Monaro post 23/01/13 by Monaro Media Group

inside

WEDNESDAY January 23, 2013

Donation to BlazeAid renal unit comes to town Page 7

Women helping women page 6

Page 3

Aldi specials page 5

Pakistani Visitors Page 22

Sport from page 28

$1.30

Victims helping victims

Our region has once again proved its giving nature in the face of adversity. People from all over the Monaro have banded together and donated several household items including toys, dining tables and bedding to the fire cause. Kim Simpson of Dirty Deeds Laundromat combined her efforts with Debbie Chippendale of On Track Hobbies to start an appeal for donations on Facebook that originally were intended for the McKenzie family who lost their home in the recent Yarrabin bush fire. The people of the Monaro region, however, proved to be so generous that there was an excess in donations that the family could not accept. (See story in next week’s The

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Monaro Post). Together a decision was made to donate these items to the Coonabarabran region who have experienced what can only be described as utter devastation in the wake of recent bushfires. At this time there have been 51 properties destroyed and as the fire continues to break containment lines, properties to the south of the region are also under threat. Brett Simpson of Cooma Equipment Hire offered

his services in the form of storage space for the donated items. “I told them they could store their stuff here as we had room”, Mr Simpson said. He also helped to load the Monaro Freight Truck that was driven by Marco Revelant

25-40

for no charge. The truck took the donated items to Sydney on Monday 21 where it will be met by Peter Roberts from Coonabarabran of Peter Roberts Transport who will take the items to their final destination and into the hands of the now homeless residents of the area. Pictured: Brett Simpson of Cooma Equipment Hire with Debbie Chipendale of On Track Hobbies, who organised the project.

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News

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Firefighters tame Yarrabin Fire

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The fire scene in the Kybeyan Valley. Photo by Andy Richards.

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The Yarrabin bushfire which has plagued the Kybeyan Valley for more than two weeks, was brought under control within containment lines last weekend. The fire, which has burnt out more than 12,000 hectares, was contained despite extreme temperatures and strong winds last Friday. A cooler weekend aided control measures. Rural Fire Service media liaison officer, Fred Nichols, said on Monday “No news is good news. “The fire is currently all contained and under control, we are picking up lots of hot spots within the fire ground and ground crews are getting to those with the assistance of a

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At 5pm on January 20 in Sharp Street Cooma, 32-yearold Cooma male has been served with Court Attendance Notice relating to ‘Dangerous Dog’

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helicopter with water bombing capabilities. We will be doing that for the rest of the week, just patrolling knocking out those hot spots. “Hopefully we have some rain coming to help us with that, there are thunderstorms predicted for each afternoon during the week. Our main concern now is lightning strikes from these thunderstorms starting new fires, that is something that concerns the whole shire.” At the height of the fire, about 200 firefighters were involved, with up to six helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft also used. The fire destroyed one residence, many sheds and outbuildings, 2450 sheep and about 200km of fencing. The RFS reminds residents to remain vigilant, as the extremely dry pasture and warm temperatures could result in more fires, especially if expected thunderstorms cause lightning strikes. In an emergency, dial 000.

gregcowell@bigpond.com

offences. The man who has previously had his dog declared as ‘dangerous’ after repeatedly being told by the courts and police that he was require to have his dog muzzled refused to do so. He will be appearing at Cooma Local Court on February 6. At 11.30pm on Sunday in Centennial Park, Cooma, a large number of persons had to be ‘moved on’ from the area for consuming alcohol and using offensive language. One person was issued with a Criminal Infringement Notice for ‘Offensive Language’. At 8.30am on Saturday at Woolworths Liquor Land, Cooma, a male stole a bottle of liquor as he was exiting the

store. A male suspect has been identified and enquiries continuing. At 1.30am on Sunday in Tumut Street, Cooma:, a motor vehicle crashed into a parked truck and then left the scene. Police have located the vehicle and the drive. Police have questioned a 19-year-old Cooma male and police action is pending. At 9.30am on Saturday in Sharp Street Cooma, a 45-year-old Cooma woman was stopped driving a motor vehicle and police found her licence to be ‘suspended’. She has been served with a Court Attendance Notice to appear at Cooma Local Court on 20.02.13.

