Winter 2009 | Edition #104 | Circulation 6,000 copies

Bomaderry Creek p.7 | Council Moves Slowly on Climate Change p.7 Towards An Eco-city Pat Thompson a sense we are the next cab off the rank. N this issue of the Bush Tele As the post-war baby boomer we issue an ongoing invi- generation slide into retirement, tation to our readers to those seeking a sea change are continue giving us their attracted to the beauty of our Ivision for the future of our coast and hinterland. It is this city. Last year, John Hatton migration that the land specula- wrote for us his “Shoalhaven tors are counting on buying into Vision”, NBT #99. As a former their developments. The size of independent member of the this movement has the poten- state seat of the South Coast tial to swamp our city and place and one time President of the huge pressures on our infra- Shoalhaven Shire Council, structure. Being retirees, the John Hatton was well placed to disparity that already exists for give us a marvellous overview. our having an aging population, He wrote: “[The] Shoalhaven is is likely to grow. at the crossroads. Hundreds of Poor planning has been millions of dollars are driving the hallmark of much of the rapid change along the entire Australian experience. Urban NSW coastline. The bulldozer sprawl is a characteristic of our is at Shoalhaven’s door. Do we cities, which results in traffic lie down in front of it and be chaos and the forced depend- crushed? Hop on it and try and ence on private ownership of steer it? Worse still pretend it’s motor vehicles. In these circum- not happening?” stances efficient public trans- Since then the Global port will simply not work. The Financial Crisis has descended Shoalhaven is of course not and slowed the juggernaut but immune from this problem. Pavement design Bule Marx, see article page 8 it is easy to see that our city Traditional development has continues to be threatened by often proceeded from reck- business has always been done, for buyers, it will lead to its see our future. Most of us have the bulldozer, alluded to by less land subdivision, and the but there are better ways. Right own economic and social conse- chosen to live in the Shoalhaven John Hatton. Both Council and community is then left to solve now there are tens of thou- quences, such as, falling prop- because we like what we find State Government press ahead the problems left in its wake. sands of vacant land holdings erty values and a vast influx of here. We enjoy our environ- with development deals for Too often sound planning prin- either available for purchase or new settlers. ment with its mountains and land speculators who often feel cipals are abandoned. awaiting development approval Does it have to be this way, sea, its naturalness, relatively obliged to pay large donations Just because Australia has a through out the Shoalhaven. In or can we like John Hatton low population densities and for into party coffers, as part of the history dating right back to the simple economic terms there is a advises take charge of our own some, its village life. Outsiders price of doing business. This is in Squatters of allowing develop- vast over supply, which in turn destiny? see these advantages too and reality the kind of planning that ment to proceed at the behest can only lead to a downward The short answer is yes, that is why the Shoalhaven is determines our future. It is not of the land speculators, it does pressure on prices. Whilst this but it does require a change in the most popular tourist desti- limited to the Shoalhaven but in not have to be. It may be how might not be such a bad thing mindset. What we have done in nation in the State outside of the past is to dance to the tune and why many will of the land speculators in the make it their first choice for belief that we are dependant on retirement. It is this dispropor- them for jobs and our future. It tionate flow of retirees that we One Tree Bay… What next? is true that new settlers create need to control. jobs, in building new homes What we should be seeking and providing the services is investment that will lead to Should Shoalhaven City Council they require, but is it not also a increased productivity as well case of putting the cart before as a growth in employment. It the horse? Largely with their is not all bad news in respect arrival, there is little on-going of what has happened in the support a project which… employment opportunity being recent past. There have been O Has the potential to become a significant ongoing financial burden for all Shoalhaven ratepayers? created. There are no “new” businesses that have closed such O Claims to dedicate foreshore land as a public reserve when the foreshore already is a public jobs waiting for them. Our local as the Dairy Farmers plant that reserve? unemployment is amongst the led to a loss of jobs. But in its O Creates 4 storey high rise development on the currently intact forested southern shores of St Georges worst in the State. We are in place we have seen growth of Basin? danger of becoming a giant Shoalhaven Starches, the reloca- O Requires use of on-site sewerage treatment for 5,000 people next to a lake with significant existing retirement village. tion of the Department of Local water quality problems? Government and the building O Will depress local real estate values? WHAT IS NEEDED of the Nowra Detention Centre, O Will further stress an already struggling local retail sector? To begin with what needs which in the case of the latter, to be done is to look at our some may see as detrimental to To find out more about this preposterous development proposal, read the New resources and match them care- Bush Telegraph’s detailed account of the One Tree bay proposal on page 4 & 5. fully with how we would like to 3 2 Winter 2009 #104

