From the Acting GM p3
Tackling problem rentals p3
Jenni wins our iPad comp
Old house to be restored p4
Jazz & Blues to keep giving
p5
p7
20 MAR 2021
Council agrees: don’t move the boat ramp
At Kiama Council’s March Meeting, councillors voted unanimously to support a revised submission from staff on the draft Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Framework. The amendments agreed to strengthened the wording in the submission opposing the relocation of the boat ramp to, “Council is not supportive of the relocation on the basis that the existing location and supporting infrastructure is considered appropriate and adequate for the location. “In addition, the proposed relocation of the boat ramp appears to contradict the guidelines and safety considerations for boat ramps as stated in Transport for NSW’s Maritime Boat Ramp Facility Guidelines, specifically in regards to proximity to trailer parking, open space and public swimming areas.” While supporting a balance of commercial, recreational and tourism industries and uses around the harbour, Council’s submission highlights a number of other specific concerns with the Draft Framework, including: • complex and conflicting land management arrangements • access to the waterfront, in particular the Blowhole Rock Pool • reviewing, repairing and embellishing the full harbour seawall. The submissions says that
History lost in Jerrara fire
A week after their enormous shed was enveloped in an inferno, the Gregory family of Jerrara Road are still coming to terms with the loss of an eclectic collection gathered over fifty years. “It was basically a private museum, full of vintage and classic motorcycles, memoraCouncil is supportive of it, and I’ve heard people say engaging people’s attention. further investigations into why are we worried about it? “Getting everyone engaged bilia and all kinds of things,” says Rebecca Gregory, on smaller scale breakwaWell, if all of a sudden some is always quite a complex behalf of her parents Gordon ter extensions or groyne money does come up we process, they certainly did and Gay. installation at the entrance want to have the right plan in as best as they could given They included items as of the harbour to improve place.” COVID. and protect existing harbour Deputy Mayor Andrew “Often people don’t become diverse as a 150 year old washing machine, clocks, a infrastructure. Sloan cautioned understand- fully engaged until they feel Rolling Stones signed guitar, “This submission speaks to ing that Council was not the like there is something they a 1950s coffee maker, jukeall of the concerns that I have final decision maker. could potentially lose.” heard,” said Councillor Neil “Whilst we were unaniJust over 200 submissions boxes, pinball machines, a pair of Mick Doohan’s gloves, Reilly at the Meeting. mous with our opposition were received from the puband much more. Councillor Matt Brown to the relocation of the boat lic on the Draft, and Transsaid that a lot of hard work ramp and various other port NSW’s Kiama Harbour had gone into getting a colfactors here, we aren’t in fact Revitalisation Project Team laborative response, “We, as the decision maker, although is now reviewing and identia council, wanted to try and I’m sure they will pay a lot fying issues raised. put forward a joint submisof attention to the Council’s The consultation summary sion to encapsulate as best submission. will provide a response to we could a community view “I’d like to make it clear issues rather than individual to go forward.” that it’s not a decision being submissions, and the comCouncillor Mark Way, who made tonight to not move the munity will be notified when has championed keeping the boat ramp. That will be up to the summary is available. boat ramp where it is, was the RMS over time.” Council’s submission is also pleased with the result. Acting General Manager available now on “I know it doesn’t have any Jessica Rippon notes the www.kiama.nsw.gov.au funding dollars attached to Draft has been successful in
“It was their pride and joy, and they loved sharing it with people. There were people here every day,” she says. At least 80 motorbikes were at the heart of the collection, including a 1940 Indian Chief with a side car in immaculate condition (below), a BSA from the 1950s, a 1980 Honda CB1100R and a 1972 Norton Commando. “There were bikes that weren’t even ours, as people loved the place so much they left them for display or storage,” says Rebecca. “It is such a loss to history, as the things can never be replaced.” The shell-shocked family
continued on p10