement.

For more grant information, visit www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants.

New building engineer available in Jindabyne Scott Harris from Scott Harris and Associates (SHA) has recently established a new building engineering consultancy practice in Jindabyne.

SHA specialises in hydraulic (plumbing), civil (stormwater), fire protection building services, engineering design documentation and project management.

In addition to engineering services, SHA also provides in-ground pipe and cabling, detection/location services

including ground information survey mapping, pipeline CCTV inspections, water supply, fire services flow testing and certification.

Although this is a new business venture, Scott has specialised in the building services industry for over 25 years.

He has experience working on projects in both the private and government sectors within the engineering consultancy sector in Sydney.

Since moving to the area with

his family some two-and-a-half years ago, Scott discovered a lack of these types of specialist professional engineering services within the region.

He has already seen positive engagement with the local business community.

If you would like more information about this new and exciting building services engineeering practice within our region, contact Scott Harris on 0411 512 887 or www.sharris.com.au.

COOMA FURNISHING CO

Scott Harris of Scott Harris and Associates Engineering Consultants.

62 Sharp Street COOMA NSW 2630 P. (02) 6452 1499 F. (02) 6452 4840

46

EDITIO N 1 2 , 2 0 1 8

Building in a bush fire area Bush fire is a major challenge for the community. It has been a natural part of our landscape for thousands of years and remains an ever-present threat.

All developments on land that is designated as bush fire prone have a legal obligation to consider bush fire and meet the requirements of Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006 and AS3959 – 2009.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) website contains information that promotes an understanding of bush fire behaviour, bush fire assessment reports and the legal framework that governs the planning process for proposed developments on bush fire prone land in NSW. Information within this section is relevant to current and future home owners, developers, planners, councils, fire authorities and other government organisations.

Thorough research is required when building on bush fire prone lands, engaging trades and local council early on is recommended so you are clear of the requirements involved. Bush fire related materials can also be more expensive, so it is important to consider that when working on your budget.

Planning for Bush Fire Protection

After the 2001 Black Christmas fires in Sydney, which destroyed 109 homes and burnt more than 750,000 hectares, a Joint Parliamentary Inquiry was established. The resulting report endorsed the release of a document, which contained specifications for building on land identified as bush fire prone. This document is Planning for Bush Fire Protection (PBP).

PBP 2006 is intended for use by councils, town planners, NSW fire authorities, developers, planning and bush fire consultants, surveyors, and building practitioners (including accredited certifiers).

PBP 2006 allows for considerable flexibility

and innovation that links the bush fire hazard for a site with the implementation of appropriate bush fire protection measures.

These bush fire protection measures must be addressed in any development applications located on bush fire prone land. By visiting the RFS website, you can check if your property is located on bush fire prone land.

By incorporating bush fire protection measures into a development the six objectives of Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006 are addressed: 1. afford occupants of any building adequate protection from exposure to a bush fire

Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2018 A review has been conducted of Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006, which included a periods of targeted and full public consultation.

Since that time, the NSW RFS has worked extensively with representatives from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and stakeholders to prepare a pre-release version of the document.

It is anticipated that PBP 2018 will become legislated by mid 2019,

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to coincide with the enactment of the National Construction Code 2019.

Until then, PBP 2018 is in a ‘pre-release’ stage, also known as the transitionary period.

Until PBP 2018 becomes legislated, PBP 2006 will remain the legally referenced document and PBP 2018 can be used on a performance basis in consultation with NSW RFS only.

For more information, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

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For Superior Work McMahon’s Earthmoving & Tree Services is a family owned company operating in the Cooma Monaro and Snowy Mountains area. Our highly skilled team can handle any excavation or tree removal job, from small, private projects to large property developments and land clearing work.

Richard and Rachel McMahon started McMahon’s in 2006, employing local families and willing to travel over the Cooma Monaro and Snowy Mountains to any area for work.

MCMAHON’S IS FULLY INSURED FOR ALL ASPECTS OF WORKS WITH UNLIMITED HEIGHT TREE REMOVAL • Tree Removal • Pruning • Mulching • Stump Grinding • Block & Site Clearing

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