Let me give you two examples.

In the first instance council was going to build an amenities block at Culburra Beach. It calculated it would take somewhere around $30,000 (from memory) to erect it. A builder contacted 2ST and stated that he could build it to lock up stage for $10,000. Just in that one project you have a saving of $20,000.  

Fiasco number two: council decided to reseal  a section of Walmer Avenue, Sanctuary Point. It dug it up and sealed all but approximately three metres along one side. When I asked why, I was told that the area left unsealed was because it was too wet and that you can't seal over wet soil. Fair enough, I thought at first, but why would you start a project in wet weather, knowing that you couldn't complete it and would need to come back? A week or two later back came council to seal the section that had been left only to discover the section it had already done was breaking up. Off it trundled to come back another day. We are now up to three sets of wages, equipment allocation, materials etc. when it could have been done, with correct planning, in one.

Back to the story, The final trip the depot must have been empty, because out came the supervisor (in a council car), two stop/go guys, the guy driving the truck, the guy driving the grader, a guy to drive the roller and seven guys pushing brooms. The only person that didn't turn up was Snow White.

These days the road is - just ask anyone who lives along it - worse than it was before. 

This is just two instances where money has either been wasted or, over budgeted. I'm sure, Mayor Amanda Findley, the departmental heads and bean counters will be able to show on paper how things such as this are justified. But they are thinking as bureaucrats, not as those of us who have to learn to live within our means. 

What is needed is a good clean-out of Shoalhaven City Council, from the top down, and the introduction of a system more in line with that of private enterprise. It also needs to be run by someone, male or female, who has had experience in running a multi-million dollar private enterprise business.

If this doesn't happen there will be a call for administrators to come in and clean the whole council out.

This Christmas, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is urging anybody with a family member or friend with dementia to be mindful of their symptoms and look out for changes in their condition.

In the Kiama and South Coast electorates there are an estimated 3000 people living with dementia. That figure is projected to increase to about 6400 by 2050.

Because holiday celebrations provide a time for families and friends to come together after what can often be long periods of time, it is in these instances that changes in thinking, memory and behaviour can seem most apparent.

That’s why this festive season we’re encouraging families to re-assess their loved one’s condition and situation. This is important in identifying what extra support might be required in light of any change in behaviours or worsening of symptoms.

If you notice changes in a loved one or have any other concerns, I urge you to call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 to speak to an expert. 

Our dementia advisers are trained to listen to your concerns, and to provide compassionate, targeted support that can empower you to make key decisions and access the local services and supports that are available in your local area.  

Your concerns are our concerns, so no matter how minor or major the issue, every call matters.