Firstly let me say that I am all for a Community Facility for the Gerringong Community and Surf Club What has happened recently is again mismanagement by Council of precious Community facilities  There is a Public Access meeting tonight at 5pm I encourage you to attend There is a $470,000 shortfall already in the Construction and the building is not yet out of the ground. Yes they found asbestos. The Club has acknowledged that with the Builder they have a 1 per cent contingency of $50,000 on a $5-$6m build…normally it’s 5-10 per cent This is very concerning. Did Council get any other alternative building quotes…no is the answer…what happens when there are more cost overruns? Who pays? What steps will be put in place so this doesn’t happen? Council is already under a State Government Performance Review Order due to previous Financial mismanagement  What Asset will be sold next to fund these shortfalls or will our Rates jump 30 per cent for these mistakes  Council Elections are in September come today at 5pm and see the Councillors in action…Will they give the Club the $470,000? Yes probably. At what cost to the Community….Craig Pontey

There seems to be some sort of weird obsession in Kiama with uprooting perfectly nice plants from the garden beds around Terralong street and replacing them. Why is this necessary? I’ve been watching this for a while and it has started to bother me. The time that I really started to notice it was when the garden bed out the front of Stocked and Dominoes was replanted for what appeared to be no good reason! The plants that had previously occupied the bed had been growing for a few months and had started to flower. Then all of a sudden they were being ripped out and stuffed into garbage bags to make way for new (very similar) plants. I don’t get it. This seems like a huge waste of money and resources for a council that is trying desperately to save on both. Maybe other people feel the same? I would be interested in seeing native planting along the Main Street. We could still enjoy flowers when in bloom and save a lot of water. I’m sure the native birds and insects would also appreciate this. Thank you, Alexandria Jones 

I find it interesting that The Bugle runs a story related to Kiama Council and community engagement...new direction or more smoke and mirrors! It has come to light that conversations have evolved into consideration for the future selling of the council's waste services including property and adjacent animal shelter. Council appears intent on reducing the current staffing levels which would result in substantial reductions in community services, one only has to look at the current vacancies for seasonal workers, a sign of change! Of interest in the potential selling of the council property and loss of staff and services is that a potential buyer has been identified as McMahons Transport located in Gerringong. McMahons Transport was also successful in obtaining approval from council for industrial development in Sims Road Gerringong noting that this was the first time such a property was approved west of the highway in Gerringong. During the course of process of approval one of the advocates was then councillor Neil Reilly. The loss of council's animal shelter should not be underestimated as the many companion dog owners would testify to the effectiveness in the Ranger Service in keeping the community safe and secure and providing 7 day service. Maybe the Bugle can take a run on this matter?Dennis Tracey

It is appalling that a new tobacconist has set up across the road from Woolworths on TerralongStreet as smoking kills more than 50 Australians every day – about 20,000 every year.My mother died of lung cancer and now I have a shop 50 metres from my home, dedicated to selling the products which killed her.The shop plans to open one month before Commonwealth Government legislation cracks down on tobacco and e-vaping sales.From 1 April, the only legal way to buy nicotine-containing vapes will be from a pharmacist with a prescription from a doctor.More than 600 additional shops began selling vape products in New South Wales in the first half of2023, which is a drastic increase. Why? What else will these shops sell? Who is monitoring compliance?Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Australia, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.The Government want to reduce the national smoking rate to less than 10 per cent by 2025 and 5 per cent or less by 2030, and to 27 per cent or less by 2030 for First Nations people.Recent raids on around 60 retail stores in Sydney have led to the seizure of approximately 30,000 suspected nicotine containing e-cigarettes, also known as nicotine vapes, as well as tobacco products suspected of being sold without paying tax, with an estimated value of $1.1 million.Malcolm King

The grape vine is alive with rumours that Kiama Council is struggling to find a buyer, or come up with an adequate price for what is arguably a crown jewel in its asset portfolio. Well, isn’t that a surprise! After bagging the business over the last several years, by the Mayor and his councillor supporters, and senior admin staff employed by Council, what did they possibly expect? Imagine if you put your house on the market and your estate agent arranged a series of open days, and you stood at your front gate as prospective buyers turned up to view your property, and you pointed out to them the leaky roof, the windows that don’t quite shut, and the door frames that are out of alignment, would you really expect top dollar to be realised for your property? This is exactly what is happening with the proposed sale of Blue Haven Bonaira – its value has been talked down to blazes by the geniuses tasked with administering the community assets of this LGA. I have attended numerous meetings on the proposed sale of BH Bonaira and heard speaker after speaker warn Council that this is exactly what would happen. Looks like the chooks are about to come home to roost! I just hope the Council staff who have pushed so hard for this to happen, are held to account for their ‘advice’. I won't hold my breath!Allan Holder

