I watched the Kiama Councils live stream of the General Meeting on 13 August 2024. I noted with interest and amazement when Councillor Reilly said that he has never put in a Code of Conduct against any other Councillor. If you listen to his Kiama Community Radio interview on 5 December 2023 and read the subsequent reporting in the Bugle, he put in a complaint about Councillor Renkema Lang because 3 other Councillors had put in a complaint to him. In that interview the Mayor Reilly also stated that the vote to censure Councillor Renkema-Lang was 5 for and 2 against. That is 4 Councillors including the mayor. If 4 made the complaint how many participated in the vote? Memory loss or misplaced truth???? A recent report in the Illawarra Mercury quoted the mayor as saying it was cowardly to put in a Code of Conduct against other councillors. This was also remarked on at last night’s meeting. I also noted Councillor Brown waxed on about him categorically never making a complaint against another Councillor. Don't you just love the openness and transparency - I jest!R. L.

In our local government, accountability should never be an afterthought. The voices of our community must be heard, not silenced, especially when decisions are being made that impact our lives. Community groups play a vital role in ensuring that everyone is informed and engaged. These groups act as the backbone of our community, providing essential information and organising efforts to hold our leaders accountable. By staying informed and participating through these groups, we can ensure our local government truly represents our collective values and interests. Let’s continue to speak up and work together to keep our community strong and vibrant.Signed:Community Voices.

Well done Bugle and all its writers.It is wonderful to read your forthright articles and Editorials regarding Kiama and its citizens and their access to Kiama Council.This is a rare thing in this "Woke Age" where open discussion and personal expressions are put forward as the Bugle does. Only to be damned, disregarded and put down by those who were elected to represent the citizens who seem to make their judgment based on Political Party lines and not their own as happens more and more in society today. Their voices are not their own, they merely repeat what they are told to say by anonymous men/women in dark out of sight places.Candidates who run for office must be fully independent and not echo petty party lines as seem to be the case in Kiama.This follows through to the election of a mayor as is the case in Kiama who is elected by the political whims of party hacks and not in the interest of those they claim falsely to represent. The citizens must vote for an Independent, unbiased mayor not Council members.. Public access to Council matters must be allowed with open forums on a regular basis with open and frank discussion at all times so the mayor and council are fully aware of the mood of the citizens they supposedly represent.What is happening is biased local government and not in the interest of the wider population of the area they represent. It is only in the Interest of those who dictate to Council members based on their ideals, not the councilors own thoughts. They must be based on the interest of the community they claim to represent only.Please keep up your writing to show just who really cares what goes on in the closeted Council Offices. It is refreshing to see your efforts to let people know what actually goes on in their area.Keep it up, a voice like yours is needed.Name supplied

Hello, I attended the Debate you coordinated last week in Kiama, I found it helpful. Many facts were uncovered as to the process, outcomes and 'what ifs'. I suggest there is a wonderful opportunity for The Bugle to develop a FAQ to assist the public get their head around this before the vote with balanced understanding. CheersName supplied

