NEWS

We gratefully reproduce many articles from the South Coast Register newspaper. The link to the online SCR is: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news See also our Related Links page.

25 January 2012 - Waste program a huge success - South Coast Register - Letters - 25 January 2012 SCR link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/waste-program-a-huge-success/2431705.aspx

In 2011 Huskisson and Woollamia Community Voice worked with Shoalhaven City Council at the Woollamia Depot to instigate funding and have a cleaning program that would further enhance the presentation of the Jervis Bay area.

This was implemented from Christmas onwards and to date has been a huge success and with further documentation and fine tuning this program will give the gateway to Jervis Bay an outstanding and well valued image for all who visit and to those living here.

We must thank the wonderful and dedicated staff at Woollamia depot for their dedicated work in making this an outstanding success. And a special thanks to Tex.

Paul Sutton, Huskisson Woollamia Community Voice.

25 January 2012 - GASH TO QUIT - Veteran MP to leave parliament and run for mayor

STORY: GLENN ELLARD South Coast Register SCR Link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/gash-to-quit-veteran-mp-to-leave-parliament-and-run-for-mayor/2431656.aspx?storypage=0

After16 years as the Federal Member for Gilmore, Joanna Gash has announced she will not seek Liberal Party preselection for the seat....Mrs Gash has set her sights on becoming Shoalhaven mayor at the local government election in September in an announcement sure to send shockwaves through the local political scene, and which will have far-reaching implications for both sides of politics.

Mrs Gash said she would not be part of any possible Liberal Party ticket for the council election, and indeed hoped to stand with a Labor Party member.

In fact, talk of a Liberal Party ticket at the council election was one of the issues that prompted Mrs Gash to stand for the mayoral position. “I’m not happy with the local scene, as such,” she explained. “I certainly would not be happy with running a Liberal ticket. “Local government is about local people and local representation, not party politics.” Mrs Gash said she was also “not happy with how the personalities have been affecting council decisions”.

20 Jan 2012 - South Coast Register - Letters. Link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/one-notsohappy-camper/2427040.aspx

One not-so-happy camper 20 Jan 2012

This is an open letter to Huskisson Bakery and Cafe, Huskisson RSL Club, World Famous Fish N Chips, Jervis Bay Service Station, the Ice Creamery and numerous other businesses in Huskisson.

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying in Huskisson for several days during January.

We were travelling in our motorhome and as all the caravan parks were fully booked we opted to stay at Moona Moona Inlet Reserve [sic].

All went well until we were advised by a ranger (apparently employed by Shoalhaven City Council) that we could not stay. An alternative was offered, but from what we could understand it was at least 30 kilometres out of town.

One of the reasons offered by the ranger for our inability to stay at Moona Moona Reserve was that council had calculated that the income generated within the town by “campers” fell far short of the cost to council to repair the damage caused by them.

I have written to council’s general manager, requesting him to provide me with accurate figures as to how much money we personally injected into your economy.

We do admit it would not have been enough to save the European economy from disaster, however something is better than nothing.

Late on the night of Saturday, January 7 we did witness a group of juveniles enter a weather shed at Moona Moona Reserve and light a large fire. These juveniles later went to a nearby caravan park.

Am I correct in assuming that the bad, evil campers were to take the blame for this fire?

The interesting fact is that I took photographs of the fire remnants at 6.15pm on Wednesday and it was not until the following morning that the area was cleaned, presumably by council. It is good to see they are efficient.

So to the businesses I have mentioned and to the numerous other businesses in Huskisson that we did visit during our stay, while you may not have noticed us, we did spend money there. I dare say that you will not notice us now that we have gone but we still spent money in your town in the same manner as the other campers. I refer to those campers who were not staying in caravan parks.

Many of those campers were European travellers who will no doubt pass on their experiences, both good and bad, to other travellers contemplating visiting Huskisson.

As for us, well yes we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Husky, but as for a return visit well that remains to be seen.

I. Ramsay, Spring Farm.

A FRUSTRATED Shoalhaven City Council has not ruled out court action if two dilapidated fibro shacks in Huskisson are not demolished. BY DAMIAN MCGILL , 16 Dec 2011, South Coast Register, link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/council-demands-demolition-of-damaged-and-dangerous-cottages/2395381.aspx

The two vandalised shacks stand just across from the Moona Moona Creek Reserve and several local residents have expressed concerns about possible health risks because the cottages contain asbestos.

DAMAGED: Local residents and Shoalhaven City Council say two cottages in Huskisson near Moona Moona Creek Reserve (above) have to go.

