David defeats Goliath
When over 100 Kiama residents told the delegate at the amalgamation public consultation meeting why he should recommend against council amalgamation they articulated something that went well beyond the question of amalgamation.
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This debate forced residents to reflect on their council and the nature of their community and they said some remarkable things.
They highlighted the value of a small council that they could engage with and be heard. They voiced their appreciation of council’s protection of Kiama’s farmlands, rainforests, wetlands and coastal vegetation. They claimed their villages and coastal landscapes and were not prepared to forego their community services.
I hope that current and future councillors were listening because I have no doubt that this is what the Kiama community wants and is prepared to fight for.
The council staff and Kiama community have been put though too much unnecessary anxiety and will mark the Baird government down for reneging on their promise of no forced amalgations, however I think the exercise has united the community.
We have gained a greater appreciation and ownership of the things that matter to us and make Kiama what it is.
I would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers, community groups, council staff and councillors for articulating the arguments, taking the brave risk of a plebiscite, and working their butts off to win this David and Goliath battle.
H. Jones, Gerroa Environment Protection Society
Estate fight futile
A resolution to the Heritage Estate saga has been so protracted that major chapters can pass without much public notice.
Nothing has held up that resolution more in recent years than the so called landowners group legal actions. As the phrase goes “everyone is entitled to their day in court” and they cannot be begrudged this.
The group have spent the last three years in court with the initial case in the Federal Court and the appeal to the Federal Court both dismissed and costs awarded against them. Their application to lodge an appeal to the High Court was dismissed last Thursday, May 5 with costs again awarded and a clear signal they had no case to offer.
This result begs questions of both the veracity of their arguments and the money consumed in sustaining the action.
During this time the appropriate environmental management of the estate has languished.
The legal process has seriously delayed the voluntary purchase project, funded by the Commonwealth to the tune of $5.5 million.
The landowner group isnow in a position to contribute to the resolution rather than continue a futile fight.
C. Grounds, Erowal Bay
We need an active member
I feel sure that other Shoalhaven residents have felt the wind change this election. I feel that it is very much an important local issue than a federal one.
Similar to a lot of people, I am usually fairly apolitical being aware of “little overall change” no matter who gets in. But this year I have the distinct feeling that we are fighting for our survival in terms of having active and meaningful representation.
I wish all candidates well working for their goals but feel there is a distinct line between the active and the inactive.
J. Green, Callala Bay
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