Editorial

Welcome to this week’s editorial, In my nineteen years of growing up in the Territory of Papua New Guinea I heard many promises. First there were the promises made by the Australian Government as they encouraged TPNG to explore independence saying they would always be there. Then came the promises made of upcoming PNG leaders who encouraged Independence and spoke of all the mana and rewards that would come as a result. What the people didn’t realise was that their elected-to-be would be the ones to gain the mana and rewards. A er Independence in 1975 the promises steamed in by way of mul na onals offering roads, schools and hospitals in return for the mining rights that gave them access to vast riches. But the promises made were not kept and the people were once again fooled. In Bougainville the lies and broken promises resulted in civil war. That wound has not yet healed and the distrust remains. PNG ci zens learnt the hard way not to trust in promises and to not expect the outcomes that were laid out as trinkets before them. In PNG a common phrase for someone making broken promises is to say “man giaman, tok tok blong em pekpek wara tasol”. Translated it means “he’s lying, he is talking diarrhoea” When I le to come to Australia my father offered what advice he could to a son leaving his home, and his country, to discover a new land and culture. One of the gems that he offered was “Don’t believe in all that is said or wri en. Look to what isn’t being said or wri en. That is where you need to look. Then work out what they aren’t telling you and why.” I had put aside this li le gem for the next thirty years un l I took a broader interest in the poli cs of poli cs. What I discovered was that there was considerable “pekpek wara” being thrown about with promises being made and then broken. The bo om line was that it was hard to establish who to trust. I ini ally decided it was the poli cians that one had to be cau ous of. All too soon though it was revealed, by way of example, that the bureaucracy below them was also to be painted with the same broadbrush of cau on. The Council elec ons are coming around in six weeks. There will be candidates that will suggest they will deliver “openness and transparency”. The truth of the ma er will be that, if elected, they will have the bureaucracy telling them very clearly that confiden ality must be kept on all ma ers, from briefings to dispatches, and they will be warned of consequences if they reveal secrets. The councillors will be advised that they will be briefed fully on important issues and that they can rely on such briefings. But from what we know, and what has been revealed, there are major concerns that the councilors are o en delivered “pekpek wara” and are unaware that the whole truth is not being revealed. What to do? There has to be a return of allowing an informed media into briefings to act as a dog in the room. And we need councillors switched on enough to do their own research and take advice from others. All of the decisions being made are out of reach of the community. A new bridge in Batemans Bay without any consulta on. Even the RMS designers were caught off guard. A new hospital for Eurobodalla but then , overnight, we hear of beds and service deliveries being reduced before the first sod is turned. We learn of a Transport NSW group hellbent on Op on Orange for a Moruya bypass ignoring pleas and submissions. Locally there are discussions on opening more land for urban expansion while nurses and teachers protest that they are under-sourced for a popula on growing at a staggering rate. Yet if we appeal to our “leaders” we hear li le more than “pekpek wara” responses, if they bother to respond at all. Across our media we are presented everyday with evidence of lies, blatant corrup on, pork barrelling, broken promises, double speak, failed morals and failed examples of the civic leaders we expect, both elected and in public service. Sadly we are so accustomed to it that our faith in leaders has diminished. And every me we dare to ques on, or to demand to know what or why, we are given “pekpek wara”. Un l next—lei

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Community Access Opening Up For New Batemans Bay Bridge

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 The Batemans Bay Bridge project is set to progress over the next three months, laying the founda ons for the opening up to four lanes of traffic towards the end of the year. Transport for NSW Regional Director, Sam Knight said work to integrate the northern and southern bridge approaches would ul mately deliver improved traffic flow along two lanes in each direc on across and beyond the Clyde River. Photo: South Coast Pix

“Work over the coming three months includes Clyde Street West road work, earth work and paving for the connec on of Wharf Road and Old Punt Road, and the start of work on the new southern foreshore floa ng pontoon,” Ms Knight said. “Pedestrian and cycle access between the Batemans Bay CBD and the new bridge will also change during this me, while work on the permanent shared user pathway to Clyde Street east con nues. “The pedestrian and cyclist routes to and from the new bridge will alternate between the new shared pathway access ramp directly into Clyde Street and the North Street and Princes Highway intersec on. “Signs and line marking will be in place to guide pedestrians and cyclists on whichever route is open, and customers are asked to follow signage and traffic control.” Ms Knight said disassembly of the old bridge is progressing well, with most spans removed and processed at the temporary demoli on site on the northern foreshore. “This work will con nue right through un l the end of the year but an exci ng development will occur when ar st Joel Adler starts fabrica on of the southern foreshore sculpture using pieces of the old bridge,” Ms Knight said. “The community is reminded that a marine exclusion zone is in place and all non-project related vessels must not enter the zone.