Wednesday January 23, 2013

News

BlazeAid arrives to help Farmers affected by the Yarrabin of farming families who often do it very bushfire are to get some welcome tough already, without going through physical and emotional relief from bushfires as well. volunteer group ‘BlazeAid’. BlazeAid emerged out of the Black Some would say ‘the worst is over’ Saturday Bushfires in 2009 where there for the Yarrabin bushfires but for many came an urgent need for fences to be the worst is just beginning, as farmers rebuilt. Since then BlazeAid has built up prepare the long road to recovery. a volunteer database of over 8000 and Fencing is one of the greatest losses rebuilt over 400 km of fencing. Their to properties affected by fire in rural volunteers have come from all parts areas and the Yarrabin bushfires were of Australia, as well as New Zealand, England, Afghanistan, no exception. Not only does damage Switzerland, to fencing come at a great cost but will Canada, Germany, Austria, America and also take farmers months to completely France. rebuild. BlazeAid is a very holistic program, also engages the local There is an estimated 200km for which fencing in the Kybeyan/Nimmitabel community. region which needs replacing. “We bring the model for recovery but ‘BlazeAid’ is a new volunteer-based rely on local intelligence for direction and organisation working to solve all these support,” explained Mr Butler. problems and make it easier for farmers BlazeAid volunteers will be and families in rural Australia to recover stationed at Nimmitabel Showground after natural disasters. and will need all the help they can Yesterday, the first of the volunteers get themselves. The local Cooma Community can get involved with this Paul and Valerie Soargard arrived. After meeting with Cooma–Monaro program and support both the farmers mayor Dean Lynch and Cooma Lions in the community and/or the volunteers Club, they moved on to Nimmitabel of BlazeAid by providing meals for where Nimmitabel Show Society volunteers, answering phones, helping president John Harrington, made with farmers registration or even them welcome at the Nimmitabel volunteer as a BlazeAid worker. At this stage it’s extremely likely that up to 1200 volunteers could be stationed in the Monaro area, working with the local community, council and farmers to rebuild and recover. “After a fire or flood there are a lot of people that want to help but can’t be productive unless there is someone to organise them. We work as a huge team and organise it all,” BlazeAid Founder and President, Kevin Butler, said. “As a farmer myself, my heartfelt sympathies go out to the farmers for what they are going through,” Mr Butler said. Not only do BlazeAid volunteers work alongside farmers to physically rebuild fences but they also help to lift the spirits

To volunteer to help out in any way once BlazeAid comes into the local community call Kevin Butler on 0418 530 471 or Lyn Bailey for Admin or General Enquiries on 0400 833 262. BlazeAid relies entirely on donations and does not receive any government funding. To donate money or fencing materials to BlazeAid please visit their donations page at www. blazeaid.com A helicopter dumps water on a fire in the Kybeyan Valley during the Yarrabin emergency. Photo by Andy Richards.

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News

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Local Land Services workshop

Last month the Local Land Services (LLS) Stakeholder Reference Panel extended an invitation for all stakeholders to participate in community consultation on the development of the new LLS. Commencing next month, interactive workshops at 19 locations across the State will provide local stakeholders with an opportunity to have their say on the four pillars of LLS being boundaries, governance, services and the rating framework. Stakeholders within the Murrumbidgee catchment are invited to attend the following meetings: • February 4 – Yass, Yass Soldiers Club, 86 Meehan Street (1 – 4pm) • February 5 – Cooma, Cooma Ex-Services Club, 106 Vale Street (8 – 11am) • February 18 – Hay, Hay Golf Club, Sturt Highway (1 – 4pm) Murrumbidgee CMA Acting General Manager Lilian Parker said that the meetings will provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to share

their ideas, voice their opinions and provide constructive suggestions for effective service delivery moving forward. “These workshops will allow time for questions and discussion. I encourage all catchment stakeholders to attend these meetings and be involved in the development of the new LLS model. “If you are unable to attend one of these meetings, the Panel continues to welcome feedback on the Have Your Say website, via fax (02) 6881 1295) or in writing (Local Land Services Feedback, Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 865, Dubbo, NSW, 2830)”, Ms Parker said. Background papers on agenda items will be placed on the Have Your Say website this month for participants to consider prior to attending the workshops. To RSVP and indicate your attendance at one of these events visit http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov. au/locallandservices.

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Nimmitabel on level six Water flow into the pumping pondage on the McLaughlin River has ceased. Consequently to ensure a continued supply to meet the town’s essential needs and there are sufficient reserves for fire fighting purposes, Cooma Monaro Shire Council, in accordance with the Local Government (Water Services) Regulation 1999, Cl 5, applies Level 6 Restrictions to water use, from 1.00am Sunday 20 January 2013. • Water can only be used for domestic purposes only. • Hand held hoses are banned. • Re-used domestic water may be applied to gardens using buckets. • No fixed sprinklers are permitted on residential, commercial or public properties. • No in-ground watering systems, soaker hoses or microsprays are permitted in residential, commercial or public properties. • Filling and topping up of private swimming pools with town water is prohibited. • Washing of motor vehicles is banned except for safety reasons. • No hosing or washing of paved or concrete areas. • Automatic flush toilets are banned. • Water cartage from Town Supply is prohibited. Rural properties requiring domestic water supplies may obtain

water from Cooma. These restrictions will apply to all properties connected to the Nimmitabel Water Supply Scheme. The restrictions will apply until further notice. Council will be carrying out random meter checks to ensure compliance. The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources has advises that for domestic use, consumers should be using approximately 135 L per person per day. Under Section 637 of the Local Government Act 1993, a person who wilfully or negligently wastes or misuses water from the public water supply, or causes any such water to be wasted, is guilty of an offence for which the maximum penalty is a fine of $2,200. Council’s Water & Wastewater Operator will be making random checks of usage to ensure compliance with the restrictions. Non potable water will be available at the Council depot site, Bentley Street, from 8.30am Monday January 21 from a 25kl tank from which residents may obtain additional water for their garden. Please note this water is not for drinking. The tank will be refilled regularly from Cooma. If you require further information, please contact Engineering Services on (02) 6455 1802.