EDITORIAL Miltonbrook’s Sites for new housing need letters to be thoughtfully located so Presentation of its One they have the least impact on FALLING PROPERTY Is this arrangement adequate? the environment and best suit VALUES? Does the Governance structure Tree Bay Proposal to the the future residents in terms of Local , Territory and State of access to work, public The One Tree Bay proposal raises Governments with the Sussex Inlet Forum transport, health and educa- a host of significant issues that responsibility that comes with cannot be neutralised by the Planning Powers over such a tion services. In the case of donation of some adjoining lands diverse and finite biota suffice? Mike Clear range of issues including: the One Tree Bay, Shoalhaven City as National Park estate. or should the Greater Southern business impact on an already Council and the NSW Govern- Forests go the way of the Murray AT the June 15 meeting sluggish Sussex economy bearing ment seem predisposed to If approved, the One Tree Darling Basin Authority and of the Sussex Inlet Forum at in mind that sales at other local make a decision which favours Bay proposal would result be subject to Commonwealth Thompson St Community Centre developments (eg the Taylors in unsustainable gross Powers? the Directors of Miltonbrook Rise sub-division) were so slow; the interests of the developer. overdevelopment of the Sussex Project Management Pty Ltd. traffic issues at the access point It will leave any future resi- Inlet area, and further depress an We may need a Tree symposium Neville Fredricks and his son, on Sussex Inlet Road; fire threats dents in an isolated location already soft local real estate and here in the Shoalhaven simply Lawson, presented, through a in such a location; stormwater with high transport costs and retail market. to enlighten and educate the 45 minute power point outline, and sewerage treatment capacity; substandard social services ignorant. The 45 degree rule is their proposal for a so called and finally concern about the while at the same time bur- The NSW Department of Lands both archaic and draconian and we “new sustainable township”, lack of a compelling argument sales data for Sussex Inlet should be ashamed of our leaders followed by questions and some for a major development of this dening Shoalhaven ratepayers reveals that median property for allowing such policy to prevail discussion. kind, that appeared to be merely with significant ongoing costs prices peaked at $333,750 in over scientific understanding and Despite a night that was cold speculative and in such a sensi- and servicing issues. 2005, the year that the Taylors the deep cultural knowledge of and wet, the meeting was well tive environment. Rise subdivision came on the trees and their important potential attended by about 60-70 locals. Interestingly, some at the There are sufficient existing market, and have proceeded to to humanize and sustain the There was also a good attend- meeting indicated that they estates with spare capacity drop significantly thereafter. The urbanized environment through ance from Shoalhaven City already enjoyed recreational (such as Taylors Rise), as well median Sussex Inlet property the principles of ecologically Councillors including Crls. benefits of the One Tree Bay as proposals in the pipeline price till the end of June 2009 sustainable development . Proudfoot, Findley, Miller, bushland (“informally and ille- being $220,000, a 34% drop Ferguson and Kearney. In addi- gally”, as the Directors suggested (such as the Lucas Property on the 2005 peak. The Taylors Dan McConell tion the Shoalhaven Action !) and were not happy at the Group’s estate on the edge Rise subdivision has only 196 Wreck Bay Campaign (SAC) who were prospect of regulation should the of Sussex) to readily meet lots – what will be the impact responsible through their spokes- proposal be successful and the Council’s current long term on Sussex Inlet property values person, Monica Taylor, for initi- foreshore be managed as public growth projection for an ad- if the minimum 2,000 dwellings MORE CONCERN ating the Miltonbrook presenta- land by the NPWS. Overall, the projected for the new town OVER OTB tion were also well represented. questions and answers resulted ditional 2,000 people in the at One Tree Bay goes ahead? In relation to this latter point in some interesting discussion Sussex Inlet locality by 2036. Furthermore, the addition of an The One Tree Bay development of instigating the meeting, suffice here to mention just a A new town with an additional extra 16,000 square metres of will threaten water quality and it should be noted that there couple of points. 