Council is just as frustrated with the situation, and has threatened to take the property’s owners to court.

Council’s development building manager Bob Goldspring said he had been trying for the past 12 months to get the buildings demolished, however tracking down the owners proved difficult.

Council found the company’s directors came from Cambodia but had a registered office in Sydney.

Council has been in contact with the business owners, seeking an undertaking to have the buildings demolished.

Mr Goldspring said the last demolition order was sent in June but the owners did not comply with the order.

Council then sent another letter and stated court action would be undertaken, which managed to prompt a response.

“The building owners responded this month to ask for an extension of time because of the difficulty getting tradesman over Christmas,” Mr Goldspring said.

“Council remains in negotiation with the owner.”

Council has the option of going in and demolishing the building, but Mr Goldspring said it was reluctant to go down this avenue as it opened up a range of legal issues.

1 December 2011: The Southern JRPP unanimously refused the Fegen St Huskisson flats application at the hearing in Huskisson today. More info and updates at JRPP website > Development Register: http://www.jrpp.nsw.gov.au/DevelopmentRegister/tabid/62/language/en-AU/Default.aspx , and enter JRPP ref#: 2011STH019. See also the HWCV Current Projects page.

16 November 2011

Swarm of Santas expected

BY GILLIAN LETT, South Coast Register, link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/swarm-of-santas-expected/2359340.aspx

Slideshow of 2009 Santa Ride here (1.70 MB) - ignore the security warnings and click Run. To close the slideshow, press the Esc key. Users of the IE browser can run it from a Temp folder if they wish. Users of Firefox browser will be directed to first save the file to a Downloads folder.

It was a comical sight on Friday as the people of Huskisson thought Santa had arrived early, riding a bike instead of a sleigh, and choosing three of his friends to accompany him, rather than the traditional reindeer.

The Santas were in Huskisson to promote the Charity Santa Ride, an annual event that will be held on [Thursday] 8 December, 2011…..

21 October 2011

Radio 2ST - Shoalhaven News. Radio 2ST link: http://www.2st.com.au/index.php/news/26621-mayor-applauds-jervis-bay-takeover-plans

Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green has applauded the ACT government's move to relinquish control of the Jervis Bay territory. The area was surrendered to the commonwealth in 1915 to give Canberra access to the sea. ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher says it is crazy for the territory to continue to provide services to a community 263 kilometres away and she wants responsibility to be handed over to the state government. Mayor Green says he believes it would be a smooth transition for the Shoalhaven to absorb Jervis Bay.

Radio 2ST link: http://www.2st.com.au/index.php/news/26558-jervis-bay-to-be-returned-to-nsw

Gilmore MP Joanna Gash has welcomed news that the ACT Government is negotiating to hand over the township of Jervis Bay to NSW, saying it is the first sensible suggestion to come out of Canberra for a long time. The small coastal township has been administered by the commonwealth since 1915, even though it is located in the middle of the Shoalhaven and many of the residents use state and local services.

ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher says the arrangement is no longer practical and the state government and Shoalhaven Council are in a better position to provide services to the 390 residents of Jervis Bay. Mrs Gash says the ACT knocked back a state takeover six years ago and she would welcome a chance to have the area included in the Gilmore electorate.

12 October 2011

SCR link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/register-honoured-for-its-local-news-reporting/2320979.aspx?storypage=0

The South Coast Register has been honoured at the Country Press Association NSW annual conference, winning awards for local news reporting and feature writing and being highly commended and honourably mentioned in several other categories.

The award for local news reporting recognised the Register’s coverage of the Shoalhaven bridge tragedy that claimed the life of Tim Iaonnou in September, 2011 and the subsequent campaign to have crash barriers installed on the northern approach to the bridge….

10 October 2011

GROUNDSWELL OF SUPPORT FOR MARINA -Community funded controversial plan - SCR link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/groundswell-of-support-for-marina-community-funded-controversial-plan/2318070.aspx

A controversial plan to build a large marina off Callala Bay rose on a groundswell of support from the grassroots level, according to one of the plan’s most ardent supporters.

Key marina campaigner Derek Hancock revealed the plan released last week for a multi-million dollar marina was funded by the community. In fact it took “just three weeks to collect a substantial amount of money” to fund the plan drawn by BHI Architects of Nowra, according to Mr Hancock. Much of the money had been raised in Callala Bay and Callala Beach. “That, in itself, indicates what people in this community think about a marina being built here,” he said.