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News

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Women helping women to improve their lives “Pakistan is very different from Australia, women are treated very differently there,” said Asima Gulistan from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO of the UN). She was here along with 14 others from the Balochistan Agricultural Project that is being run through the UN. Of the six women who are visiting Cooma, five have spent Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 out at ‘Past Times’ with Rewa Nolan of Ashford Australia and the

women of the Monaro Fibre Artists group. “Having skills like these mean that women can increase their income by 80 percent,” stated Ms Gulistan. Such an increase to income would allow the women to better support their families in many ways, be it medical help, schooling or even money to buy nutritious groceries. The Balochistan Province is described as currently suffering from ‘difficult’ circumstances; it borders Afghanistan

General Manager, JOE VESCIO

Natural disaster assistance was announced last week in 37 different Local Government areas following the bushfires experienced across the state. This declaration triggers a number of disaster assistance schemes to assist with the cost of disaster relief and recovery. These disaster assistance schemes are made available by the NSW Government through the NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements and they are supported by the Commonwealth Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. Thanks go out to all our emergency services who work tirelessly in these trying circumstances. Council’s Community Services were aided by Cooma Police to support an 83 year old client of the service to be evacuated at the height of the fire in Kybeyan. The woman was identified on the vulnerable persons list given her remote location, lack of transport and as having no family support in the region. The collaboration between the Police and Community Services resulted in this woman being located, evacuated and removed from imminent risk. Council would like to acknowledge its staff who volunteer their time as Volunteer Fighters and thank them for their efforts in helping our community.

and is currently designated role when it comes to relaying the impacted by war. These women will information back to the now be dubbed the wider community; this custodians of this ensures that the most knowledge and in accurate knowledge is turn will be given the passed on. task of spreading their learnings to 10 other districts in Balochistan, which is a very large number of people. Not only are the women learning essential skills that will guarantee them a greater livelihood, they are also engaging in the entire process from production, through to marketing their products. Each woman within the group has a

Asima Gulistan said that before recently the value of wool was not commonly recognised, now that people know they can earn money from it, spinning has become an essential skill for many of the women to learn.

program is for the wheels will be used progression of women’s as the demonstration wheels when educating rights in their country. Rewa Nolan of the other women of Ashford Australia kindly their districts. For the offered for the old ‘Past women, the foot pedal Times’ venue to be powered wheels are an used as the ‘school’ in up-grade in technology essence for the women and require far less to learn in. There have labour than the tradition been five spinning hand powered wheels.

with them an idea of the policies Australia has in place in regards to the production of wool made products, once these policies are learnt they will be replicated in Pakistan to ensure the future of the wool industry over there.

The Monaro Fibre wheels donated by the community as well as Artists will be imparting other implements for their vast knowledge on to the Pakistani crafting with wool. Ashford Australia women over a period of have also donated five two days and will keep wheels on which the in contact with the women are currently women as it is obvious working and will be they are forming fast able to take back friendships.

Yasmeen, Fazia, Saman and Asima with Rewa Nolan of Ashford Australia, Betty Hudson and Helen French of the Monaro Fibre Crafts group at ‘Past Times’ last Wednesday.

Eager to share their story, all of the women were very interested in sharing with us their The group will also back ground and just with them when they how important this return home, these take back to Pakistan

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News

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Cooma Call Centre legacy to help renal unit From the desk of the General Manager, Mr John Vucic Cooma-Monaro Shire Council

Addressing residents’ concerns Many of you would be aware that council has recently had its new draft Local Environmental Plan on public exhibition. As part of this draft Local Environmental Plan, council has an opportunity to reclassify council-owned land from “community” land to “operational” land if it so chooses. Such a reclassification allows the council to use such land for a greater variety of purposes, and also gives it the option of selling the land if it chooses.

Pictured last Friday, Call centre manager Margaret Clifford with Cooma’s renal Dialysis committee members Claire Neumeyer, Robyn Mould and chairman Dugald Mitchell, accept the Cooma Call Centre’s donations from founder and former president Roger Norton. Cooma Call Centre may have closed down after 12 years of operation, however its legacy continues to live on through significant contributions to the community. Cooma Call Centre’s founding member, and chairman for nine years, Roger Norton donated the last of Cooma Call Centre’s funds to the Cooma Renal Dialysis Centre last Friday. The Renal Dialysis Centre in Cooma is currently being built and will soon be able to cater for patients in Cooma.

The $1835.41 cheque presented to Dougald Mitchell, chairman of the Renal Dialysis Committee is going to be a huge help to the three patients in Cooma currently having to travel to Canberra three times a week to receive treatment. “We’ll use the money for setting up new furnishings and equipment,” said Mr Mitchell. The Renal Dialysis Building is expected to be finished and ready to function by June this year.