“A naviga on channel is marked for vessels through the zone and this is subject to change as work progresses, so river users are advised to follow buoyage and instruc on on site.” For more informa on, go to nswroads.work/batemansbaybridge.

Community COVID-19 case confirmed as visitor Vol 16 September 15th 2017 to Goulburn and Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Marulan loca ons Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) was no fied yesterday a ernoon that a COVID-19 posi ve case visited three sites in Goulburn and one in Marulan on Tuesday 20 July 2021. Sites open to the public were Bunnings Goulburn, and KFC Marulan. Addi onal cleaning has been undertaken at both stores overnight and all staff will be tested for COVID19 today. Overnight, NSW Health has sent a text to staff and visitors who checked in to either of these venues using the Service NSW QR-check-in system. Visitors will be classified as close contacts. Staff members are being contacted to determine each one’s exposure. Anyone who visited Bunnings Goulburn on 20 July 2021 between 12:30 – 12:45 is a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health. Anyone who was at KFC Marulan on 20 July 2021 between 13:30 and 13:50 is a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result, and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health. In two other Goulburn loca ons, there was only interac on between the limited staff and the case. Three contacts have been iden fied and managed by the SNSWLHD Public Health Unit. Tes ng on these three overnight returned nega ve results.

community Innes fails to back her rhetoric

In a masterful closing speech during debate over Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Council staff's recommenda on to sell Council land in Dalmeny for development the Mayor said "Do think there is any necessity to rush forward with this decision? No, I do not". That brought about a vote of Mayne, McGinlay and Innes to defer the sale of the land. This mo on was defeated by Lindsay Brown, James Thomson, Maureen Nathan, Jack Tait, Phil Constable and Rob Pollock. The mo on put, and defeated, was that "This ma er be deferred un l, no earlier than the first mee ng of the newly elected Council body later this year and that Staff plan for a period of formal community consulta on in rela on to this ma er to be completed prior to any decision being made." With a vote of three Clr Anthony Mayne felt that there was an opportunity to put forward a rescission mo on that would bring it back to the council for further community input and another vote. Anthony Mayne told The Beagle "The major number for a rescission mo on is three. With three of us vo ng against the rushed sale of Dalmeny I had hoped we could get a rescission mo on up. This would give us all more me to understand the impact on our community and environment. "Unfortunately only Councillor Pat McGinlay and I were prepared to sign it." "An almost doubling of Dalmeny, rushed through on the second last Council mee ng a er 5 years; li le wonder the community says this Council does not engage with it." "The Mayne Team will bring this ma er back to the very first si ng of the next council as it is too significant to hand over to staff to simply go and sell the land. We need affordable land for homes, with great contemporary urban design and social housing. This needs to change and hopefully a new Council will work with our community in building a be er future."

"Remarkable - Stories of Australians and their Boats"

A new exhibi on sails into Batemans Bay. Explore six banner stories and a documentary of remarkable connec ons between sailors and their vessels. Assisted by the Visions of Australia program, on tour from the Australian Na onal Mari me Museum.

Batemans Bay Heritage Museum. August 3rd to September 12th 2021 Tue/Wed/Thurs 10-3 Groups any day by appt.

