The Bugle 8 October 2016
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
Planning for our future Mayor Mark Honey is delivering early on his campaign promise to focus on planning issues, by establishing a Planning Committee to ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to urban development, particularly in our town centres. “Until now, there has been a number of committees looking at specific areas within our Municipality, such as Collins St in Kiama, with different members and no overarching strategy to guide them,” says Mayor Honey. “I would like to see a little money invested in the Committee to develop a strategic plan. We may have to employ specialist consultants, but it would be worthwhile. We need to stop doing little things ad hoc as they can be counterproductive.” Joining the Mayor on the new Planning Committee are Councillors Kathy Rice, Andrew Sloan,
Mark Westhoff and Mark Way. “I think we have a good mix of geographic representation and skills to really look at the big picture,” says Mayor Honey. “It will be nice to have a legacy when I leave council of having a plan that my grandson’s going to enjoy the benefits of.” Amongst other things, he envisages the Committee will look at revising the Gerringong Charette, consider whether to relocate or renovate the Council administration centre and ways to retain the Municipality’s character whilst under pressure from the State Government to provide extra housing. “We have to try and get on the front foot rather than be pushed around,” he says. “For example, I would like to talk with the State Government about whether we can focus the required development in the
Bombo quarry site once it becomes available in a few short years.” Mayor Honey says that State Rail has completed blasting there, with two years worth of material still to be removed. As the area is below sea level, a proposal has been already mooted to build the hole back up with fill from the tunnels being constructed in Sydney, given the direct train access. In the meantime, Council’s new Stategic Planner, Mark Lydon, is conducting a traffic and parking review of the Kiama CBD. See page 5 for the councillors who will sit on other bodies.
Fit for the Future Having proved with revised figures earlier this year it is Fit for the Future, Kiama Council once again has to submit its ratios for review. Mayor Honey has no doubt the State’s requirements will be met.
Inside this issue Results in on Council performance p3
Opera star returning to his roots p3
Mayor Mark Honey
One World: a concert with a message As a tribute to United Nations Day, the Kiama Welcomes Refugees group has organised a free concert, bringing together locals and refugees now living in the Illawarra to highlight the plight of displaced people around the world. The program will include performances by a Karenni Dance group formed by refugees from Myanmar, and an Armenian classical guitarist, Sako Dermenjian. The two choirs taking part, the Illawarra Union Singers and local choir Accord, will be performing their acclaimed original song, Asylum Seekers.
Popular local performers Penny Hartgerink, JukeBoy Emmett, and John LIttrich and the Water Runners have volunteered to perform at the concert. They will be joined by performers from Wollongong - folk singer Michael Cox and female vocalist Shabnam. Gerringong’s John Littrich says, “All of us in the Water Runners are very much aware of the plight of refugees and urge our government to adopt policies that treat refugees with compassion and respect. “My dad came to Australia after World War II as a refugee from Europe. We
barbed wire for a peaceful life in Wollongong helping other refugees. The MC will be Simon Hinton, Artistic Director and CEO of the Merrigong Theatre Company, known for his involvement in refugee issues. Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees AM, human rights activist and author, will speak on the United Nations Day theme. Iraqi Burhan Zangana now calls Kiama home A collection will be taken for SCARF, which gives are very pleased to be part of have found sanctuary in the One World Concert.” Australia: Bahram Hashemi, assistance to refugee famiThe program will include whose family fled persecu- lies in the Illawarra. talks from refugees and refu- tion in Iran to live in Kiama, Details: Sat 22 Oct, and Burhan Zangana, gee advocates. Hindmarsh Park, 1-4pm. Speaking about the refugee a Kurd from Iraq, who experience will be men who escaped mines, tanks and
Greenbox to close p3
Jamberoo’s big weekend p6