Dear Bugle Editor,The Council has responded on their webpage regarding the Bluehaven Terralong Independent Living Units. They stated their appreciation for a good story and mentioned the library is full of them. Personally, I always check which section I am in—Fact or Fiction.I served as the Maintenance Manager for Terralong from 1999 until recently. Despite the Council's continuous assertions that they are not seeking to divest Bluehaven Terralong, inconsistencies persist. After a vote to retain Bluehaven Terralong, a Council Officer was heard telling clients, "We are preparing Bluehaven Terralong for sale."Furthermore, I learned of a "Plan B" from a Council Officer, which involves selling Stages 1, 2, and 3 of Bluehaven Terralong separately from Stages 4, 5, and the old Aged Care Home—again, following the decision not to divest Bluehaven Terralong.The sale of units is to be conducted via email. Many potential buyers have inquired, only to be informed that there is nothing available. Council mentions other complexes coming online, but these are generally priced beyond the reach of the average local resident, making them hard to sell.Most residents bought into Bluehaven because it was a community initiative, started by the community for the community, and importantly, it was Council-owned and operated. This was a major factor in their decision.The long-term Manager was replaced by a highly experienced and competent individual. However, the working environment was intolerable, leading her to leave for a larger organisation.Council claims there are 17 units empty, plus 4 being renovated. My estimate of 23 empty units was based on information from March when the Maintenance Manager was told that renovations would start in three months. This coincided with the end of the financial year. The current renovations are on the lower-priced units, one of which has been empty for nearly a year. Personally, I would have prioritised mid-range units around $800,000 to $1 million, which could have been turned around in 6-8 weeks. Local tradespeople, who prioritise Bluehaven, would have completed the work promptly under the Maintenance Manager's coordination. I understand that some Stage 5 units require extensive waterproofing and fire rectification work, recognising that renovations are more than just cosmetic.Council also claims a high number of transfers, aligning with the industry average of 10% per annum for a 200-unit complex, equating to 20 units per year. When Terralong residents move to the BH Care home, the Council internally transfers sufficient funds to cover the accommodation bond. This is a policy decision, not a requirement, and applies only to our Care Home. With the sale of Boniara, this bond is transferred to the new owner, potentially skewing the financial appearance of different parts of the business, especially with Independent Living Units sitting idle.It is probably known that there are plans to sell the Leisure Centre and the Minnamurra waste depot, contradicting the original promise to focus on the “3 R's”: Roads, Rates, and Rubbish. Privatization often leads to increased fees for the community, as I have been told.Name Supplied.

Dear Editor,Reading about the recent anti-wind farm rally in The Bugle took me on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. Remember when powerlines first appeared, and we all thought our beautiful landscapes were ruined forever? Or when coal mines popped up like unwanted party crashers? Our initial reactions were much like the current uproar against wind farms—full of fear and scepticism.The placard reading "This Will Not Blow Over" at the rally perfectly captures the sentiment of resistance to change. It's as if we haven't learned from our past experiences! Barnaby Joyce, with his colourful (if somewhat crude) comments, and other high-profile speakers certainly added a dramatic flair to the proceedings. But, dare I say, their rhetoric might be better suited for a soap opera than a serious discussion about renewable energy.We humans are funny creatures, aren't we? We bristle at anything new, only to embrace it later on. Who knows? Maybe in a few years, we'll be giving directions based on the wind turbines—“Turn left at the third wind turbine and you’ll find the best coffee shop in town!”

Through your paper, I would like to again put questions I put over a week ago to the General Manager of Kiama Council. I have obviously had no response from that quarter, hence I am attempting to obtain some response via your publication. The questions surround the payment of commission on the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira, and presumably paid or slated to be paid to Stuart Brown Advisory. Your readers may recall that when the subject of the sale of Bonaira was first promoted by the General manger to Council, she was directed to seek a report from an 'independent' consultancy, on whether Bonaira should be retained, leased or sold. Not surprisingly, that consultancy came back to Council with a resounding affirmation that selling was the only option. Surprisingly, an adjunct of that firm that supplied the advice to 'sell', was engaged to handle the sale process. Conflict of interest? Not according to our Council boffins! So in the interest of transparency, I believe it is fair to ask the questions – how much will Stuart Brown Advisory be paid? And will that commission be on the $95million sale price trumpeted by Mayor Reilly; or will it be on the $26million, which I understand is the amount of cash that will actually change hands? I think it reasonable that all residents/ratepayers know the answer to these questions.Allan Holder

Dear EditorIn the age of social media, everyone’s a commentator, sharing hot takes faster than you can say "viral." Yet, with Google at our fingertips, offering endless scientific research, why do so few of us dig deeper? Take the recent XY controversy at the Olympics: debates over athletes' chromosomes have sparked fierce online discussions. But instead of turning to trusted sources, many opt for knee-jerk reactions. Why? Perhaps it's the allure of instant validation over meticulous fact-checking. Imagine if we all paused to Google before posting—our feeds might look a lot more informed. Next time we weigh in on the latest hot topic, especially one as nuanced as the Olympics' gender debates, why not arm ourselves with facts? It's never been easier, or more necessary, to do a little research before joining the digital chorus.Lynne Strong