Cooma Call Centre has made many significant contributions to the Cooma community since their closing, donating $20,000 to Yallambee Lodge, aged care facility last year. The furniture and equipment purchased through the generous donation of the board is something that will be put to good use for years to come.

Look Good, Feel Better workshop The next Look Good, Feel Better Workshop for cancer patients will be held at Cooma hospital education centre on February 18. The workshop is open to all cancer patients, male and female. Look Good…Feel Better is a free, nonmedical, brand-neutral, national Community service program created to help individuals with cancer look good, improve their self-esteem, and thereby manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. Guided by volunteers through our program, they master simple cosmetic techniques, explore hair alternatives, and learn about cosmetic hygiene, and skin care. Participants take home a complimentary kit of cosmetics that are

generously donated by the Cosmetic that create a sense of fun, support and confidence. industry. The two-hour workshop program, Patron of the program, Kerri-Anne which is free to attend is available in 165 Kennerley said “I fully appreciate the work of Look locations around Australia. Check out Good… Feel better. The notion of www.lgfb.org.au Look Good… Feel Better is offered helping cancer patients feel better about themselves while undergoing the around the globe in Argentina, Australia, rigors of cancer treatment is a tonic that Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, can only help. We are all touched by Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, cancer in our everyday lives and I relish Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South supporting this great charity” Look Good Feel Better (LG…FB) is Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, The dedicated to improving the self esteem Netherlands, UK, Uruguay and USA. Register on line: www.lgfb.org.au and quality of life of people undergoing treatment for Cancer. It is our aim to improve self image YOUR CHANCE TO SAVE and appearance through complimentary group sessions

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Because the council basically manages its “community” land on behalf of the community, the legal process of reclassifying such land requires the matter to be aired at a public hearing, during which the public can raise its concerns. The hearing will be run independently of council by a local law firm, although council officers will be in attendance to answer any technical questions if required. The public hearing concerning the 29 items listed in Schedule 4 of the draft LEP has now been set for Thursday, 14 February 2013 at the Monaro Regional Library in Cooma, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Following the meeting, the law firm will be required to prepare a summary of the issues raised for council consideration. Some residents have recently raised concerns over the radio and through the local papers that council will sell off three local parks on the list, thereby denying the recreational needs of neighbourhood children. I think it’s great that members of the community value their local parks and are taking an interest in this process. Knowing what the community wants and feels strongly about helps council in making decisions which affect them. If members of the public intend to make a submission or attend the public hearing to raise concerns about these issues, can I encourage them to consider the following as food for thought: • Council currently manages 20 playgrounds, 16 within the township of Cooma and one each in Nimmitabel, Numeralla, Bredbo and Michelago; and • Given the limited resources to develop and maintain open space and playgrounds, the Council Playground Strategy for 2010-2020 was developed and adopted by council in December 2010. It took the approach that future management of recreation spaces in town must be economically realistic, requiring that council's resources are concentrated into fewer, better developed and maintained parks and playgrounds that meet the needs of our youth and other interests. A copy of the Playground Strategy is available on council’s website. Once again, all members of the public are invited to attend and make submissions to the hearing at the library on Thursday, 14 February, 2013 between 5.30pm and 7.00pm.

Post & Rail

8 the

postman calls

Well, what a couple of weeks it has been. At last the Yarrabin fire is contained and hopefully by the end of the week will be officially OUT! The assistance of BlazeAid in getting lost fences replaced will be gratefully accepted by many, The Postman is sure. But there is also a downside, with one reader contacting The Monaro Post with concerns about BlazeAid taking work away from local fencing contractors and also putting a stop to Nimmitabel Show. But the show will go on and will no doubt be used as a celebration of survival. With 200km or more of fencing to complete, farmers will be needing as much help as possible, just so they can put their stock back. The generosity of people across the Monaro is certainly heartening – the Mackenzie family has received so much since their home was destroyed in the fires they have been able to in turn, donate goods to others. But this weekend will be a good weekend for us all to celebrate being an Aussie, starting with a hearty breakfast at some town or village across the Monaro. The Postman thinks the breakys served up in some of the villages, Nimmitabel for example, have extra flavour on Australia day. Must the clean Monaro air!

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Unhappy with Cooma streets Editor, Is this war-torn Afghanistan or the back streets of Naples? No, It is Hawkins Street in Cooma. This gutter on the edge of the asphalt of 36 Hawkins Street has been there for three years. It is 31cm deep. It has been there so long, would you believe, lovegrass (a noxious weed) is starting to grow in the gutter. I don’t believe the ratepayers of Cooma are getting value for their money. I doubt if the bureaucrats who run the council have ever been around some of the appalling streets in Cooma and Cooma North. I think from my point of view, there is too much of the ratepayers money spent on tea parties for visiting dignitaries. The council should start thinking about the grass roots people who keep the town going. I know the mayor, Dean Lynch, stated in the paper he is “pissed off” with the LHPA fiasco, which should be abolished. Well, Dean, I’m pissed off with the state of some of the streets in Cooma, particularly Hawkins Street. If one day you could find the time, I will get my 4WD vehicle and

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Gail Eastaway - 02 6452 0312 E: editor@monaropost.com.au

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engage low-range. I will take you for a drive round some of the streets, because you definitely can’t drive a modern day car on them Barry Scanes, wHawkins Street, Cooma

Editor’s note: The Monaro Post referred Mr Scanes’ complaint to Cooma-Monaro Shire Council’s Director of Engineering, David Byrne, who said his staff will investigate the problem with a view to resolving it.

