SHOALHAVEN HEADS COMMUNITY FORUM MINUTES
Meeting Date Wednesday 7th September 2011
Meeting Opened 7:03pm
Chairperson Trevor Aspin
Attendance 23 signed the book
Apologies 2
President's Welcome Trevor Aspin welcomed those in attendance. He reminded anyone who wanted to receive a copy of information and minutes by email to provide their email address.
Police Report Snr Cons Paul Nancekivell
Apologised that it has been 4 months since he was able to attend. Shoalhaven Heads has been quiet in the area of criminal activity or problems in comparison with other Shoalhaven District areas for policing. May be policing during the peak holiday season.
If someone makes a report to the police there is a mandatory 7 day follow up. We should provide the name of the offender if known and ask for an Event Number because this is the computer E number that counts in terms of Statistics.
Recent Activity: Aside of a few property thefts and boating incidents it is difficult to justify the use of an officer at Shoalhaven Heads when police numbers are needed elsewhere. Tannery Road will be closed for some time following a truck accident damaging the bridge.
Domestic Violence: Snr Cons also told us that Shoalhaven Heads has a significant Domestic Violence problem. There have been several DV reports. He reminded us all that domestic violence is a crime that happens behind closed doors and if we hear regular yelling and banging it may be that domestic violence is occurring. In such a situation people/neighbours are asked and urged to phone the police. It won't hurt to phone Nowra police anonymously because it often sends a message to the perpetrator that someone is noticing what is going on and it is not acceptable.
Domestic Violence is the biggest killer of people in Australia.
Speed Limit: Question asked about the speed limit at the Broughton Bridge corner. Answer is that it is the one that you see displayed even though it may be confusing. There have been no incidents since the corner has been resurfaced.
Car Chase: was called off because of the danger but an arrest was made on the Saturday.
Guest Speaker Guest Speakers:
Ian Henderson from the Shoalhaven Heads Primary School has been booked to return to the Forum in November for a more comprehensive report. He said that the school is to celebrate its 150year anniversary with a time capsule, hall opening and lots of dignitaries to attend. They are compiling a historical book and need photos, anecdotes and stories to share especially from 1960 to 1990s.
Councillor Andrew Guile from Shoalhaven City Council
Said it had been a long time since he had attended a Forum meeting. Since that time there has been a petition to open the River accepted by Council to improve the water quality.
Council has joined with the State Government to provide 1.4 million dollars for Coolangatta Road. The work will also provide a Berry to Shoalhaven Heads cyclist shoulder on the road.
The Gerringong to Bomaderry Princes Highway upgrade was included in the State budget announcement means that traffic will increase along the sandtrack and there will be a need to monitor the traffic.
The SLEP is on exhibition. It provides the land use into the future for all people in the community.
Gordon Clark: The Minutes of the Guest Speaker Gordon Clark from Shoalhaven City Council are reported at the end of the SHCF Minutes.
Previous Meeting Minutes from 4 May 2011 read and confirmed Previous Minutes were read and confirmed
Moved: John Dogterum
Seconded: Helen King
Business Arising 1. A full report regarding the suspected asbestos in the API site buildings has been requested from council.
2. The $65,000 pontoon money has been received and Council added 50%. The pontoon should be finished by Christmas.
3. The electricity bulk purchase will be reported on in General Business.
August Outward Correspondence
1. To SCC for a copy of the official report advising that there is no asbestos in all of the buildings.
2. To NSW Minister for Primary Industries to use money in Trust Funds to employ extra Fisheries Officer because the river is used for Commercial Fishing.
3. To SCC requesting payment of the annual subsidy of $500.
4. To General Manager of SCC asking about the money set aside for the boat ramp. (later request by President to hold from writing this letter)
5. To clr Guile confirming him as guest speaker. Inward Correspondence Tabled 1. From SCC re our enquiry about API site saying the site has been cleaned up, a fence erected and a Keep Out sign posted. We have since written back about the asbestos.