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to The Bugle for organising the recent information session on the debate over the election of our mayor in Kiama. This Q&A session was an invaluable opportunity for residents to engage with the critical question of whether our mayor should be elected by the council or directly by the community.Panel member 1 opened the Q&A session with gratitude, emphasising the importance of public participation. Panel member 2 highlighted the necessity of community education and encouraged us to consider the practices of other councils. The call for more information clearly resonated with the audience, eager to understand the implications of each option.An audience member asked a question that was clearly front of mind for many people regarding the financial difference between the two systems which led to an important clarification: holding a referendum would cost about $24,000, with an additional $20,000 per election if a mayor is directly elected. This sparked further discussion on the value and efficiency of both models.The session also covered the potential political influence and stability within the council. Some panel members warned of the risks of political parties dominating mayoral elections, while others pointed out that internal council politics could disrupt governance if the mayor is elected by councillors.Leadership effectiveness was another key concern. Another panel member highlighted the challenges of removing an ineffective directly elected mayor, which could involve a lengthy and costly process. However, supporters of direct elections argued that a mayor chosen by the people would be more accountable and focused on community priorities.Importantly, the session underscored the dangers of assuming that the questions and comments from the floor represent the overall feeling in the room. While the Q&A provided valuable insights, it’s crucial to remember that the vocal few may not capture the diverse opinions of our entire community. Making assumptions based on these voices can lead to misinterpretations and overlook the silent majority's perspectives.Overall, the importance of having a mayor who can unite the council and effectively address community needs was a recurring theme. The debate revealed that both systems have their pros and cons, and the decision ultimately rests with the informed and engaged citizens of Kiama.Thank you, The Bugle, for facilitating this essential conversation. As our community continues to weigh the options, it’s clear that this debate is about more than just the title of mayor. It’s about ensuring that our leadership reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of Kiama’s residents.Yours with gratitudeEngaged Kiama Citizen

I'm glad you asked! M$40 that's 40 million of your and my own ratepayer funds Kiama Council staff (they assure us past staff) and Councillors have overseen the loss of during the Blue Haven Bonaira debacle. Surely, no way, you've got to be kidding, haven't we just sold it for M$95? Read and analyse the 222 page Forsyth Report dated 28 June 2022, adjusted for net settlement proceeds, and tell me I'm wrong (in round numbers, give or take a few million here and there because, who really knows) and remember full settlement does not take place until over two years from now so the pain will not fully go away on the so-called settlement date of 1st November. Something for you to contemplate when next paying your rates, complaining about something council has not done or will not do - or is that just me - or re-electing councillors who have been in place over the period from conception to completion of build. Dennis Robertson

Kiama council has in their wisdom decided to cease funding the Sharps Disposal Unit Service as of the 1st of August. This service provided free sharps containers to the Kiama community, as well as provision of bins in local pharmacies for collection and safe disposal.  From the 1st of August there will be nowhere within the Kiama LGA for residents to take their sharps for safe disposal. The nearest drop off point will be Shellharbour hospital. We have gone from best practice to worst practice. I have major concerns about how sharps will be disposed of going forward, and suspect we will see increased dumping of sharps in public waste collection and red bins. I have voiced my concerns with Jane Stroud at council. I have put forward alternate suggestions, that council should as a minimum consider continuing to accept community sharps returns at the recycling depot in Minnamurra. I would be more than happy to continue collecting them on councils behalf, and even drop them off to the recycling depot. This I believe would address most of the issues, however I was informed that Council had made their decision, case closed. I have lobbied Gareth Ward on this issue, but thought the Kiama community need to be made aware. Hopefully we can persuade Council to reconsider its decision.Concerned Kiama resident

