|
NEWS |
|
APRIL 2010 to JUNE 2010 NEWS ARCHIVES Click here to return to the current News page
30 June 2010 LIFE OR DEATH Jerberra Estate residents given just days to leave Residents in the controversial Jerberra Estate have threatened to give up their lives rather than give up their homes of around 20 years, after Shoalhaven City Council started action to evict people from 15 illegally built houses.
UNDER THREAT: Bev Okonski looks though documents while Jerberra Estate landowners meet with former South Coast MP John Hatton and former Shoalhaven Mayor Greg Watson on her front lawn. Jerberra Estate hot potato just got hotter - Editorial, South Coast Register 30 Jun, 2010 THE actions of people who own homes within the controversial Jerberra Estate are making waves within the state government. As residents met yesterday to discuss moves from Shoalhaven City Council to evict them, NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly was busily distancing himself and his department from the processes leading up to legal proceedings. While Mr Kelly was keen to claim the legal action had nothing to do with rezoning issues in the estate, rejecting any suggestions of a link, his words display a distorted view of reality. Clearly many bodies have contributed to the mess that has resulted in about 40 people building and occupying homes illegally, and now being threatened with eviction. It goes back to the 1980s when many of the blocks were sold, and the state government and council missed the opportunity to take decisive action to either rezone the land or send a clear message that development was banned. Some of the homes have been there for 20 years or longer, with the blind eye turned by planning authorities providing some form of approval for their continued existence, encouraging others to flout the law and build. Meanwhile council and the state government have been in “discussions” on and off for nearly 20 years about rezoning the estate. The state government’s role in not finalising the situation cannot be denied, contributing to the widespread heartache being felt by the estate’s residents. From the South Coast Register, full editorial and SCR link here
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. Commodore of the Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club Tony Byrnes said Callala was not an ideal location for a marina but said the Shoalhaven needed such a facility. “Callala isn’t the preferred site because of its lack of infrastructure. Where are they going to put shops and cafes when it’s all pretty much residential zoning?” he said. According to Mr Byrnes, Jervis Bay needs a marina because of a dramatic increase in boating. “Boats are more plentiful and they are getting bigger with no real facilities to service them,” he said. Local yachting identity Kanga Birtles has been sailing yachts for about 50 years and in that time has almost lost a couple off moorings to severe weather in Jervis Bay. He said sailing to a location where there was a marina compared to one where there wasn’t was like chalk and cheese. “This area could really do with a marina. It’s difficult to get a mooring in Currambene Creek, and if you’re going to moor at Callala Bay, you may as well anchor in the middle of the bay,” he said. 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.
The six occupants were taken into custody, with police later releasing the woman, while a 19-year-old man was released after receiving a cannabis caution. The four other 19-year-old men were charged with a range of drug offences, while one was also charged with possessing an unregistered and unlicensed firearm, and not keeping a firearm safely. Three of the men were given conditional bail to face Nowra Local Court on July 19. The fourth man, Nathan Ray Aldous, 19, of Tomerong Street, Huskisson, was refused bail and faced Nowra Local Court on Thursday morning charged with possessing a prohibited drug. Evidence presented to the court said Aldous lived in the home raided and was allegedly one of the people who owned a bag containing 50.5 grams of cannabis found inside a locked safe in one of the bedrooms. He was granted unconditional bail to reappear before court on July 5. From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here
21 June 2010 Unit burnt in Husky fire: A block of units in Huskisson was virtually destroyed yesterday morning following a massive fire. The two-storey unit block in Currambene Street, Huskisson suffered extensive damage in the fire and was deemed unsafe for occupation. Two units were destroyed and three suffered water damage - all on the top storey. The bottom level was unharmed but the structure was deemed unsafe. Residents were forced to find other accommodation.
NOT SAFE: The damage to a unit block in Huskisson is massive. From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here
10 June 2010 WARD PUTS A FOCUS ON CCTV CAMERA COSTS: Shoalhaven City Acting Mayor Gareth Ward has released the costs associated with legal action brought by former Shoalhaven resident Adam Bonner against Shoalhaven City Council in relation to the installation of CCTV cameras in the Nowra CBD “At a recent Council meeting, I placed a Question on Notice to the General Manager with respect to the total costs to ratepayers of the legal action brought by former Shoalhaven resident, Adam Bonner. “I am advised by the General Manager that, to date, Council has spent $14,000 on legal costs, $11,000 on staff time and we’ve forecast an extra $10,000 to deal with the pending action in the Administrative Decisions Tribunal,” Cr Ward said. “We are expecting the total cost to ratepayers to be around $35,000”. Copy of the press release is here