community Entries open for Fergus Thomson OAM Heritage Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Award Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Nomina ons are open for the Fergus Thomson OAM Heritage Award, which recognises projects contribu ng to the community’s apprecia on and awareness of the Eurobodalla’s heritage. The annual award honours the former shire mayor, the late Fergus Thomson OAM, who had a strong commitment to the preserva on of the cultural heritage of the region. Mr Thomson was Eurobodalla’s first popularlyelected mayor and remained a councillor un l his passing in 2015. He was devoted to serving the Eurobodalla, had a deep connec on to the Aboriginal community and was a passionate advocate for the protec on of culture and country. The award is considered the perfect way give well-deserved recogni on to others working to preserve and promote Eurobodalla’s cultural heritage. The award offers a $1,500 prize to local individuals, groups or organisa ons that have made an outstanding contribu on to our apprecia on and awareness of the rich heritage of the Eurobodalla Shire. The Moruya An que Tractor and Machinery Associa on won the inaugural 2020 award in recogni on of its outstanding efforts in bringing the shire’s agricultural and industrial stories to a wider audience. To be considered in 2021 projects must have been completed in the past two years with examples offered of having restored a historic building, wri en a historical book, made a blog or even created a film with the primary element being the contribu on to furthering awareness and knowledge of the Eurobodalla's heritage. The Moruya An que Tractor and Machinery Associa on won the inaugural 2020 award in recogni on of its outstanding efforts in bringing the shire’s agricultural and industrial stories to a wider audience. Pictured is then MATAMA secretary, the late Barry Hickson, Cr James Thomson, MATAMA president Steve Shields, Yvonne Thomson and MATAMA member Noel Hand.

community TAFE NSW Student Sparks Up A Career Change To Meet Demand Vol 16 September 15th 2017 On The South Coast Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 In a class full of fresh-faced electrical appren ces, 41-yearold Adam Check stands out a li le, but his age is not a drawback if anything it’s an advantage. Mr Check, an appren ce electrician with Core Infrastructure Services, enrolled in Cer ficate III Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW a er switching careers from earthmoving. He is one of the many people TAFE NSW is training in the construc on sector on the South Coast where bushfire recovery and a growing popula on has increased demand for workers. Mr Check is not new to TAFE NSW, having trained and worked in the civil engineering field opera ng excavators and other plant equipment, he has also completed several plumbing-related courses. A career in the earth moving industry gave him experience on work sites, par cularly safety knowledge, and the opportunity to see a lot of the country. So why the career change? “I was craving more, I wanted to get out of the machines and try something different, learn new skills,” Mr Check said. His friendship with the director of Core Infrastructure Services, Dan Brown, led to a short s nt as an electrical trade assistant on the South Coast before he was offered an appren ceship. Mr Brown believes in keeping a balance of mature-age and younger appren ces in the business, he sees it as a winning combina on of youthful energy and level-headed experience. “The older appren ces tend to fit into the workplace well from day one. Importantly, they also have an increased level of workplace safety awareness. Older appren ces also bring other skills to the job, for example Adam is unique in that he has plant operator skills which come in handy in our line of work.” He said older employees also have more self-confidence and are more established in their lives. “They have family responsibili es and financial obliga ons, so they tend to be more prepared to stay with the company. “Having a mix of young and older employees, creates a good balance in the team,” he said. For Mr Check, the chance to start a new career came along at the right me. To explore courses for a career change, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

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community Eurobodalla on the verge of street Vol 16 September 15th 2017 -side gardens Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Eurobodalla Council is looking for keen street communi es to take part in a verge garden trial, transforming their nature strip into a na ve-plant oasis or shady roadside haven. Council’s natural resources officer Courtney Fink Downes said the pilot program would help residents improve their streetscapes and create greener neighbourhoods. She said Council regularly received enquiries about plan ng out nature strips as people were unsure what was allowed, if anything. “The verge garden pilot may lead to new shire-wide guidelines for nature strip plan ng – providing informa on on what residents want to do and what they can do while keeping streets safe and infrastructure accessible,” Ms Fink Downes said. “There is so much poten al in verge gardens, with proven social and health outcomes for residents, natural cooling through shading and solar absorp on, increased ecological diversity, and the take up carbon from the atmosphere. You can s ll have all the parking and other func onality; it just means be er aesthe cs and a bit of a home for wildlife or some fresh veg for dinner.” Ms Fink Downes said there was no cost to trial par cipants thanks to a NSW Government Stronger Communi es grant and Council staff would help with design, provide plants and assist with plan ng. “So chat with your neighbours about what could happen in your street – it could be fruit to grow and share, or na ve trees and shrubs to provide habitat for local animals, or even colourful na ve flowers – then express your interest. “If selected we’ll work with you to ensure the concept works and organise a working bee to make your vision a reality, with plants and advice on maintenance.” For more informa on or to express your interest visit h ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/residents/gardens/verge-garden-pilot-program.