2. From SCC offering a guest speaker from Community Development Officer for Aged and Disabilities.
3. From SCC advising approved funding for the upgrade of Coolangatta Road, Black Spot Funding and also that a review of the speed limit or double demerit system request to the RTA may be made by Council.
4. Email from David Makin from Dep't of Fisheries advising of a grants program for the Habitat action program.
5. From SCC enclosing the payment of expenses and provision of facilities policy.
6. From SCC booklet of Guidelines for the conduct of Community Consultative Bodies.
7. From Gareth Ward thanking the Forum for our letter about opening the river and asking for reports. He has requested the reports be provided.
8. From Gareth Ward advising of the erosion protection and stormwater drain works that have been undertaken expected completion was 12 August.
9. From SCC explaining an amendment to the development control plan regarding development in foreshore areas.
10. From SCC advising that the council would look into the dead trees - these have already been replaced.
11. From SCC advising of the Northern Area meeting held on Friday 12th August.
12. Council Reports.
13. From SCC advising of the installation of parking restrictions in Moss Street Nowra between Brereton St and the Princes Hwy will be NO Parking in certain periods.
14. From SCC a cheque for $500 from our application for a subsidy.
15. From SCC advising an extension to the public exhibition of the Huskisson development amendments to the Development Control Plan.
16. From SCC requesting Forum details of contacts for their community information directory.
17. From Graeme Gibson with an invitation to attend a public forum to start a community-wide conversation on grassroots local democracy - non political - at Nowra School of Arts on Wednesday 28th September at 7pm.
18. From SCC - a copy of the Council's submissions to the Minister for Police - Policing Needs of the Shoalhaven
19. From SCC - the CCB meeting notes from the Southern Area CCB
20. From SCC - the Shoalhaven Water operations strategic review.
Inward Correspondence Accepted Moved: Roger Tilley
Seconded: Peter Moate
Treasurer's Report
Judy Moate presented the treasurer's report as follows:
Reports
" Chamber of Commerce Anne-Louise O'Connor said there is a membership drive. The Business Directory is underway for the sign besdide Tall Timbers. There will be a Board with a Map and businesses are asked to commit.
The AGM is on the 19th October at the Men's Shed at 7:00pm
" Progress Association John Dogterum provided a report on a number of Development Applications received by Council for various building. There seems to be an increase.
" Bush Care Invasive weeds have been treated & cleared between Tall Timbers & Berry's Canal, Woolstancraft St, Vic Zealand Reserve & east of Holiday Haven. River Rd group have been planting & clearing along the riverbank. Golfers group have been dodging the bulldozers, removing lantana & transplanting native plants. Coolangatta Mt group have been clearing lantana at the end of Roxbourough Rd. Garden escapees are a problem & residents are urged not to dump rubbish in bushland and reserves.
Volunteers are welcome & times & day can be arranged to suit, please contact, River Rd Group, Lynn 44487903, Coolangatta Mountain Group, Myke 0418297436, Shoalhaven Heads or Golfers Group Noel 44487680.
" Golf Club John Greenaway spoke for Terry from the Golf Club and reported that there is mulch to give away.
Also the Golf Club now has to find $215,000 for irrigation but they are battling along.
The 2 trees that had possums living in them have been taken down and possums rehoused at a cost of about $1,000 each. The total cost for this has been about $5,700.
It is all coming together.
" Arboretum Several working bees throughout the month have spread mulch throughout the gardens and are much more pleasant since Daphne Wells has made up a morning tea box! We have several new members to ease the work load and there is always an open invitation for more to join.
We received a fantastic donation of a large Grass Tree specimen from Daryl and Joy Steen in early June and it has taken well to being transplanted thanks to Rob's horticultural knowledge. The Arboretum survived the horrendous weather earlier in the month.
We are still waiting to see if our development proposals have met with Council approval. We have applied for funding for the interpretive signs which we hope will allow visitors to know what they are looking at and a self-guided walk brochure is being designed that will allow visitors to recognise principle trees. We expect to be able to institute the sponsorship program in the near future allowing for at least 15 trees to be properly identified.