8 June 2010 A light-hearted satire from The Onion (US) website. The HWCV supports composting.
Source: The Onion: http://www.theonion.com/articles/what-are-we-composting,17421/
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. Photo: Ryan Osland
According to Liberal MP Chris Hartcher, who introduced the amendment to NSW Parliament in March, "The purpose of the bill is to amend the Companion Animals Act 1998 to allow dogs in outside eating areas, such as among cafe tables on footpaths". The Companion Animals Amendment (Dogs in Outside Eating Areas) Bill 2010 NSW will, according to the documentation, "not prohibit a dog from being in an outside eating area as long as the dog is under the effective control of a competent person, is kept on the ground and is restrained by a chain, cord or leash that is not more than one metre in length.” From the Sydney Morning Herald, full article and SMH link here
2 June 2010 Legal action looms over Husky airfield: Legal action is expected because of alleged non-compliance in a controversial development near Huskisson. An old development application for a subdivision of 12 40-hectare lots on a site near Huskisson and Jervis Bay Roads was activated last year. The amount of vegetation that had since been removed has concerned both local residents and Shoalhaven City Council. Citing non-compliance issues, council placed a stop-work notice on the site and began carrying out investigations earlier this year. Council’s development manager Robert Russell said that because the issue appeared to be heading to court he could not go into full details...No approval had been given for the airstrip and Mr Russell said previously that he could not see how an airstrip and a 12-allotment subdivision could sit side by side… From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR 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
24 May 2010 Waste bins meeting Shoalhaven City Council (one of three in the City) - Vincentia High School on Thursday 3rd June 2010, 7pm - 9pm
12 May 2010 Federici in Socceroo squad for World Cup: former Huskisson footballer Adam Federici has been named in the preliminary Australian squad for the World Cup in South Africa. Federici, who plays for Reading in the English Championship, is one of three South Coast products named in Pim Verbeek’s preliminary 31-man squad for next month’s tournament, joining Scott Chipperfield from Bellambi and Albion Park’s Luke Wilkshire. From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here
6 May 2010 Traffic study for Huskisson Shoalhaven City Council has appointed traffic and transport consultants Greg Tucker & Associates (GTA) to carry out the Huskisson Traffic Study. Detailed traffic surveys have now been completed and the traffic study which Council expects to be completed between May and August 2010. The study will include an investigation into the feasibility of providing a bypass of the town centre as well as investigations of various options for town centre traffic and pedestrian upgrades. Strategic planning data projections and traffic modelling techniques will be used to forecast future traffic conditions. Following the initial Traffic Study, more detailed environmental and cultural studies may need to follow if Council resolves to proceed with the planning of the bypass after considering the outcome of the Traffic Study. The community is invited to provide comment at an early stage in the study by advising Council of any ideas they may have for various town centre upgrade treatments which could be investigated as part of the study. If there is any particular pedestrian or traffic treatment people want specifically considered for the town centre as part of the study then these suggestions will be considered. If you would like to put your suggestions forward for the Huskisson town centre study Council will consider any written submissions made up to 4pm on Wednesday 26 May 2010. You can also make a submission in writing to the General Manager (attention Huskisson Traffic Study) PO Box 42 Nowra NSW 2541. If you need further information about the Huskisson Traffic Study, please contact Council’s Traffic & Transport Manager on (02) 4229 3312. CONTACT: Shoalhaven City Mayor Councillor Paul Green (02) 4429 3251 0423 881 873 Shoalhaven City Council, link: http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/council/pubdocs/mediareleases/Documents/2010/May/0504_huskisson%20traffic%20study.pdf Or click here
5 May 2010 Disclaimer: the following Letter to the Editor SCR is presented for info only, and should not necessarily be considered policy of the HWCV. More bins mean more confusion I read your article on refuse collection with interest. It amazes me that anyone in the business chamber can realistically propose that having three bins to put out and sort can be simpler and more effective than the present system [of two bins]. All it creates is more of everything: more bureaucracy, more confusion, more chance of littering, more cost to the overburdened ratepayer….With all the NIMBY fuss about not using a perfectly good old quarry near Tomerong for a new tip, had anyone thought of operating a new incinerator instead? It can provide free heat and electricity, and the emissions from new incinerators and set-up costs are very low indeed over the life of the plant….I for one would prefer to see my hard earned council tax money spent on more worthwhile things, like fixing local roads and schools, cleaning our beautiful park ponds and discouraging littering. From the South Coast Register, Letters, full article and SCR link here
3 May 2010 Teen sailor Jessica Watson on home stretchTeen sailor Jessica Watson has reached the home stretch in her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, non-stop and unassisted… From The Age newspaper, full article and link here. Jessica has a website with voyage tracker: http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/
26 April 2010 Gash wants study to look at Jervis Bay cruise ships: Member for Gilmore Joanna Gash is calling for a cruise liner berth somewhere in Jervis Bay. She wants the option to be included in a feasibility study into accommodating cruise and luxury coach tour packages in coastal and regional NSW. The Federal Government is putting $24,000 into a feasibility study. From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here
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.