Monaro Media Group Pty. Ltd. P: 02 6452 0312 F: 02 6452 0314 Classifieds/Advertising: 02 6452 0313 Accounts: 02 6452 0318 The Monaro Post ACN: 121 288 060 ABN: 34 121 288 060 220-226 Sharp St, Cooma NSW 2630 PO Box 1227, Cooma NSW 2630 COUNTRY PRESS NSW AWARDS

Winners of The DIC Australia Award for Best Commercial Supplement Innovations - 2011/2012 Winners of The W.O. Richards Award for Technical Excellence in Newspaper Production - Printing Quality The Monaro Post - 2011/2012 Presented by Norske Skog Highly Commended The DIC Australia Award for Best Commercial Supplement Innovations - 2010/2011 Highly Commended The Goss International Award for newspaper presentation Journalism - 2010/2011 Winners of The DIC Australia Award for Best Commercial Supplement Snowpost - 2009/2010

Free speech is battling to survive in Australia. So many times we see commentators berated and vilified for having an opinion.

SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARDS

The latest stoush, with David Koch in the middle, has prompted hundreds of nursing mothers to organise a rally outside Channel Seven’s “Sunrise” program next Monday, protesting his comments about breast-feeding in public.

State Finalists - 2010 State Finalists - 2009 Winners New Business - 2008 State Finalist - 2007

The Monaro Post is an independent, locally owned newspaper and welcomes all community input. If you have a story or prepared article for consideration, please contact the editor during business hours on 6452 0312. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, notice or letter published. Any advertisement, notice or letter is published at the risk of the contributor who accepts liability for any intended publication. All such contributors, by forwarding advertisements, notices or letters, agree to identify the publisher and warrant that the material is accurate and is neither deceptive, misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any laws and regulations. Please be aware that all material published in The Monaro Post is subject to copyright.

One shudders to think what form that protest will take. Now if hundreds of nudists were protesting comments against nudity, the from that protest would take would be fairly predictable, but breastfeeding? Hmmm… Hope it doesn’t upset anyone!

THIS SUMMERS “DUSTY CREEK AGRICULTURAL SHOW” IS GEARING UP TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!!

Your local Award-winning newspaper

www.monaropost.com.au ONCE AGAIN THERE’LL BE HOLE DIGGIN’ COMPETITIONS, SNAKE MILKIN’ FOR THE KIDS, UNTANGLE THE BARBED WIRE MARATHON, THE RUNNIN’ OF THE CHICKENS AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

HMPH, THERE’S SOMETHIN’ ABOUT THIS YEARS SHOW JUST DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT.

YEAH, ‘THE RUNNIN’ OF THE CHICKENS’ IS USUALLY IN WINTER.

News

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Meeting to discuss fire recovery

A meeting was held to at the EOC at the Cooma Rural Fire Service Headquarters on Wednesday January 16 to discuss recovery after the Yarrabin bush-fire at a coordinated local and state level. There was attendance by The CEO of The Ministry for Police and Emergency Services, Les Tree, who is also State Emergency Recovery Controller. The Executive Director, Counter Terrorism and Disaster Resilience,

Ministry for Police and Emergency Services, Feargus O’Connor also attended. “Now that we are hopefully over the peak in terms of fire danger we can start looking at recovery,” said Mr O’Connor. The meetings aim was to discover the areas of concern that are directly affecting local people and to gather a large sum of local knowledge in order to make sure that these concerns were addressed. The coordination

of state and local levels in emergency situations is imperative. Having contact with people at a state level allows recovery to happen swiftly but also helps state level governments to understand the needs of locals. Mr O’Connor outlined that the main aspects that recovery will be focused on in the Yarrabin area are economic, environmental, psychological, tourism and agriculture. Psychological damage

to farming families, who already do it tough, will be a huge focus as they deal with their extreme losses and try to recover and rebuild. This meeting has ensured that the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services and also those at other state levels have a shared view with locals and with the EOC on what needs to happen in order for the community to recover after the latest fires.

MONAROpost.com.au

Top: the meeting of the relevant bodies at RFS HQ last week. Above: Inspct Tony Hill with Les Tree and Feargus O’Connor.