Mr Hancock, who lives at Callala Bay, said funds had also been raised from other parts of the Shoalhaven….

Plan gains support - SCR link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/plan-gains-support/2318072.aspx

Shoalhaven City Council general manager Russ Pigg has thrown his support behind the ambitious multi-million dollar Callala Bay marina proposal.

While confirming council had nothing to do with engaging a consultant to undertake new investigations into the project, Mr Pigg applauded those who were driving the plan. “While council is yet to fund any new investigations into a marina within Callala Bay I certainly applaud those within private enterprise looking to get this project started,” Mr Pigg said. “The proposed Callala Bay marina would provide many economic benefits to the area and would offer a tremendous shot in the arm for the local tourist industry,” he said….

7 October 2011

Letter to Editor, South Coast Register, link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/claims-need-clarification/2316380.aspx?storypage=0

Claims need clarification

I write in response to the letter from Keith Learn (LEP is not a best fit, South Coast Register, October 5) [See reproduced under].

I feel the need to clarify some of the points in Mr Learn’s letter and to put some context to the issue he raises.

I can assure you that draft Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2009 is not an attempt to deceitfully undermine the relationship between council and its residents as claimed in the letter. It is disappointing that Mr Learn has this view and I can assure you that it is also not an attack on community lifestyles across the city as he sensationally claims.

As he is aware, the preparation of the new draft LEP has been a long and complex process thus far and we are working within a standardised process set by the state government that has created some issues. The “best fit” change over to the new standard format has been difficult and challenging given the nature of our existing LEP and the constraints of the new system.

It has not always been possible to move existing provisions over on an exact ‘like for like’ basis, because the corresponding provisions or controls do not exist under the new system….(more at link.)

G. Clark, Strategy Planning Manager Shoalhaven City Council

5 October 2011

Letter to Editor, South Coast Register, link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/lep-is-not-a-best-fit/2313528.aspx?storypage=0

LEP is not a best fit

I refer to your story on Wandandian residents and their concerns over “hobby farms” (Zone 1C in LEP 1985). The Local Environment Plan 2009 is a deceitful undermining of the relationship between the residents of Shoalhaven and their council. Meant to be an executive turnover or “best fit” – by council resolution and approval of the Department of Planning – it has become an attack on community lifestyles all across Shoalhaven.

Major changes have been put in place with no community consultation. If you are presently in Rural Lifestyle Zone 1C in the LEP1985 your zone is becoming residential zone R5 in the new LEP2009. This is not a “best fit”, it is a conversion of rural land to residential land for the purpose of future subdivision. Concessions are now being considered by council but property owners must respond based on the present Draft LEP 2009....(more at link.)

K. Learn,

Kangaroo Valley.

World-class marina planned

By JEFF STEPHENSON, South Coast Register, (5 Oct 2011) link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/worldclass-marina-planned/2313518.aspx?storypage=0

A world class multi-million dollar marina showcasing the Shoalhaven as a major tourist attraction, playing host to visiting cruise ships and offering huge employment opportunities is being planned for Callala Bay.

Callala Bay marina proposal 2011. Picture: SCR

The design plan has been posted at the Callala Bay shopping centre and BHI Architects Nowra senior director, Colin Irwin, described the project as “hugely exciting”. “The key principal here is that we are aiming at a world class facility,” Mr Irwin said. “We see this as a NSW Government initiative as far as funding is concerned.”

He said a key campaigner, Derek Hancock, had been told the government was keen to learn more about the proposal. The plan includes an international standard 500-berth marina and a berthing facility for cruise ships on the eastern side of the marina where there is sufficient water depth. It would also be a base for water taxis transporting people to other parts of Jervis Bay. Most of the facility could be within the intertidal zone removing the need for acquisition of any land.

Fishing charters, restaurants, cafes, accommodation and tourist information are touted as possible features at the marina.

Mr Irwin said the development would proceed in stages. “Our overall vision is that the project is completed by 2020, but it would be progressively operational before then,” he said. BHI has been involved in several marina projects…(more at link.)

18 July 2011

Shoalhaven Local Environment Plan (SLEP 2009) - Public Exhibition Commences 18th July 2011 and finishes at 5:00pm on Friday 14th October 2011. Also being exhibited are intended changes to the Height of Buildings Map, and recent changes to the Standard Instrument or LEP template. The draft LEP and supporting information will be available for viewing online at website: www.slep2009.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au, and at the Nowra Library, Bay and Basin Leisure Centre, Sanctuary Point Library, Ulladulla Administration Building and Ulladulla Library. See our SLEP 2009 page for more information.