5,000 people on the shores retail/commercial space at One fishing in St Georges Basin, was some strong feeling that The Miltonbrook Directors of St Georges Basin is totally Tree Bay will also have significant destroy the existing low key Miltonbrook themselves should presented the proposal by unsustainable. The ways and implications for the commercial village feel of Sussex Inlet its have initiated this community making the idea of a walkable precinct at Sussex Inlet, which is surroundings, and place further consultation. It was felt that this township pivotal to its sustain- means must be found to en- already experiencing lean times. stress on already overstretched was particularly true, given the ability credentials. As they put sure that the southern shores services. The projected minimum size of the proposal, 1800 resi- it, this would reduce the need for of St Georges Basin are Rob Stevenson of 2,000 dwellings with 5,000 dential lots for approximately the car, get people walking for fully protected via properly Sussex Inlet people at One Tree bay represents 5,000 people and the relatively better health and social connec- planned development. What more than a doubling of the advanced stage of the applica- tions, and ultimately reduce current population of the entire tion process with “endorsement” carbon emissions. The ability to we do not need is grandiose TREES Sussex Inlet locality all crammed by the Shoalhaven City Council leave the car at home and walk to over-development of isolated into a single headland on St for rezoning (currently awaiting the local town centre is a major high conservation value land One thing that is taken for Georges Basin. It must not be Section 62 responses from plank of the project proposal. lacking any credible planning granted in our City of Shoalhaven allowed to proceed. various agencies), and a Part Many at the meeting seemed justification. The One Tree Bay is our Great trees. We are the 3A Major Projects application to imply that this aspect of the beneficiaries of the renaissance, George and Judy Kent submitted. The Directors said, proposal was unrealistic and proposal is in clear conflict we live in an enlightened age of Grays Point, NSW that a number of media releases tested the limits of plausibility. with the planning principles increasing understanding of the had been made, a community They also thought that it high- embodied in the NSW Govern- universe through Science, Religion meeting was held back in 2006 lighted a basic contradiction in ment’s own 25 year strategic and Cultural awareness as to the ONE T REE BAY SELL OFF? and that at some point another the proposal. For example, if planning document for the complex benefits of biodiversity, meeting with the local commu- as the Directors said in reply to ecosystems, the carbon - nitrogen Thank you for your informative nity would have occurred. Future another question, that Sussex area, the South Coast Region- and the hydrological cycles that piece on One Tree Bay (NBT consultation was promised. Inlet businesses would benefit, al Strategy. effect us minute by minute as – Autumn). In summary, the Directors of not suffer by the development organisms within the biosphere of Miltonbrook presented the One of a One Tree Bay township, earth. There is no guarantee that any Tree Bay Proposal as little short how could it, be as claimed, that of the projected sustainability of a model; a show-case ecologi- people would leave their cars Here in our little want to be City, measures will actually be cally sustainable development. at home and at the same time we lack adequate tree preservation implemented at One Tree Bay, or Neville Fredricks suggested that go to Sussex Inlet and indeed THE NEW BUSH TELEGRAPH policy and in my opinion it is that Miltonbrook will not simply following talks with others in to Nowra to conduct business. The views expressed in this degrading our society as a whole. sell off the site to one or more the planning community, that The Directors said that the new publication are not necessarily those unknown third party.developer/s the proposal could be described township would only capture of the Editor. The reality as I see it is that we after approval has been gained. as one of the best such propos- about 40 percent of local business Editor: Patrick Thompson are the custodians of a relatively This is what has occurred at als in the country. As presented and that the remaining increase [email protected] in tact vast forest ecosystem that its Tullimbar development. The to the meeting their model of would be secured by Sussex and Tel: 0402 361 424 in some places stretches from recent sell-off by Stockland of the ‘comprehensive sustainability’ Nowra businesses. Layout