Cooma Power Equipment

69 Commissioner St, Cooma P: 6452 2622 F: 6452 2633 E: coomapower@gmail.com

COOMA-MONARO SHIRE COUNCIL WEEKLY NEWS AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

30th January, 2013

building a better community

COUNCIL communiqué NEXT COUNCIL MEETING – 11 FEBRUARY 2013 The next council meeting will be held on Monday, 11 February 2013 in the Council Chambers, Cooma commencing at 4.30pm.

TENDER FOR THE REPAIR OF DOG AND CAT POUND BUILDINGS, COOMA - CONTRACT 6/2012 Tenders are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 4.00pm on Thursday 7 February 2013, from suitably qualiﬁed contractors for Repairs of the Dog and Cat Pound Buildings, Cooma, Contract 6/2012. A copy of the tender documents may be obtained from Council’s Engineering Division during ofﬁce hours in person, or by telephoning (02) 6455 1802, or emailing council@cooma.nsw.gov.au The lowest or any tender, not necessarily accepted. JOHN VUCIC GENERAL MANAGER

PO Box 714 COOMA NSW 2630

NIMMITABEL SHOWGROUND PAVILION

Recreation staff members Daryl Dwyer and Kearin Paton are busy cleaning out the guttering on the Nimmitabel Pavilion in readiness for the Nimmitabel Show on Saturday, 2 February.

POSITIONS VACANT WATER AND WASTEWATER WORKERS X 2 Council has two positions available in the Engineering Services Division for Water and Wastewater Workers at the Cooma Treatment Works. Further information can be obtained by calling Natalie Fanning on (02) 6455 1777. An information package is available on council’s website: www.cooma.nsw.gov.au File Ref: IS/POS/200 Salary: $22.8789 - $23.4421/hour inc disability allowance Applications close: 4.00pm, Friday 25 January 2013 JOHN VUCIC GENERAL MANAGER

PO Box 714 COOMA NSW 2630

RECLASSIFICATION OF COMMUNITY AND OPERATIONAL LAND Members of the public are invited to attend a Public Hearing in the Monaro Regional Library meeting room on Thursday, 14 February 2013 from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm, regarding the classification and reclassification of Council-owned land as Community or Operational Land, as listed in Schedule 4 of the draft Cooma-Monaro Local Environmental Plan 2012. A representative from a local firm of solicitors will preside at the hearing. Members of the public are invited to make submissions at the hearing. Details of land parcels involved, as well as being obtained from Council’s website or Council’s offices are listed below: Land classified, or reclassified, as operational land - no interests changed Locality Binjura Binjura

Address Glen Road Mittagang Road

Description Lot 1 DP 859306 Lot 100 DP 1163635 Lot 226 DP 727627* Lots 2 & 4 DP 570008 Lot 3, 7 & 8 Section 17 DP 758261 Lot 4 DP 861874 Lot 247 DP 209292 Lot 1 DP 708767 Lot 72 DP 630945 Lots 1 & 2 DP 349751 Lot 5 DP 1137752 Lot 2 DP 46281 Lots 313 & 314 DP 750535 Lot 3 DP 39090 Lot 2 DP 817452 Lot 6 DP 839384 Lot 25 DP 1129026 Lot 1 DP 1033532 Lot 2 DP 217516 * Lot 1 DP 553752 Lot 241 DP 209292 Lot 6 DP 1006786 Lot 2 Section 43 DP 758776 Lot 5 DP 1129923 Lot 11 DP 1108723 Lot 5 DP 255865 * Lot 1 DP 1071422 *

Referred to as The Glen Wastewater Treatment Facility Cooma Water Treatment Plant

Bredbo Colinton Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Cooma Michelago Nimmitabel Nimmitabel Polo Flat

North Street Monaro Highway Hawkins Street Ina Place Lambie Street Lloyd Avenue Massie Street Massie Street Massie Street Monaro Highway Mulach Street Mulach Street Mulach Street Murray Street Numeralla Road Saleyards Road Sharp Street Yareen Road Monaro Highway Kirke Street Kirke Street Polo Flat Road

The Angle

Smiths Road

Locality Cooma Cooma

Land classiﬁed, or reclassiﬁed, as operational land - interests changed Address Description Referred to as Adams Avenue Lots 13 & 14 DP 220479 Adams Avenue Park Adams Avenue Lots 77 & 78 DP 512739 Vacant

Bredbo Reservoir and Pumping Station Vacant Vacant Vacant Raglan Gallery Lloyd Avenue Park Car Park – Massie Street Car Park – Massie Street Car Park – Massie Street Cooma Landﬁll Vacant Old Council Depot – Sewer Easement Drainage Reserve Cooma Creek Floodway Cemetery Site Saleyards Werri-Nina Day Care Centre Yareen Road Park Vacant Vacant Vacant Stockpile Site Rural Fire Shed

An * in the above tables indicates a typographical error has occurred in the draft Cooma-Monaro Local Environmental Plan 2012 which will be amended prior to gazettal, to reﬂect the above information. Members of the public are encouraged to view Council’s Playground Strategy 2010-2020 which was adopted by Council on 2 December 2010 after advertising and public consultation. The Playground Strategy 2010-2020 is available on Council’s website or at the Council Ofﬁce. Land referred to as Lloyd Avenue Park, Yareen Road Park and Adams Avenue Park is included in this adopted document. JOHN VUCIC GENERAL MANAGER

PO Box 714 COOMA NSW 2630

MULTI-TYRED ROLLER ON THE JOB A review of council’s rural unsealed maintenance practices identiﬁed the permanent use of a multi-tyred roller in conjunction with graders increased the service life of council’s rural gravel roads. Council compared the hiring and purchase costs and determined it would be more efﬁcient to purchase a roller. The Ammann Multi-tyred Roller AP240 was put into service last week.