6 July 2011

Text Box: Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/business/volts-with-faults-warning-on-solar-panels-20110705-1h0pn.html Volts with faults: warning on solar panels By Ruth Williams, 6 July 2011 Figures released in New South Wales last week confirmed what some have suspected for months - that there are widespread faults in solar panel installations.

Solar panels are removed from a house in suburban Newcastle in May. Photo: Max Mason-Hubers

In an audit of 658 household solar systems in western Sydney, just one in five was installed correctly, and about 18.5 per cent had ''major'' defects posing safety risks. Most of the serious problems involve the incorrect wiring of a DC circuit breaker, an error that does not affect the running of the unit but that does pose a risk of fire. Regulators insist it is a very low risk.….''They have tried to keep this away from the public as much as possible, that's clear,'' said one solar panel industry operator....Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/volts-with-faults-warning-on-solar-panels-20110705-1h0pn.html#ixzz1RSeoee87

11 April, 2011

Jerberra residents earn more support

South Coast Register link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/jerberra-residents-earn-more-support/2129805.aspx

The environment could suffer if Jerberra estate residents were forced to bulldoze their homes, according to Shoalhaven City Councillor Bob Proudfoot. “Some of these people have looked after their properties better than the National Parks and Wildlife Service would,” Cr Proudfoot claimed. “You can see how well they’ve looked after the place by the fact there are still threatened species in the area even after people have been living there for more than 20 years.” ...While Cr Proudfoot joined the call for Cr Green to work in State Parliament to find a solution for Jerberra’s residents, he has also been drafting a notice of motion to go before next week’s council meeting.

The motion will call on council to write to the State Government and Planning Department asking them to stop the compulsory removal of homes from the Jerberra estate, and also re-investigate the estate to start “sensible rezoning”...

11 March 2011

CALL TO ACTION -

Two years ago, police listed ways to make Sanctuary Point safer but they were ignored BY GLENN ELLARD (South Coast Register) 11 Mar, 2011 SCR link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/call-to-action-two-years-ago-police-listed-ways-to-make-sanctuary-point-safer-but-they-were-ignored/2100699.aspx?storypage=0

ANGER is simmering just below the surface in Sanctuary Point. There is anger at the vandals who constantly deface the area, tagging every available surface with paint, including trees. They have even turned to carving their tags into glass windows, which cost thousands of dollars to replace…‘Because it’s not Huskisson, it’s not Vincentia, Sanctuary Point doesn’t get any love,” said business owner Chris Hepper. [Postscript: Huskisson is right behind the Sanctuary Point community, and fully supports their initiatives on this issue.)

Residents turn to social media in quest for a police station

BY GLENN ELLARD (South Coast Register) 09 Mar, 2011 SCR link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-turn-to-social-media-in-quest-for-a-police-station/2098098.aspx

SOCIAL media is being used to help build pressure on political parties to build a new police station in Sanctuary Point. A new Facebook group, Sanctuary Point Police Station – your say, has been formed in recent days, with its membership growing rapidly...

20 December 2010

[Vincentia Crossroads] Library shelved By: AMY FINDLAY, South Coast Register, SCR link: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/news/local/news/general/library-shelved/2030535.aspx

The Bay and Basin community is furious over changes to a proposed library at Bayswood in Vincentia. Originally the library was to be a two-storey, 1300 square metre facility and part of the district centre in stage one of the development. However, the development has been pushed back and sold to a Woolworths subsidiary Fabcot, which has modified the plans. The company applied to the Planning Department to reduce the size of the library to one storey at 743 square metres.

NOT HAPPY: President of the Vincentia Residents and Ratepayers, Brian Saunders

For info on the Woolworths development (Major Project), go to the NSW Dept of Planning webpage that has the latest details at link: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=search&page_id=&search=&authority_id=542&x=58&y=10. Scroll down and click on: “Vincentia Coastal Village. Vincentia District Centre Modification 3”. See “Attachments and Resources”. Click on “Environmental Assessment” and you will get all the details. The principal report is the “Environmental Assessment Report”.]

21 October 2010

Hello ShUT Members and Friends,

Wonderful News! The Joint Regional Planning Panel, tonight, has unanimously rejected the proposed Non-Putrescible Waste Facility at Tomerong (DA09/2077).