We have also been successful with CDSE funding with Bomaderry and Shoalhaven Heads Bowling and Recreation Clubs chipping in to provide a much-needed ride-on mower with tipping trailer and other tools. The $50 thousand grant provided by the NSW State Government for the refurbishing of the toilets and the construction of the storage shed is expected to be released in the coming days. Finally a further fundraising event is planned for September 18th in Curtis Park in conjunction with The Jerry Bailey Preschool and The Men's Shed. Funds raised from this will enable us to complete the under storey planting.
" Pool No report
" Community Centre AGM was held. The Community Centre spent $700 more than its income. President is Trevor Aspin, Vice President Lee Duhigg, Secretary Ray Duhigg, Treasurer Peter Moate, Booking Officer Jenny Edwards. SCC removed a dead tree. The football club again have a knockout event in September. They will use the Community Centre for the referees. A first aid training course is booked for 8th October.
All Reports Accepted
Moved: Cec Knight
Seconded: Noel Schneider
General Business 1. Electricity Project:
Roger Tilley for the sub committee provided a report that there had been disappointing results with only 28 responses possibly because the caravan park households have contracts that don't allow them to choose to go elsewhere and this affects about 1300 people. Unlikely to get sufficient numbers.
John Burgess is advertising for people to join a bulk group by going to:
www.tenthousandsparks.com.au
Roger will put up posters around Shoalhaven Heads because the project closes in 4 days on 11 September.
Authorised by SHCF
No Objections
The sub Committee is now disbanded.
2. Odour from the women's toilets at the SHB&S Club: Write to the Club about the odour otherwise we will have to notify the health department.
3. Bus Shelter repositioning: decided to wait before writing to SCC because Council has indicated they are looking into it.
4. Meeting at Berry for the Northern Region about the SLEP at 7:30pm on 15.9.11
September Outward Correspondence 1. To the Shoalhaven Heads Bowls, Sports & Recreation Club complaint re the women's toilet off the restaurant.
2. Guest Speaker for October is Judy Harper from the Australian Red Cross Southern Regional Division
Raffle Peter Moate
Next Meeting 5 October 2011
Meeting Closed 9:15pm for AGM
Minutes of Guest Speaker Gordon Clark from Shoalhaven City Council:
Gordon Clark explained the Shoalhaven Draft Local Environment Plan (LEP), 2009 that has been prepared by Council and placed on public display for comment until 14 October 2011.
Part 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) allows the Draft LEP to be exhibited publicly to ensure that proper community consultation takes place. Following the public exhibition, and if Council has inappropriately zoned a parcel of land, then a suitable change to the zoning may be effected as the direct result of such community consultation.
The NSW Government LEP Standard Instrument sets out 35 standard zones. The intention is to standardise land use throughout NSW. Each zone has core zone objectives that clarify the role and function of the zone. The Standard Instrument also includes a Dictionary so that in all of the zones throughout NSW the definitions are the same.
In addition to the mandatory inclusions set by the Standard Instrument Council is able to add its own intended land uses. Council has provided a comparison table to demonstrate the extended changes to land use that Shoalhaven Council has made. These additions are discretionary additions made by Council and can therefore be changed or removed.
Under the Standard LEP approach, all LEPs across NSW have a consistent format, utilise the same zones, share a number of mandatory provisions and have common definitions. The purpose of this zone standardisation is to simplify the types of zones and permitted land uses used by Councils across the State. Existing Zones in the Shoalhaven Council area were fitted into the best option of the new standardised Zones.
Thus, the new SLEP is based on the 'best fit' transfer from the State Instrument template provided by State government. Where zoning problems were known or raised and land could not transfer easily they were rezoned accordingly. There have already been a number of exceptions in Shoalhaven Heads to the 'best fit' transfer from the SLEP 1985 to the Draft SLEP 2009. Under Council's 'Ground Rules' minor rezoning matters and anomalies were corrected in one off matters. According to Council's report these changes were needed because of a specific strategy, a rezoning request, rectifying an anomaly or reflecting the approved use of a parcel of land. In Shoalhaven Heads changes to the "best fit" transfer of Zones were:
" 5 & 7 Trentham Rd Lot 24 & 25 DP 231017
Changed from 2(a1) to RE2 - owned and used by Shoalhaven Heads Bowling club.