UPGRADE AT THE GLEN WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

Council is currently upgrading the ﬁve maintenance-hole covers for the existing electrical pits. Upgrading the old heavy covers will eliminate work health and safety hazards and will help with easy access during routine maintenance. The work is expected to be completed by the end of January.

NEW REGULATIONS FOR POOL OWNERS In NSW, all swimming pools, including inﬂatable pools, capable of holding 300mm or more of water, are required by law to comply with Swimming Pool Amendment Act 2012.

Public Notice - Presentation of Financial Statements

as per Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act.

In accordance with Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act, 1993, Cooma-Monaro Shire Council advises that the Ordinary Council Meeting to be held on 11/02/13 will include the presentation of the audited Financial Statements and the Auditor's Reports for the financial year ending 30/6/2012.

2012

2011

$'000

Total Income from Continuing Operations

26,467

25,965

Total Expenses from Continuing Operations

29,234

28,952

Operating Result from Continuing Operations

(2,767)

(2,987)

Net Operating Result for the year

(2,767)

(2,987)

Net Operating Result before Grants & Contributions provided for Capital Purposes

(4,391)

(5,207)

Total Current Assets

14,134

11,870

Total Current Liabilities

(5,704)

A summary of the Financial Statements is provided below: Income Statement

Balance Sheet

New legislation in relation to pool owners came into effect on 29 October 2012. • Swimming Pool owners are required to register their swimming pool on an online register which is to be prtovided by NSW State Government (this is anticipated to be available by end of April 2013)./ • Swimming Pool owners will be required to self-assess, and note in the register if their pool complies. • The penalty for not registering your pool is set at $220. • Swimming Pool owners will be required to provide a valid Compliance Certificate before being able to sell or lease a property with a pool. (This will be available from Council or a Private Certifier). • Compliance Certificates will be valid for 3 years. • Council is to formulate a swimming pool barrier inspection program under the new legislation. • Fees for inspections conducted by Council may be charged.

Total Non Current Assets

430,415

Total Non Current Liabilities

(4,901) 420,230

(1,243)

Total Equity

437,602

(1,245) 425,954

Other Financial Information Current Ratio

2.48 : 1

2.42 : 1

Unrestricted Ratio

5.65 : 1

5.09 : 1

0.7%

0.8%

40.7%

40.0%

Debt Service Ratio (%) Rates Coverage Ratio (%)

7.8%

9.0%

39.7%

80.6%

Rates & Annual Charges Outstanding Ratio (%) Building & Infrastructure Renewals Ratio (%)

Council’s Environmental Services staff are available to assist with any enquiries regarding the legal requirements for swimming pools. In accordance with Section 420 of the Local Government Act, 1993, any person may make a submission in

WEATHER PERMITTING, THE FOLLOWING WORKS WILL CONTINUE Numeralla Road, sealed edge repair Scotts Road, sealed edge repair Carlaminda Road, clear drainage structures, gravel re-sheeting Old Dangelong Road, gravel re-sheeting

writing to Council with respect to the Council's Audited Financial Statements or the Auditor's Reports. Copies of the audited Financial Statements and the Auditor's Reports may be inspected at:

Peak View Road, maintenance grading

Internet:

www.cooma.nsw.gov.au

Kybeyan Road, maintenance grading

Locations:

81 Commissioner Street Cooma NSW 2630

Tinderry Road, maintenance grading Smiths Road, maintenance grading

61 Vale Street

Ongoing street cleaning

Cooma NSW 2630

Billingra Road, gravel re-sheeting

Submissions close one week after the above Public Meeting has been held.

NIMMITABEL WATER SUPPLY

LEVEL 6 WATER RESTRICTIONS Water flow into the pumping pondage on the McLaughlin River has ceased. Consequently to ensure a continued supply to meet the town’s essential needs and there are sufficient reserves for fire fighting purposes, Cooma Monaro Shire Council, in accordance with the Local Government (Water Services) Regulation 1999, Cl 5, applies Level 6 Restrictions to water use, from 1.00am Sunday 20 January 2013. • • • • • • • • • •

Water can only be used for domestic purposes only. Hand held hoses are banned. Re-used domestic water may be applied to gardens using buckets. No ﬁxed sprinklers are permitted on residential, commercial or public properties. No in-ground watering systems, soaker hoses or microsprays are permitted in residential, commercial or public properties. Filling and topping up of private swimming pools with town water is prohibited. Washing of motor vehicles is banned except for safety reasons. No hosing or washing of paved or concrete areas. Automatic ﬂush toilets are banned. Water cartage from Town Supply is prohibited. Rural properties requiring domestic water supplies may obtain water from Cooma.

