Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum – Minutes 1st July 2009
Meeting Date 01/07/09
Meeting Opened at 7:00PM – Chairperson – Noel Schneider
No of Members
Present 33 Names are recorded in the attendance book.
Apologies 8 Names recorded in the attendance book -

Neighbourhood Watch- Police Report
Senior Constable Paul Nancekevill addressed the meeting and said how well the Shoalhaven is covered by volunteer services such as the SES. There is an annual gathering of agencies to ensure their knowledge is up to date.
Paul mentioned a number of incidents:
1. Tractor stole from Schofields lane recently
2. Stolen vehicle near Gerroa – later found burnt out
3. Noise issues in Scott Street – noise abatement infringements given – reminder to all residents don't take the law into your own hands.
4. Vandalism in Public School (kids caught on roof of school)– school grounds are off limits – trespasses will be prosecuted. Please call police if you see people on the school grounds outside hours.
5. Noisy dogs – again go through the correct channels..contact Council and get advice.
6. Infringement Notice fees have risen with CPI on 1/7/09.
7. Points on traffic infringements have been adjusted for lower speed infringements.
8. Use of phones – threatening phone calls – Commonwealth Crimes Act – traceability is now very good. Paul uses the approach of speaking to offenders and letting them know they are breaking the law. If they dont stop they will be charged under the Act.

Guest Speakers
Ian Borrowdale and Bill Curtin State Emergency Services.
Ian addressed the meeting and gave an overview of the SES and its operations. SES traditionally covers Storm and Tempest and Flooding events.
More recently Tsunamis have been added to their role. The SES assist the NSW Fire Control agencies in fire events. Currently SES has volunteer members of 120 in the Nowra area and 65 in Ulladulla. Another duty of the SES is to talk to the community and advise them where they can help themselves in “events”. There is a Flood Plan in existence and the Local Emergency management Committee has responsibility for the operating procedures.
Ian went on to advise what the Shoalhaven area would be like as a flood was experienced and how the various agencies would be brought in.
The Shoalhaven Heads Sport and Social Club is the main meeting point in all events. Ian undertook to send out a further supply of brochures “flood safety kits” which detail what to do and what to take in an emergency.
In a Tsunami the SES would coordinate sirens and street warnings from loud speakers. Most important message is for all residents to be aware of where their property is situated in regard to exposure to flood/fire/tsunami threats and to prepare themselves and their homes.
Further it is important that the community knows if there are elderly or disabled member of the community who may need their assistance.

Minutes of Previous
Meeting of 3rd June 09
Read and confirmed
Moved. J Moate Seconded. Terry Lillie Carried unanimously.
Business Arising Nil

Inward Correspondence
1 SCC – Small Community Awareness funding
2 SCC – Village Swimming Pools & Sea Pools
3 Keep Australia Beautiful – Clean Beach Challenge
4 SCC – Coastal and Estuary Assets.
5 SCC – Draft Walking Tracks Strategic Plan
6 Councillor Ward – Support for funding Grant
7 SCC – DCP 91 – Single dwellings and Ancillary Structures

Outward Correspondence 1. Nil

Moved: Robyn Flack Seconded Trevor Aspin that outgoing correspondence be endorsed. Carried unanimously

Treasurer's Report
The treasurer presented the report
Opening Balance – $ 1,466.77
Incoming $42.00
Outgoing
Raffle Voucher $25.00
Bowling Club $84.00
Balance $1,399.77 (Cash $155.35 Statement $1,244.42)
Moved: Judy Moate Seconded: Jean Huckle that the report be accepted. Carried unanimously

Report of the Shoalhaven Heads Chamber of Commerce and Tourism –
Anne-Louise O'Connor advised that the Project for a walkway from the Surf Club has not received approval as yet – still awaited.

Report of the Shoalhaven heads Community and progress Association–
John Dogterom tabled the council documents and mentioned:
• CCTV install of 12 cameras in Nowra CBD
• NSW Department of Aging companion card
• Design of Berry Entrance
• Other miscellaneous Council business.

Men’ Shed Report
· Trevor Aspin reported:
· Garage sale was successful – breakfast was very good
· a Rib saw is being purchased for $600
· Bird feeders are for sale.

Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum Bushcare Report
Volunteers are required for all groups, SCC provides tools, training & insurance cover. Work at your own pace & level. Each working session is no more than 2 hours & all help is appreciated. (Contact group co-ordinators for more information)
Shoalhaven Heads group have been clearing lantana near the bridge in Shoalhaven Heads Rd and weeding around the viewing platform and North of the Surf Club. The pathways South of River Rd have been trimmed & SCC have finished the alterations to the viewing platform & extended the pathway. Contact Ruth, 44487143. River Rd group are continuing planting and propagating their own stock. Contact Lynne, 44487903. Coolangatta Mountain group are clearing mainly lantana, contact Myke, 0418297436. Golfers group are making progress with lantana & bitou has been sprayed around the golf course, Seven Mile Beach NP & the sand spit, contact Noel, 44487680. Thanks to Kerry Thompson from SCC for assisting with bitou bush control. The area around the bird airport and the viewing platform are being prepared as a planting site for Tree Day on 31st July and we are pleased to have teachers and pupils from Shoalhaven Heads Public School involved once again.

Shoalhaven Heads Community Centre report - Trevor Aspin advised he is still awaiting quotes to replace blinds.
Moved Kevin Huckle Seconded John Greenaway that all reports be accepted. Carried unanimously.

General Business
1 Councillor Ward then addressed the meeting speaking of:
Chaired his first Council meeting and enjoyed the experience. Gareth said he was delighted to inform the forum members of:
• Petition of 5000 to support installation of 18 close circuit tv's in Nowra CBD
• Cutting fees and charges - alfresco dining charges – no charge for first 2 years and ½ charge after that.
• Deputy Mayoral minute– Linear Accelerator – travel is difficult for sufferers. A message has been sent to NSW govt to fund this now.
• Deputy Mayoral minute regarding the Princes Highway – no funds for construction Gerringong to Berry – consultation and glossy brochures only.
• Councillors have to declare pecuniary interest and assets. Moved to place declarations on internet – unanimously adopted by Council.
• Staff rail cuts – met with spinal cord injuries organisation – members have difficulty getting on an off trains and with ticketing yet government is sacrificing front line staff. Motion to State Government no more cuts to staff at train stations.
• Mayoral minute on Bus Station at Stewart place – this facility needs to be opened up and improved currently not a good impression to arrivals. Motion was carried by Council.
• Shopping trolleys Council gets a fee to recover but supermarkets need to follow the Aldi example and put a charge on customer use. Cat and mouse game as one supermarket waits for the other to adopt this practice.
• Apologies from Councillors Guile and Soames – Gareth said they are both very supportive of his Council motions and are working for the community.

2 Noel advised the meeting that rabbit baiting will occur again in September, AGM of forum also in September, tree day 31st July. Thank you to Merrilee and John for standing in for forum members who are away.
3 Jane Lewis - Leisure Services Manager invited to next meeting to discuss the local pool. -

Raffle won by Marj Riddell
4 Meeting Closed at 9:15 pm Next Meeting 5th August 2009.