In the world of urban development in Australia, local councils and land developers face a complex landscape, balancing the need for community engagement with stringent economic and regulatory demands. A pivotal issue in this balancing act is the perception that the community may not possess a comprehensive understanding of the constraints and pressures faced by developers and councils. This perception can lead to a cautious approach towards community engagement, influenced by concerns about the project’s financial viability and the ability to meet housing targets within tight economic and policy frameworks.At the core of this dynamic is the perceived knowledge gap between the community and the professionals driving development projects. Urban development is characterised by its complexity, including detailed planning regulations, environmental assessments, and financial modelling. There’s a prevailing belief among developers and councils that the specialised knowledge required to navigate these challenges might be beyond the general public’s grasp. This belief can foster a reluctance to fully engage with communities, underpinned by the notion that fostering meaningful dialogue about project constraints and compromises is difficult.The imperative to deliver a return on investment and to meet housing targets promptly further complicates the situation. Developers are usually constrained by rigid financial models with little room for deviation, while councils face the dual challenge of addressing housing shortages within stringent budgetary limits. These economic realities may encourage a streamlined development process that minimises community engagement.However, it is important to recognise that community engagement is a crucial aspect of urban development. The community has a vested interest in the development of their neighbourhoods and should be given a voice in the process. By engaging with the community, developers and councils can gain valuable insights into the needs and concerns of the people who will be affected by the development. This can lead to more informed decision-making and ultimately result in better outcomes for everyone involved.It is also pivotal that both developers and councils run the risk of losing trust if the engagement is seen as a greenwashing box-ticking exercise. Developers and councils should also be transparent about the constraints and challenges they face, and how they are working to address them. By doing so, they can build trust with the community and demonstrate their commitment to creating better outcomes for everyone involved.Community engagement is a critical component of urban development, and developers and councils must take it seriously. By fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration, and avoiding greenwashing, they can build trust with the community and create better outcomes for everyone involved.Lynne Strong

How disappointed, and horrified, we were to see that a Tobacconist has been allowed to open (just across Terralong St from Woolworths) so close to a Primary School, where many, many young kids pass by and will grow up thinking that smoking (or vaping?) is a normal part of life!   How many young lives will be tempted towards a premature death in a few decades time?J & D

Last week I was horrified to see a large purple and red flashing neon sign reading 'Tobacco and accessories' outside a soon to be opened tobacconist at the Woolies roundabout. Is this the sort of thing we want in downtown Kiama? How was it approved? Will it sell vapes? If so it will be a slap in the face for the government's attempts to stamp out teenage vaping. And is there a risk of it being firebombed like all those other ciggy shops in Sydney?Author details shared with The Bugle

Are there any sites in the Kiama area for Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday?Apart from Vinnies doing a walk I can't see anything on either the CUA site or Council?Jenni Stapleton

Just wanted to lob some comments in regarding some articles in the Bugle dated 24 Feb - 8 March. I don't claim particular knowledge on these topics and only know what I read in the paper and hear on the news - but given the track record of Kiama Council, I am more than happy to support any body that holds them to account.Akuna St Development - I would be gobsmacked if anyone thought Kiama does not already have a pressing shortage of car parks. It's easy for Council to say that "parking considerations are being undertaken as part of the assessment" but in reality what are they thinking about? The long term solution may sound attractive, but it is the transition detail that looks somewhat untenable. For the duration of the build project, not only are we are going to lose 100 all day parking spots, but in addition there will be competition for any available all day spaces by dozens of construction worker dual cab utes - it is going to get ugly! and certainly won't help the local shopkeepers.Dido St Development - I am bewildered by the Council opposition to the development on the basis of floods cutting off access 4 times in 2 decades! - this restriction is primarily for public access, and even in these times I'm not convinced a large 4WD emergency vehicle couldn't negotiate the flooded crossing. If we do accept the Council position, what value do they place on existing residents who are currently in exactly this predicament? One might infer that the Council is waiting for a developer to fix a known and existing problem ..... That said I'm not a civil engineer, but it doesn't seem like rocket science to simply lay pipes transversely over the existing bridge and raise the roadway sufficiently to weather the floodwater (it doesn't needs to be raised any higher than the adjacent Jamberoo Rd which is not much higher).Springside Hill Development - I am pleased to read that at least this development recognises that existing utilities have a finite capacity. The ability of existing freshwater, sewage and electricity services to accept further duplex and low(?) rise developments in the Kiama CBD must be very close to exhausted (assuming someone is actually accurately monitoring these numbers ..... ).Jamberoo is already there and Kiama must be knocking on the door. Keep up the good work looking at the issues.RigbyKiama