Bungoona Technologies Pty the beaches and headlands of commercial precinct of their Part (social, environmental, cultural Finally, I had wanted to ask a the wide coastal strip, all the way 3A approved Bayswood Estate and economic) is built on the number of questions myself, but Ltd, Grays Point NSW around and through coastal lakes, development at Vincentia less than model of a traditional grid plan given the extended discussion I Printer: Weston Print, Kiama NSW rivers, over the foothills, into the 24 months after securing approval in a ‘compact walkable’ town- restricted myself to just a couple. Send your letters, comments, valleys, around the peaks and from the NSW Minister for ship that would result in a signif- I inquired about the developing pictures or contributions to The over the ranges to the far western Planning provides a local example icantly reduced carbon footprint. legal controversy, as reported Editor, New Bush Telegraph, PO Box borders of this Great Southern of what could occur. The One The dedication of 881 hectares of in the Sydney Morning Herald 2205, NSW 2540 Forest - City of Shoalhaven. Tree Bay proposal is liable to leave coastal land as National Park and (8 June 2009), concerning the BUSH TELEGRAPH ON THE WEB Shoalhaven City Council and its on average 100 meters of fore- so called Environmental Land www.newbushtelegraph.net Nestled in amongst the Great ratepayers with massive financial, shore as public reserve were also Offset Scheme in which the Southern Forest are hamlets, servicing, environmental and social presented as significant conser- Department of Planning had You can download past issues; villages, towns and rangelands, costs for the foreseeable future. vation benefits. provided development approvals use our custom search engine; get that when total populations and At the conclusion of the pres- in return for parcels of land, being additional background for each urban areas are combined is given David Duffy entation a number of questions issue. the title of City or citadel. St Georges Basin were asked. These covered a 3 Winter 2009 #104 3

Towardds an Eco-City 1 unless compelling reasons are third crossing of the River is presented and they can satisfy needed. Secondly, the space the social fabric. No matter what the Sustainability Criteria”. above the existing highway people think about the gaol, Unfortunately, the ink was opposite Stockland’s Shopping there is no doubt it will create scarcely dry on this important Mall needs to be utilised and some 200 direct jobs and benefit planning document and it was incorporated into city life, by way of flow on, many local already being abandoned with so there will no longer be a businesses. the Stockland’s development divide between the two shop- Whilst one gaol and a govern- of a new town to the west of ping centres. Other infrastruc- ment department may bring Vincentia. Since then another ture needs to also be built. The new jobs and new opportunities new town of 5000 new settlers East Nowra Sub-arterial Road to the city, they have but limited at One Tree Bay is proposed. (ENSAR) to replace the existing scope in raising productivity. , Ulladulla and and at least The “cradle-to-grave” sustain- Sussex Inlet are all expanding two new traffic bridges will ability approach of Shoalhaven rapidly. The prospect of a dreary need construction over the old Starches is, on the other hand, urban sprawl stretching across Princes Highway to effectively a sign of the future, where this the landscape from Berry to link the city to the new ENSAR highly productive business will Lake Tabourie is wearisome and highway route. Finally, a free soon be recycling and turning worrisome. Much of this devel- to use, walk on – walk off, into productive use all of its opment can not be stopped but “Yellow” Bus service should be previously polluting wastes (a it can still be modified. instigated with the possibility beautiful example of jobs and the If we wish to overcome the of further supplementing free environment!) The development growing problems of urban public transport with a light and expansion of our univer- gridlock and transport chaos, rail service added.. sity, tafe and training institu- we need to re-focus on what tions may be considered as other we are doing. We need strate- THE THIRD RIVER productive building blocks. With gies that will allow for greater CROSSING these institutions the possi- settlement, but do it in such a So important is this issue bility of attracting other forms way that there is employment that it must be addressed now. of investment begin to emerge. and balance in our population Building new bridges takes However, people with skills will mix. We need to take account time and the RTA have plans not stay unless there is work to of climate change and a future to build some day (whenever) keep them in the region. where energy costs are set to a Princes Highway bypass of It is a competitive world and sore. We need to understand Nowra including a third river increasingly so. Our civic leaders that one of our region’s most crossing