Above: Courtney Fink Downes says verge gardens can provide the community with proven social, health and environmental outcomes – even “some fresh veg for dinner”.

community Expressions of interest open for Cu agee Bridge advisory group Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Bega Valley Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest from members of the community interested in par cipa ng in the Cu agee Bridge advisory group. Ac ng Director of Assets and Opera ons, Ian Macfarlane said the advisory group will have a key role in represen ng the community and providing advice to Council on issues surrounding this important project. “We want to engage with the broader community and ensure all interested par es have an opportunity to provide input and advice into the decision-making process for the upgrade of Cu agee Bridge,” Mr Macfarlane said. “Cu agee Bridge is structurally failing, and we know there is strong community interest in not only how to address the immediate problems, but also how to sustainably manage it into the future. “We need to weigh up cost and poten al funding mechanisms against a number of compe ng principles including risk and safety, durability, economics, heritage and tourism values, and environmental issues, but our goal is to work with the community to find a solu on for Cu agee Bridge. “One of the first tasks for the advisory group will be to review the documenta on that Council has already commissioned and provide its input into what it considers to be the best way forward. “The recommenda ons of the group will be presented to Council at key decision points, along with technical reports, independent expert advice and any other relevant material.” A panel comprising the Ac ng Director of Asset and Opera ons, the Director of Community, Environment and Planning and an independent Bega Valley community member will assess the expressions of interest. To register your interest in becoming a member of the community advisory group, go to begavalley.nsw.gov.au/cu agee-bridge-eoi and submit an applica on by 15 August.

www.iga.com.au/catalogue

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"Let’s face it, Eurobodalla is as good a place as any – and be er than most – to get through COVID restric ons. We’ve got the vistas, we’ve got the climate, and we’ve got the wide open spaces" says Eurobodalla Council’s coordinator of recrea on Mathew Neason.

"Now we have free outdoor fitness classes to help keep us ac ve, healthy and connected during these isola ng mes. Live Life Get Ac ve is here, with free yoga and bootcamp classes at Batehaven and Narooma respec vely." "The program is perfect for Eurobodallans looking for a kick-start but lacking the me or confidence to join a sports team or gym." The program is supported by Olympian Jane Flemming and delivered by qualified local instructors. Ms Flemming said the program was professional, fun and friendly, “just right for those beginning or restar ng their health journey”. “Best of all it’s free. All you have to do is turn up, the rest is covered.” Ms Flemming said more people were using yoga and group exercise class to gain fitness and stay mentally healthy and Live Life Get Ac ve made it easy to get started. “People enjoy the social aspects of these types of ac vity. They’ll o en head off to nearby cafes and other retailers a er class, building friendships and building community,” she said. “We find that some of our Live Lifers do go on to join gyms or get involved in organised sports, while others explore new ways to get out and about in the great outdoors.” Eurobodalla Council’s coordinator of recrea on Mathew Neason said local businesses could partner with Council and Live Life Get Ac ve.

“For example, we’ve Club Catalina suppor ng a Monday class at their premises,” Mr Neason said. “The Canberra Raiders have also come on board, helping us deliver the program on the Narooma Foreshore. It’s a great example of Council and business coming together to deliver for the community.” Classes begin on Wednesday 4 August. Yoga classes at Corrigans Beach Reserve are at 9.30am on Wednesday and Thursday, and at Club Catalina at 6.30pm on Mondays. Cross training at Narooma runs at 6.45am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more informa on and to sign up visit h ps://livelifegetac ve.com

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Above: Donna McLean will be running free, fun group exercise classes on the Narooma foreshore as part of the Live Life Get Ac ve program – perfect for people ready to kickstart or restart physical, mental and social ac vity.

real estate OUT NOW—your latest Beagle Abode :

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Eurobodalla’s leading real

Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 estate guide

The beagle abode is an online weekly Eurobodalla real estate guide showcasing the current Eurobodalla market and our many realtors.

The beagle abode is the new addi on to the South Coast Beagle that owns The Beagle and the South Coast Travel Guide: The Nature Coast of NSW : from Durras to The Tilbas The Beagle Abode has been established to provide that service while also providing our readers with a glossy overview of latest proper es on the market each week. You can find Beagle Abode on the Beagle website under REAL ESTATE

The latest Beagle Abode lis ngs are also available each week as a FlipBook on the website and also distributed to readers via our social media pages and our twice weekly mailouts. CLICK HERE: h ps://www.beagleweekly.com.au/real-estate

South Coast Property Specialists (Carlene Franzen) Tips #1054: Does Australia Have a Housing Shortage?