These restrictions will apply to all properties connected to the Nimmitabel Water Supply Scheme. The restrictions will apply until further notice. Council will be carrying out random meter checks to ensure compliance. The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources has advises that for domestic use, consumers should be using approximately 135 L per person per day. Under Section 637 of the Local Government Act 1993, a person who wilfully or negligently wastes or misuses water from the public water supply, or causes any such water to be wasted, is guilty of an offence for which the maximum penalty is a ﬁne of $2,200. Council’s Water & Wastewater Operator will be making random checks of usage to ensure compliance with the restrictions. Non potable water will be available at the Council depot site, Bentley Street, from 8.30am Monday 21 January 2013 from a 25 kl tank from which residents may obtain additional water for their garden. Please note this water is not for drinking. The tank will be reﬁlled regularly from Cooma. For further information about the water restrictions please contact Cooma Monaro Shire Council’s Engineering Services Division on 6455 1802. JOHN VUCIC GENERAL MANAGER

PO Box 714 COOMA NSW 2630

SENIOR STAFF

Mayor Dean Lynch 0419 295 954

Deputy Mayor Bronnie Taylor 0427 546 299

Councillor Rogan Corbett 0412 722 505

Councillor Martin Hughes 0405 209 685

Councillor Angela Ingram 0410 036 671

Councillor Tony Kaltoum 6452 1730

Councillor Craig Mitchell 0429 383 388

Councillor Ignazio Mondello 0407 714 460

Councillor Winston Phillips 0487 430 000

COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS

General Manager John Vucic Phone: 02 6455 1777 Director of Corporate Services Stephen Molloy Fax: 02 6455 1799 Director of Engineering Services David Byrne Web: www.cooma.nsw.gov.au Director of Environmental Services Peter Smith Email: council@cooma.nsw.gov.au After Hours Emergency Contacts WATER 0417 278 056 WASTEWATER 0419 251 378 RECREATION 0427 011 144 ROADS 0447 415 150

News

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Australia Day in Cooma-Monaro Shire COOMA Activities in Centennial Park from 9.30am Live music with Jay Podger and the Cooma Town Band; Food and Coffee including Rotary barbecue, 2MNO Fairy Floss and Soft Cones; Jumping Castle; Displays and Exhibits from: Indigenous Group; Monaro Regional Library & the Mobile Library Van; Cooma Correctional Services; Cooma Car Club; Monaro Spinners and Weavers; A Feast of Poetry; Local author Trevor (Herb) & Lynsey Nichols; Cooma Public School Official ceremony and awards presentation from noon. In Multi Function Centre if wet weather. BREDBO From 8am at Bredbo Hall Sausage sizzle breakfast, tea and coffee; Games and prizes. Competition for best photo/picture of an

Australian icon (e.g. Opera House). For more information Jenny Lawlis 6454 4127 NIMMITABEL From 8am at Lake Williams. Visit from Australia Day Ambassador Sandra Bates. Barbecue breakfast, announcement of Nimmitabel Showgirl 2013 and flag raising. Community award presentations. NUMERALLA Barbecue breakfast ay Pioneer Memorial Hall, In conjunction with Numeralla Folk Festival. MICHELAGO 8am-10am breakfast at Michelago Hall. Local ambassador Kevin Dunne will be present.

Bombala Australia Day sport The annual Bombala Australia Sports day will be held at the Exhibition Grounds from 9am. There will be a barbecue all day and a full ange of activities, including shearing and the traditional sports.

Bombala’s Australia Day ambassasor is Brad Farmer, a well-travelled and weathered Australian who has explored much of his fifth-generation home country, including every accessible part of the coastline.

Saturday 26th

January 2013

PROGRAM

Australia Day TIME 9:30

Centennial Park, Cooma

ACTIVITY Activities in Centennial Park include: Live music with Jay Podger, Cooma District Band, Youth Choir Food and Coffee including Rotary BBQ, 2MNO Fair Floss, Soft Cones, Pancakes Jumping Castle Displays and Exhibits from: Monaro Regional Library & the Mobile Library Van, Cooma Corrective Service Museum, local Indigenous groups, Cooma Car Club, Monaro Spinners and Weavers, A Feast of Poetry, Cooma Public School, authors Trevor (Herb) & Lynsey Nichols (‘Gilbert the Garbage Truck’) and W.F. Refshauge (‘Searching for the Man from Snowy River’)

12:00

Flag Raising Ceremony Singing of the National Anthem “Advance Australia Fair”

12:05

Welcome by Master of Ceremonies

Clr Martin Hughes

12:10

Welcome to Country

Mayor, Clr Dean Lynch

12.15

Presentation by RSL Sub Branch

Peter McMahon