After living in the Kiama Municipality for many years, I would like to see a Phone Shop.As the majority of residents have a Mobile phone, Laptop, IPad etc. It has become very difficult to obtain services, unless we travel to Nowra or Shellharbour. Our population has grown, very much in the last 10 years, I feel it would be appropriate to cater for our Community. Hopefully you can send my letter to all our residents. Janet GrangerEditor note: Kiama does have a few computer shops tucked away - but not a dedicated phone shop or outlet!

Hi there.. I have just been wandering today.. being a ‘tourist! in my own town and am saddened by the condition of the gardens around our historic post office.. court house and building in between..they are unkept and unimaginative!..the library also is in need of some care.. when tourists visit us they are probably disappointed our heritage buildings and gardens are not up to scratch like other beautiful towns.. the council guys do a great job in the Main Street.. it’s a pity whoever owns our historic buildings can’t match their efforts!!Ray Kiama

I was just 21 when my hard working and loveable dairy farmer dad died of heart disease. He was 54, the same age I am now. He never saw me marry and his grandchildren didn’t get to meet him.As a teenager in class at high school I was left wondering, not if but when, my father would have another heart attack – or my family waiting until I finished my university exams to tell me dad was in intensive care again.Sadly, coronary heart disease is Australia’s number one killer, with one life claimed every 12 minutes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Like most things prevention is everything.That’s why regular heart health checks are vital for the early detection of symptoms of heart disease. To enable that genuine conversation with your health practitioner and to take action to prevent heart disease. It’s why you will regularly see me out walking with my dogs, riding my bike and enjoying our great outdoors. It’s why I love our fresh local produce made with heart and soul from the South Coast community.And every sunrise and sunset is a reminder of being thankful to be alive. I made a promise to myself long ago, to do everything possible to be around to see my children marry, and one day meet their kids too. It’s also the reason I am the Co-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Rural and Regional Health, to help improve health outcomes for people in my communities and across rural and regional Australia.Last week, Novartis, in partnership with Wesfarmers Health, brought a day of free heart health screening for people to the Nowra Centre Plaza. HeartScreen was literally brought into the community my dad lived in, so more people could get their heart health checked and to spark that conversation with their health practitioner. Tomorrow, in Parliament, Novartis will launch their report “Cardiovascular Disease Impact Model Report” to learn how we can better test, treat, and track Australia’s leading cause of death. We know that Cardiovascular Disease costs our Australian health system more than $10 billion annually and that every dollar put back into prevention, helps save lives.It might be too late for my dad, but if we can help save more lives across rural and regional Australia, then that is definitely worth it.This letter was published with permission from Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore

Going for our daily morning walk on Saturday 24th February we didn’t think it would be a problem to walk past the footy fields on the public footpath where the Kiama Sevens were on. But alas - we were told by a very junior member of the Kiama knights that there was NO Access unless we paid $15.00 ! What I asked - this is a public footpath - to which he replied - I’m sick of letting walkers through -they’re all stopping and not paying ! I was aghast - they’re probably only stopping for 5 minutes- and where is the sign that states we cannot access the footpath. So we continued our walk and were followed . Surely this is just ludicrous behaviour for two young guys to be taking the sole responsibility of stopping everyone who wanted to walk along the public footpath as usual - And I imagine probably copping abuse from some irate local rate payers . Come on Kiama Council - if you’re going to ‘rent’ out Council land for the day do it properly and signpost it. Regards J. Walsh

Dear editor, I must admit to being bemused by your article about the Supreme Court action being taken by Cr Karen Renkema-Lang against Kiama Council. The article quoted comments made by the general manager that seemed to indicate a certain irritation on her behalf about the expense to Council in defending itself against such action. It would be interesting to find out from the general manager how much was spent in the last calendar year on the redecoration of her office. I am sure any enquiry by your newspaper on this matter would be met with a stony silence.I have personally been present at public meetings in the past on matters associated with Blue Haven, and when and where the Mayor has been challenged on his role in previous Council’s as to why cost over runs weren’t identified, the Mayor has wrung his hands and lamented that he probably should have been asking questions. Cr Renkema-Lang appears to be guilty of exactly that ‘crime’ – asking questions of Council staff and seeking explanations for actions. How ironic then that the Mayor himself has been identified as the one who initiated the Code of Conduct violation against Cr Renkema-Lang! You can't have it both ways Cr Reilly! Allan HolderBlue Haven Terralong