to the west of the need to look beyond the square valuable assets is our rich soils city, which will not serve the and target new fields, whether and farming potential. We need best interests of the people it is in I.T., medical research, to plan for infrastructure that of the Shoalhaven. Nowra is solar and wind technologies, as is affordable and a public trans- not Berry and it should not well as a myriad of other skilled- port system that works to the be bypassed. Nowra’s traffic based light industry and tertiary benefit of the majority. congestion is already serious. services. It is simply not good In the light of the above, we Traffic flow on the Princes enough to rely on local cham- must look to Nowra as the City of Highway needs addressing, but bers of commerce, Council or our region, a centre for employ- the solution lies in addressing the State Government to create ment, a transport hub, a vibrant the two problems together, not Traffic flows – Map by Terry Barratt these initiatives. We need to and futuristic place to live. separately. draw from these sources, our Geographically it is well placed As a first step the problem take through traffic away from be popular. To work effectively other institutions and from the for growth. It is blessed with a of immediate traffic conges- the City and . it needs to be free. Its cost can public at large to create a variety plethora of advantages. Close tion at the Illaroo and Bolong This route will also resolve the be recovered from the increased of Think Tanks to help develop to Sydney and the , it Road lights can be given some other major traffic problem of rates Council will receive from strategies and means to achieve has abundant water, developing immediate relief. From the the City, which is the current achieving higher densities. In a cohesive vision for the future. educational institutions, CBD accompanying map it can be Princes Highway intersection time a light rail service could space, access to rail transport, seen that a roundabout could at Kalandar/ possibly be established. Also, NOWRA – A CITY OF THE splendid parks and gardens. It be constructed to replace the Road. policies that encourage bicycle FUTURE is set close to the ocean but far traffic lights at Bolong Road. use should be in place. It has There is a planning instru- enough removed that it does Traffic exiting Illaroo Road THE YELLOW BUS been shown that bicycle user- ment in place. It is called the not impinge on the beaches and would then all turn left and CBD land is too valuable to friendly policies alone can South Coast Regional Strategy. rural & coastal villages, which use the new roundabout. The have its space occupied by the account for a more than 20% It states that: “No new towns lie close at hand. second step would further private car. Many European reduction in the use of cars. or villages will be supported To make Nowra a city for improve traffic flow and be cities have banned the private the 21st Century, we need to achieved by building a direct car. Policies need to be devel- LATE NEWS begin by addressing its present link from Illaroo Road to the oped to make Nowra a truly Since writing this piece, Miltonbrook 2 problems in terms of its future new roundabout at Bolong pedestrian friendly city. The The Register has reported that: energy needs, its highway parti- Road. This would then bring CBD should be a place where “Shoalhaven City Council restored to public ownership. tion, which divides east from about the elimination of traffic people live as well as visit. has called for expressions of The parallels with Miltonbrook’s west, and its growing traffic lights at Illaroo Road. Higher densities in housing interest from consultants able proposal seemed obvious. These problems. Solutions must be From the RTA stand point, should be encouraged. We do to prepare a masterplan guiding ‘exchange’ arrangements had realistic, that is they must be traffic flow is the name of the not need a CBD centre where development in the CBD over involved celebrated cases of affordable. The scope of this game, and in this much we 50% of the space is given over the next 25 years. The process big Labor Party donors such as article does not allow for a full are in agreement. There are to car parks and trafficable in preparing the masterplan Bob Rose from Rose Group and discussion of all these points. currently major traffic hold ups roads. Medium and longer- will include two workshops to Duncan Hardie from Hardie Future energy needs is to be in morning peak with traffic term parking should be away hear the views of community Holdings. addressed in the next issue. travelling south and turning from the city centre. Fewer and members, business operators, Neville Fredricks said that, into Bridge Road. The solution to better planned car parks will councillors and council staff, there had been one donation of TRAFFIC AND THE EAST this is to progressively eliminate also aid traffic flow. focussed on what sort of char- $1000 to NSW Labor, as he said, WEST DIVIDE all right hand turns, and hence A “Yellow Bus” for