16 April 2010 Underbelly brings back memories for corruption campaigner: Secret meetings with police informants, attempts at intimidation and an explosive speech in the NSW Parliament are what John Hatton remembers about the period depicted in Underbelly: the Golden Mile….Inquisition will be aired on May 6, while Underbelly continues on Sunday. ...From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here
12 April 2010 [Kangaroo] Valley site ‘too steep’ for oldies: Kangaroo Valley residents are accusing Shoalhaven City Council of misleading the community and stymieing their right to consultation in an attempt to have a major housing and hotel development approved for the village. Since representatives from the developer, Colys Group, made a last-minute presentation to council about the proposal last week, the community’s fears have intensified, after councillors allegedly failed to make time for residents, and revelations that the developers were not contactable. From the South Coast Register, full article, picture and SCR link here
9 April 2010 Simplistic take on development Shoalhaven is littered with developments driven by the private interests in the real estate sector at the expense of the amenity of the broader community. Where development policies have been established that take into account the variety of aspirations within a community, they have been routinely ignored to the benefit of individual interests.....From the South Coast Register, Letters, full article and SCR link here
Fact is, we are all NIMBYs When talking about the increase in population coming to the Shoalhaven (SCR, April 7) Mayor Paul Green is right to raise the issue of the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) phenomenon. But it’s pretty hopeful to suggest people should just get over it and accept the increase. This is because we are all NIMBYs. Does anyone know anyone who isn’t or wouldn’t be a NIMBY if major and unwanted changes were about to take place in their neighbourhood?….From the South Coast Register, Letters, full article and SCR link here
7 April 2010 Council stops work on Husky [airstrip and subdivision] development Shoalhaven City Council has placed a stop-work notice on a block of land bounded by Huskisson and Jervis Bay roads. An old development application for a subdivision of 12 40-hectare lots on the site was activated last year.
5 April 2010 Tomerong mail a poor idea It is exactly two years since the people of Tomerong successfully fought off the last proposal to close our post office agency down, because that is what it would mean - the loss of our local post office and shop. People don’t think these things through. Tomerong is and always has been overwhelmingly opposed to a street delivery service, as demonstrated by a petition signed by nearly everyone in 2008. The shop, which is the social hub of our village, is not sustainable without the post office business. From the South Coast Register, Letters, full article and SCR link here
Support from the north for Shoalhaven’s [Joint Regional Planning] panel boycott Kiama Council deputy mayor Ben Van Der Wijngaart, who is the Greens candidate for Gilmore, said his council was “borderline” over its involvement with the controversial panels. While Kiama did appoint two representatives, “I would strong[ly] support Shoalhaven City Council’s decision to opt out of the Joint Regional Planning Panels process,” Cr Van Der Wijngaart said. He claimed the panels were “a democratic travesty forced on us by the State Government”. From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here
Bid to secure ironman Abbott BY ASHLEY COLLINS South Coast Register MARK Emerton from Elite Energy is confident Opposition leader Tony Abbott will compete in the 2011 Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival. Mr Emerton who organises many of Australia’s leading multisport events said Mr Abbott would increase the prominence of the event if he were to take part. From the South Coast Register, full article and SCR link here
|
![Text Box: However, council’s development manager Robert Russell said non-compliance issues resulted in a stop-work notice being served.
“It appears [the developers] have gone beyond the terms of the subdivision consent,” Mr Russell said. There is concern that more native vegetation has been cleared for roads than was allowed. The matter has been referred to the NSW Government whose agencies are investigating. If found to be in breach of the law, the developer faces substantial fines. By DAMIAN MCGILL, South Coast Register, full article and SCR picture and link here](image1095.png)