The Steering Committee would like to extend a huge thank you to all the ShUT Members and Friends for their invaluable support over the last 13 months. The next General Meeting date will be announced soon, please watch this space. Regards, Marg Blair, ShUT Membership Secretary

Shoalhaven City Council came out against the tip, with a unanimous vote by the Cllrs. Read the SCC Statement to the JRPP hearing here Read the SCC Media Release here

12 July 2010

Men questioned over lobsters

Two young men were apprehended by Jervis Bay Marine Park staff after allegedly taking lobsters from a sanctuary zone.

SHELLFISH: Two men were questioned on Friday after Jervis Bay Marine Park staff found a bag containing lobsters at a sanctuary zone.

25 June 2010

Callala Bay included in marina review

BY: AMY FINDLAY (South Coast Register)

Shoalhaven City Council has moved to include Callala Bay in a review of possible marina sites in the Shoalhaven. In March 2010, council voted to consider Huskisson, Ulladulla and Greenwell Point, and at Tuesday’s ordinary meeting Cr Bohdan Brumerskyj moved to include Callala Bay in the review. [The motion was seconded by Cr John Fergusson].

DISASTROUS: When conditions in Jervis Bay get rough those in exposed moorings often pay a heavy penalty.

From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here

Dramatic raid in Huskisson

BY: ADAM WRIGHT AND GLENN ELLARD (South Coast Register)

Six people were taken into custody after a dramatic raid in Huskisson on Wednesday morning. As dawn broke over the normally quiet seaside town, heavily-armed police pointed weapons at a house in Tomerong Street, demanding the inhabitants emerge with their hands raised.

WEAPONS READY: A Tactical Operations Unit officer levels his rifle outside a house in Huskisson on Wednesday morning. WEAPONS READY: A Tactical Operations Unit officer levels his rifle outside a house in Huskisson on Wednesday morning. From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here

7 June 2010

Disclaimer: the following article is presented for info only, and should not necessarily be considered policy of the HWCV.

No I don't want doggy breath with my capuccino!

Dogs do not belong anywhere near cafes.

Dogs do not belong anywhere near cafes. Photo: Ryan Osland From the Sydney Morning Herald, full article and SMH link here

1 June 2010

Draft zoning plan for Jervis Bay Marine Park...While the review found that in general the zoning plan was appropriate for meeting the objects of the Act, it identified opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the zoning plan. A map...and supporting documents are available from www.mpa.nsw.gov.au, following the links to Jervis Bay Marine Park. The draft zoning plan will be on public exhibition...All submissions received before the closing date of 5:00pm 17 September 2010 will be considered...Copies of the draft zoning plan and submission forms can also be obtained:-

· By contacting the Environment Line on 1300 361 967

· From the Jervis Bay Marine Park office at 4 Woollamia Road, Huskisson NSW 2540

· From the National Parks regional office at 55 Graham Street, Nowra, NSW 2541

If you require any further information please do not hesitate the Jervis Bay Marine Park office on (02) 4428 3000 or email jervis.bay@mpa.nsw.gov.au. Links: FAQs doc; JBMP Overview doc; JBMP News release doc

23 April 2010

BIG PLAN FOR [Husky] PUB: Award-winning architect draws up new proposal for Huskisson

BY ADAM WRIGHT, South Coast Register.

It’s a dream that so many believed he would never be able to bring to reality. Paul McGroder’s plan to transform the Husky Pub into a four-star hotel with dining and convention centre facilities has moved one step closer to fruition, with a fresh Part 3A proposal lodged with the Department of Planning.

Artists impression of the proposed Husky Pub redevelopment. Image courtesy of the South Coast Register.

People interested in design will want to come just to stay in one of their groovy interiors.”...“The other thing is they treat old buildings just as well if not better than they do contemporary,” she said. From the South Coast Register, full article, picture and SCR link here

22 April 2010

Husky Pub redevelopment: plans are on exhibition on the NSW Department of Planning website, but also at Sanctuary Point library and in at Council. The intention appears to be to keep the original pub, including porticos and all - but doing a nifty 'adaptive reuse' to its insides. The new building appears intended to be mostly glass and would be well separated from original pub, which is intended to be restored externally. The building would be 4-storey facing Owen St. The beer garden is intended to be shifted from the back to the front SE corner adjacent the existing car park. There appears to be a shortfall of supplied car parking spaces of between 6 to 20 spaces, depending upon negotiations between Council and the developer.
Deadline for submissions of 20th May, 2010. Details: Major Project Assessments, NSW Department of Planning, identifier: 07_0004 Owen St, Huskisson: 07_0004 Huskisson Hotel. Website link here. Plans and elevations are in Chapter 3 of the Environmental Assessment.