" Golf Course & Lot 7010 DP 1035145
RE1 and 3 holes on R1 Zoning
" Area zoned 5(a) retirement units below Lot 7010 DP 1035145
145 Scott Street
Changed to R3 to reflect residential use
" Discovery Place Lot 40 DP 882901
Approved residential subdivision partially in 1(g) zone, amended to reflect approved fill area.
" 50 Shoalhaven Street Lot 21 DP 252581
Changed from 5(a) to RU1 consistent with adjoining caravan park which leases land.
Proposed to also be reclassified under SLEP 2009.
" Jerry Bailey Rd Lot 13 DP 630628 Lot 6 DP 248783
Rear of properties changed from 1(g) to SP2 due to existing water infrastructure.
" 31 Jerry Bailey Rd Lot 1 DP 524448
Rear of property changed from 1(g) to R2 - anomaly
" Deferred area along Hay Ave
Changed from 2(e) to R2 - RU5 would be equivalent zone but too flexible in this location due to flood
constraint.
" Lot 84 DP 823256
42 Mathews St
Majority of site changed from 5(a) to R2 - surplus land.
Anyone can send in a submission about the proposed SLEP.
There is a Submission hotline: 44295377
Submissions can be sent to:
SLEP 2009 Submission
Shoalhaven City Council
PO Box 42
Nowra NSW
Or emailed to SLEP2009@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
There is a "Have your say" Form available.
Rezoning Requests are considered in the following way:
1. Those with no justification
2. Minor with some merit such as correcting an anomaly and Council may support this
3. More major in nature and have merit - this may be placed onto a schedule of matters for consideration after finalisation of the LEP and there may be a future amendment of the LEP.
A hearing on a submission is only held if there are significant numbers. Also if land is to be reclassified from community land to operational land so that it can be sold or leased it must be taken to a public hearing.
Once Council considers submissions the LEP will be sent to the State Government and if there are changes they will re exhibit the document because Council cannot simple add to the Plan. If there are only minor changes it would not be re exhibited. Council would consider whether someone would be disadvantaged if it was not re exhibited.
The four sites of interest in Shoalhaven Heads are:
1. Council has zoned the Crown land in Scott Street as residential since 1985 and it is proposed for the R1 zone to be carried across. The Golf Club land zoning needs to be tidied up in relation to the 2 small land grants made under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act in the late 1980s. The other land to be zoned R1 was formerly Department Land and was set aside as a Trust for Nature Protection at the State Government level. Thus there is a Bio Diversity layer attached to this land. This has implications for a subdivision but doesn't prohibit subdivision.
2. The Postal Unit / API site at the corner of Staples and McIntosh Streets is to be zoned SP3 Tourist. It was zoned 2(d) and is substantially of a tourist nature. There are only 4 sites in the Shoalhaven SP3 zone at Burrill, Mollymook and Ulladulla. Ulladulla has a Clause that applies to the sites for a 25% residential to 75% tourist accommodation division. However, this can be taken to the Land and Environment court to be challenged by developers.
3. RE1 zoned land in Golden Hill Avenue is currently zoned open space. The land will need to be reclassified from community land to operational land for it to be sold. This would not be anticipated as part of the exhibition process. There will need to be a separate process to rezone it to be sold. Council anticipates looking at sites such as this following the LEP process. We can flag it as a site to be reclassified. The same for the 2 sections zoned RE1 in David Berry Street. They are road reserves.
4. 42 Matthews Street is a public asset and could be sold. It is zoned R2 and is freehold land. Council was asked that the funds be channelled back into Shoalhaven Heads.
People are directed to the Council website for further information about the exhibition and information sessions being held.