22 February 2024   Can you help?  I am seeking your support to challenge Kiama Municipal Council’s decision to censure me in 21 November 2023 over my radio interview of 21 June 2023. In that interview I gave my honest opinion, in a way which was well researched and measured, about decisions of Council.While I do feel personally aggrieved about the injustice of the process and the decision of Council, this is not just about one individual's case; it's about defending the fundamental right to free speech, and ensuring due process in the way code of conduct complaints are handled.Freedom of speech for you and your elected representatives is a fundamental part of a healthy functioning democracy. Particularly when decisions are being made that will impact you and your community for many years to come.By supporting this legal challenge, you are taking a stand for our collective voice and to ensure a more open and accountable democracy. The freedom to express and debate a range of contested ideas along every step of the journey must be protected.You and your elected representatives must be able to do this without fear of being ridiculed, ostracised or penalised.More information is provided on the Chuffed fund-raising campaign page. If you could make a contribution or a pledge to help me challenge the Council, I would be so grateful.In the unlikely event there will be unspent funds, they will be divided equally between:Illawarra Women’s Health Centre – whose vision is for all women and girls to be respected, safe and healthy and experience full participation and equality in their lives.Reach-Out – who work towards providing better mental health and wellbeing for all young peopleWorld Wildlife Fund – Australia – an organisation that works to conserve the Australia’s and the world's biological diversity and the sustainable use of natural resourcesThank you in advance. Yours sincerely,Clr Karen Renkema-LangPlease note: These contributions do not constitute a political donation and are not tax deductible.The content of this email solely reflects the independent comments & views of Clr Karen Renkema-Lang and is not a communication or product by or of Kiama Municipal Council.

Nominations for the Australian Philanthropy Awards 2024, recognising and celebrating extraordinary achievements in contemporary philanthropy, will close on Sunday 25 February 2024.The national awards honour those working to create lasting, positive change and contributing to a generous and inclusive Australia. People and organisations from across Australia can nominate and be nominated – they don’t have to be a member of Philanthropy Australia. It’s simple and free to nominate.Philanthropy Australia CEO Jack Heath said:“I’m delighted that the awards are back for 2024. They are a wonderful opportunity to showcase what’s taking place across the country and to model great practice.“Following a review and feedback, we have made changes to the awards, including a streamlining of the nomination process. It’s now a simple 1-2 page document or a two-minute video,” he said.“We will profile the finalists for each award category, not just the winner,” Jack said. “The awards ceremony will celebrate a full range of outstanding contributions across the philanthropic sector.”Participants can nominate an organisation, individual, project or program which they believe has inspired more and better giving in Australia.The awards ceremony will take place in Sydney on Tuesday 16 April. All relevant details, including eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, can be found on the Philanthropy Australia website or directly on the Australian Philanthropy Awards site.  Nominations close on Sunday 25 February 2024 at 11.59pm AEDT.  Key award categories: Collaboration AwardInclusion AwardInnovation AwardLeadership AwardCause-related co-partnered categories:Community Philanthropy Award (presented with Community Foundations Australia in collaboration with Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and Australian Communities Foundation)Environmental and Climate Philanthropy Award (presented with the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network)International Philanthropy Award (presented with the Australian International Development Network)The Eve Mahlab AO Gender-wise Philanthropy Award (presented with Australians Investing in Women)First Nations Philanthropy AwardPhilanthropy Australia, the national peak body for philanthropy, aims to achieve a generous and inclusive Australia through more and better charitable giving. Our members include trusts, foundations, families, individual donors, companies, professional advisers, intermediaries and not-for-profit organisations. Philanthropy Australia runs the Australian Philanthropy Awards but note that you don't have to be a Philanthropy Australia member to enter.

Hear Hear Wendy McDonald regarding your letter covering the flourishing weeds at Gainsborough.Pre Christmas I to sent a letter to the Bugle headed - we’ve been invaded.One solution I put forward was a council led program involving community groups and individuals to make these overgrown areas a project that would result in long term gains for the community and individuals.Councils answer to this was to hand ball it to Land Care who in the kiama municipality are grossly under resourced.There is an opportunity here for council to take up the cudgel and earn some much needed brownie points.Dick payne Gerringong.

I am delighted at the Gerringong section of the Bugle. I am sure the local community groups will be also. Many thanks for steering the initiative to fruition.CheersGeoff Webb