Two weeks ago, we talked about the NSW Intergenera onal Report which presents a snapshot of what our state will look like in 40 years me (2061). Two of the key findings were that the number of people per household will drop from today’s average of 2.5 people to 2.3 people and 29% of households will be single people (up from 25% today). As our popula on isn’t likely to recede this means that more and more homes are going to be required to accommodate our popula on. The Real Estate Ins tute of Australis (REIA) is now very concerned that Australia is headed for a ‘supply crunch’ if the government doesn’t intervene and they have pleaded with government to improve the na onal housing pipeline. Adrian Kelly (REIA President) has quoted that there is “a chronic shortage of housing” across states and territories and there has been a significant reduc on in transac ons (and a decline in lis ngs) in recent years. For example, over the past five years, transac ons in Victoria were reduced by 21% and in the last 12 months, lis ngs in Western Australia fell by 45%. Before the start of COVID, the REIA es mated there was a housing shor all at around 150,000 and the Na onal Housing Finance and Investment Corpora on is now forecas ng a 12% fall in project comple ons by 2022. So, what is going to happen when vaccina ons increase to a level when we start to again see an increase in interna onal migra on which is es mated to be 235,000 by 2024-25? Mr Kelly said: “The supply crunch will return in force… (and) there is no current government planning process to manage this”. He is urging the federal and state governments to work with the industry to improve supply planning. It requires “a long-term collabora ve industry-government plan”. Mr Kelly laid out five simple steps to invoke meaningful change within the industry: 1. Reduce the cost of the development applica on process 2. Introduce rezoning reforms 3. Improve approval mes for development applica ons 4. Introduce land release programs 5. Establish a government led mechanism for reliable data on housing demand and supply.

Mr Kelly is also concerned that the issue is being excessively poli cised between the state and federal governments and without improvements to supply planning on a na onal level we can expect to see increasing property prices as supply fails to keep pace with growing demand. Further details can be found at realestatebusiness.com.au

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A new era is on the horizon at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. This August will see an exci ng new culinary experience introduced to the Bay area. A er 12 years of providing quality meals and service, synonymous with the club and local area, the popular Gold Po Loy restaurant; headed by Chief caterer Danny Ma, will be leaving the Bay Soldiers Club. In its place an en rely new dining experience will be on offer at the club in the form of Vue 180, an exci ng new restaurant offering an en cing range of quality seafood, steaks, asian, pizza and Italian op ons and more. Vue 180 is brought to the Batemans Bay area by the catering team of Keith and Kathryn McPhee of Artcra Catering, who bring many years of club hospitality experience in the Wollongong and ACT regions, that will be exci ng to see introduced to local area. Originally hailing from New Zealand, Keith and Kathryn’s passion for fresh, delicious quality food, has seen over 40 years of plying their trade in culinary environments to perfect their unique style. Keith and Kathryn are also looking forward to con nuing the strong history Artcra catering shares with suppor ng local community groups and fundraising events as they familiarize themselves with the local community in Batemans Bay. The Batemans Bay Soldiers Club wishes to thank Danny Ma, Annie Zhao and the Gold Po Loy team for what has been a long and frui ul partnership and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

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CWA of NSW would like to advise our community our Handicra Shop is open for business from 10am to 2pm on Thursdays & Saturdays. We have a lovely range of warm winter items available ranging from newborns to adults as our members have been very busy making items for the Shop as well as all sorts of other items.

We have face masks available at $5 if you need any. However our tearooms are s ll closed so we shall advise the Beagle as soon as we reopen them. We have installed reverse cycle air condi oners in both the func on room and the Shop so remember if you need a mee ng room at reasonable costs our func on room is available

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The Eurobodalla Country Music & Social Club will be holding it’s free monthly

concert in the air condi oned comfort of the Mechanics Ins tute Hall Nelligen on – Sunday 25th July 2021. Commencing at 11.00am. The concert will be held in line with COVID REGULATIONS THE AGM WILL BE HELD AT 10.00AM prior to the concert. Entertainers include, Alan Neal, Steve O’Meley, Wayne Gumm, Brian Coulton, & many more. Visi ng entertainers are welcome and should contact:- Brian 0497278433 or Marie on 0418977003 Raffle and chocolate wheels are held to help defray expenses. All welcome for a great a ernoon of entertainment and friendship. This club supports Batemans Bay &Moruya Hospital Auxiliaries