After visiting the council recycling centre at Minnamurra it felt like an episode of “Yes Minister.” I needed to use some polystyrene, for a raised garden bed. Rather than contributing to the production and waste of this product, by purchasing it, I headed to the recycling centre. I thought what better way to recycle waste than to reduce the waste left there and take it home to use. Alas, this was not possible! No waste products can be taken to be reused. Isn’t the recyclable waste left there meant to be recycled? The reason was OH&S. How can my health and safety be at risk by taking some polystyrene but no problem with leaving it there? Bureaucracy gone crazy!Frustrated Kiama resident

Bugle under fireBecause I read an article in The Australian about how the Bugle newspaper was being investigated for bias, I read the newspaper. It is surprisingly well-written, well informed and topical. Congratulations on an excellent newspaper!Michael SweetCQUniversity

Opinion by Allan Holder, KiamaSo, a return to the rate payers of $26 million is lauded by Mayor Reilly as a wonderful outcome for the community {sale of Bonaira}. Well Mayor, did you ever think of it in these terms - obviously your General manager didn't! The land you have just given away is worth conservatively $50 million - conservatively - nice windfall for Hall and Prior there! Now if you had have just sent the bulldozers in and demolished everything {including Barroul House}, the demolition costs may be $10 - $15 million, flog the land off for our supposed $50 million, and hey presto, the return to Council would have been at least $35 million - nearly $10 million more than our genius General Manager was able to achieve. As for pursuing the builder, well if that is not shutting the gate after the horse has bolted, I don't know what is? In the inimitable way of most building companies in this country, if they look like losing, they will probably just go into liquidation to avoid any liability, and emerge rebranded as someone else - and the rate payer will be forced to pay yet more legal bills - what a fabulous prospect we are facing, and well done to all concerned!

For the third time in as many weeks, the volunteers who look after Peace Park in Manning Street, arrived last Tuesday to find more of the rose bushes had been stolen.This selfish illegal act deprives all residents from enjoying in coming months the rose display n the park.As we are about to commence this seasons planting , we have halted this while we seriously consider our future involvement with caring for the park. It seems pointlesspurchasing new rose bushes just to have them stolen.Most of us who volunteer do not live near the park. We do not have the enjoyment of seeing it every day. We only enjoy the park during our weekly working time there.Among the latest roses removed was a rare miniature donated by the late Robert Curll and a Pierre de Ronsard donated by Elizabeth Burnett to replace an earlier stolen one. If the Rose Bushes in Peace Park continue to be stolen thereseems little point in continuing with the Volunteer work in Peace Park.Colin HollisCoordinator, Peace Park Volunteers

Responsible Future (Illawarra) is excited to announce an upcoming rally against offshore wind in the Illawarra on Sunday the 28th of July at Reddall Reserve from 11am. The event will feature speakers such as Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien, Independent Shellharbour Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh, Lobster Fisherman Mark Horne, local community members and local politicians across the political landscape. Following the recent announcement of the Illawarra wind farm zone, it is clear that the Labor party has let down the Illawarra community despite their years of loyal support. Responsible Future urges the Illawarra community to come together and resist this project in Labor's Stephen Jones' seat of Whitlam. Minister Bowen and our local Labor representatives failed to take on the community’s concerns. Let us demonstrate to them the 65 percent of the community that rejected this project. We refuse to witness the industrialisation of our oceans, which would harm local industries like Commercial Fishing and Tourism. Tourism in the Illawarra alone employs 15,000 individuals, generating $2 billion in annual revenue and seeing 5 million visitors a year. We will not permit the government or foreign companies to ruin our coastline for profit, funded by significant taxpayer subsidies, including the running of transmission lines through Lake Illawarra and Killalea. This proposed energy plan lacks thorough consideration and fails to make economic and environmental sense. Join us in defending our coastline, our communities, and our future. Let us show the Labor and Greens party that we will not tolerate the exploitation of our environment for a large scale experiment. Together, we can stop this project with a change of government. Event Details:Date: 28 July 2024Time: 11amLocation: Reddall Reserve Lake Illawarra, 1 Reddall Parade (South side of Windang Bridge, ocean side) For further information, please reach out to Responsible Future (Illawarra) at www.responsiblefuture.com.au Let us stand united and fight for what is right. Thank you for your support.  Mr Alex O’Brien

