Matters discussed at the South Precinct meeting.
Note that there are some links below to relevant reports extracted from the Council Business papers to save readers going through what is a very long document.
Matters from the Executive (Chris Cassidy):
16 Crooked River Rd Gerroa:
This DA was twice Recommended for Approval by Council’s Planners but was twice refused by Councillors. The Applicant Appealed to the Land and Environment Court and initially was set down for a Section 34AA Conciliation Conference which took place on site. This took place on June 6th and was stood over until June 22nd and then to July 1st. A number of community members received approval to read their submissions on the record on June 6th. Agreement has now been reached between Council and the Applicant. A number of amendments have been agreed upon and the next step is for the Court to formalise the agreed conditions. A big thanks to Howard R Jones for presenting an analytical and comprehensive statement. I have little doubt that his submission played a part in amending that which the Planners had originally set as conditions of consent.
Combined Communities Advocacy Group (CCAG)
CCAG are currently reviewing their Terms of Reference. It is important to Review your practices and protocols so as to ensure that the objectives are relevant to achieve the desired outcomes. That Review will be reported back to the Precincts and the JVRRA.
Precinct Guidelines
The Precinct Guidelines are also overdue for Review as well. We welcome feedback from members to ensure that we also achieve our outcomes. It is important that the Precincts and the JVRRA reflect what the community expect from us. The Precincts and the JVRRA are there to give voice to community concerns or views. It must be driven by the community and this is your chance to suggest ways of improving the way we do things.
July Council Business paper issues discussed by SP
Auditor General’s Report
A Mayoral Minute opposing a Report from the NSW Auditor General which states that Rural Fire Service (RFS) assets were to be deemed as Council assets. This is despite the fact that Councils have no say in the acquisition, deployment of disposal of these assets. Councils and Local Government NSW are also supporting Councils in opposing this direction.
Finance
The ongoing issue of Council’s Finances are referred to in three consecutive Items on the July Agenda. The Annual Financial Statements; the Statement of Investments and the Monthly Financial Report. They contain important information. They give a snapshot on how Council is continuing to deal with this important aspect.
Click here to download these financial reports.
Environmental Services
The Agenda gives an update on Planning Reform; Development Assessment timeframes; Land and Environment Court Appeals amongst other things. Council is looking at additional improvements to the DA Tracker, an essential factor in informing the Community. A DA Application for an Abattoir in Rose Valley is mentioned in the outstanding DA’s. A revised EIS was submitted on it in April 22, the assessment process has now been recommenced. Another matter of interest is the DA for 16 Crooked River Rd Gerroa. It was twice recommended for Approval by Planners and twice rejected by Councillors. The Applicant appealed to the Land and Environment Court. We now await the Court’s formal determination. We thank community members who attended the on-site Conference and provided submissions.
Click here to download the report.
Draft Markets Policy
On May 17 Council resolved to publicly exhibit a Draft Policy for Markets. After the Policy is adopted an EOI will be conducted to determine future Licenses to operate on public land. The new Policy will operate in conjunction with the Proposed Plan of Management for Council managed Crown Land.
Click here to download the draft policy
Blue Haven Resident’s Meeting
A Bonaira Resident’s Meeting was held on May 22 and a combined meeting between Resident’s Committees of both villages, the CEO and the Mayor was held on May 30.These Meetings are important to maintain a regular flow of information. Monthly Meetings have been organised and are underway.
Click here to download the document.
South Kiama Planning Proposal
By now we are all aware that this PP has received final approval following an Independent Review. Planning Policy needs to be Strategic as it shapes the Community we live in, it may be argued that this PP is deficient in that regard.
Click here to download the South Kiama PP document.
Notices of Motion
The first NOM is seeking that a Table outlining the Financing of Blue Haven published in the June Council Meeting be withdrawn and re-worked and re-reported. The background comments refer to a number of matters in support of the NOM. Council will debate this matter at the next Meeting.
The second NOM seeks to review and revise the assessment criteria for approving applications to prune or remove trees. The background comments seeks this Review to address reducing risk to residents as well as reducing risk for potential Litigation. Risk to property and pedestrians
can also be a factor.
A NOM of particular interest is one seeking , amongst other things, a release of an Executive Summary of the Forensic Audit Report that has been referred to on a number of occasions. It failed to gain sufficient numbers at a previous Meeting so lively debate is possible.
Click here to download the NOM document.
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The South Precinct website is at: kiamasouthprecinct.blogspot.com
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All Minutes and relevant information will be on these sites.
Our next Meeting will be on August 11 at 7.30 in the Gerringong Town Hall.