I would like to offer a sincere thank you to readers who gave to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal.In recent times, charities have been significantly impacted by the rise in the cost of living, affecting the number of donors able to give, while increasing the number of those needing support. The Smith Family has certainly been no exception to that trend.In terms of donations, we were facing a 40 per cent shortfall with just a few weeks remaining during our Winter Appeal. But thankfully, we were very fortunate to receive some generous support from the public and our fundraising target was reached.Donations from supporters will make a world of difference to 17,200 students experiencing disadvantage. Each will be able to receive the extra help they need during the final terms of school this year.Our ability to deliver our flagship education support program Learning for Life, that assists almost 63,000 young Australians nationwide, depends on your donations. And they really do make a difference.Just this week we received an email from a student to the people who had sponsored her through Learning for Life. She had had just graduated with a Bachelor of Science and was writing to thank them.“Please accept my sincere gratitude for your belief in my potential and for your unwavering support throughout my educational journey and believing in us students that need the extra support,” she wrote.“Your generosity has inspired me to strive for excellence and to give back to others in the community.”This is a real demonstration of how education enables children experiencing disadvantage to create opportunities that change their future and equips them with the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate our increasingly complex world.Thank you again to all those who supported The Smith Family.Doug TaylorCEO of The Smith Family

Dear Bugle- always look forward to your balanced coverage about what is happening around the place- god knows what KMC would be up to if we did not have you to shine a bit of light on things- they dont seem to care anyway! have been laughing out loud .... and shaking my head when reading the issue this morning- WTH is going on .... again! .... dodgy stuff bout blue haven terralong st, leakings of ICAC referrals, more $ legal costs no doubt etc .... and thats ignoring the "confidential" smoke and mirrors around the supposed sale/giveaway of BH Boniara - as usual its reading like a mix between a soap opera (a poor one at that) and a 3 Stooges episode (sorry to insult the 3 Stooges)- cant believe that they have dodged an apppointed Administrator over ALL THIS TIME!!!- yes i agree THE LOT NEED TO RESIGN - keep up your good work- cheersP. Potts.

It is of concern that some of your correspondents have as much financial expertise as the former Counsellors and staff who created the current financial crisis in KMC. Whilst the provision of retirement living facilities for local residents is an admirable cause, these facilities are increasingly complex to manage and costly to run. And the sponsoring Council and Councillors require considerably more financial expertise to manage than two decades ago. A more fundamental issue is whether Councils are best placed and sufficiently competent to establish and manage these facilities. Furthermore, Kiama is a small municipality that lacks the revenue streams to offer other than basic services. Over the past 2-3 years the Council has been presented with expert financial analysis and recommendations from both the Office of Local Government and its local Finance Advisory Group which they have chosen to reject. These recommendations, if accepted, would require courage and foresight to implement and Councillors’ solidarity to persuade their stakeholders of their necessity. The forthcoming Council elections may have influenced their lack of courage to take the tough decisions that are required to rescue our Municipality from administration. The solution must incorporate sharp cost reduction measures: staff and capital works reductions. This potentially unpopular step must be accompanied by raising revenue without selling assets, as directed by the Office of Local Government. As a last resort a special rate variation can be applied for but this does not resolve the fact that our costs are not covered by our revenue. Once again the Councillors kicked this challenge into the future when the problems might miraculously disappear or become someone else’s problem. That’s the day when the sun will rise in the west! These initiatives appear unpalatable. Clearly some residents oppose the sale of Blue Haven and other assets. Some blame the current CEO. Few seem willing to go back to the perpetrators who set up our Council to fail. Even fewer seem to acknowledge the effort and expertise put in by the CEO and her staff to analyse and diagnose the root causes of our poor financial position and to propose solutions that would enable KMC to recover. Whilst some of the current criticisms are well meaning, they are misguided. It’s time to put the facts before emotional responses to a situation that involves us all. Roger R Collins Gerroa 0408276430