shoppers, acter should shape the CBD, ‘for a seat at the lunch table’. The The motor car is the scourge all traffic lights, by constructing commuters and residents, deliv- and also provide feedback on ‘swap ‘arrangement as a basis of the modern city. Traffic road bridges over the highway. ering them to points around plans”. for ‘selling’ the development jams, already considerable in The first priority would be a town including car parks, The Bush Tele congratulates proposal and gaining approval Nowra, will inevitably become traffic bridge at North Street, hospital and rail station would Council on this initiative. was not a problem according to worse unless solutions are which would remove one set Mr. Fredricks, if it was proposed found. People are not about to of lights, whilst also reducing by the developer at the point of abandon their cars. What can traffic turning into Bridge Road, application rather than coming be done is to improve traffic as many commuters would elect from the department or from flows and to develop ways and to travel further south and exit Organic produce at affordable prices provided the minister. means to make public trans- by the North St bridge. by a non-profit community group run by volunteers Without the benefit of a poll, port an attractive alternative. It Finally, we come to the Supporting local growers V Bulk buying power V Sustainable & ethical my overwhelming impression would also be desirable for the future Princes Highway. Yes, it was that people were highly Central Business District (CBD) will be years away before a third Available at Tomerong Village Markets, sceptical of both the scope of to become a pedestrian friendly crossing can become a reality, 3rd Saturday every month, the proposal given the rela- zone. but in the mean time the ENSAR Tomerong School of Arts Hall, tively isolated bushland setting To achieve these ends, several can be built. Its route lies to the Hawken Road, Tomerong and the idealised terms within measures need to be adopted. east of town and follows the Old which it is framed. Firstly, in the longer term, a Southern Road corridor. It will Call 4443 6607 or 4441 8626 4 Winter 2009 #104 Land Bait to Create Shonky Town? Alex O’Brien mined in a 2 stage process : fied sustainability criteria have properly assessed at the LEP stage the One Tree Bay development 1) Creation of a new Local been publicly circulated, which to ensure the proposal measures will be determined. All subse- HE previous NBT Environmental Plan (LEP) to is at odds with the SCRS. It is up before going through the part quent Part 3A negotiations will presented an overview reclassify the One Tree Bay area highly likely that One Tree Bay 3A rubber-stamp. be between the proponent and of some of the signifi- from its present rural and envi- could gain approval without any It is therefore crucial that the the NSW Minister for Planning, cant issues raised by ronmental protection zoning to clear demonstration of how it One Tree Bay LEP be assessed who is not even obliged to follow TMiltonbrook Pty Ltd’s proposal allow urban development and meets these requirements in any in a professional and impar- professional advice from the for a new town of 5,000 people expansion of the national park; substantive way, and thereby tial manner. Unfortunately, in Department of Planning, having at One Tree Bay, a few kilome- followed by create a damaging precedent the case of One Tree Bay, these only to give it “consideration”, as tres north west of Sussex Inlet. 2) Application to the encouraging “open slather” studies and assessments will be exemplified in the Sweetwater For purposes of comparison, the Minister for Planning for development throughout the carried out by the project devel- and Catherine Hill Bay devel- total population of Sussex Inlet, approval of the new town entire south coast region, to the oper (as indicated in Mayor opments outlined in following Badgee, Swanhaven, , under the Part 3A development benefit of a few and the cost of Green’s press release of 4/3/09), section. and surrounding rural approval process. many. under terms of an agree- The infrastructure and areas was 4,365 in the 2006 The LEP process conducted ment struck by the previous service requirements for new census, around 700 less than by Shoalhaven City Council Tempting for Government Shoalhaven City Council, among urban developments are funded the projected minimum popula- will be the crucial “make or and Council whose more notable achieve- through Section 94 contributions tion of One Tree Bay. The recent break” phase for this proposal, While land donation ments were : paid by developers to Councils for listing of the concept plan for since once the land is rezoned proposals such as those included i) “selling” Comberton the building or upgrade of essen- this project on the Department to initiate the Part 3A process with One Tree Bay are obvi- Grange by loaning the buyer tial community service facilities, of Planning website, and a public its success is virtually assured. ously attractive to cash-strapped $4.75 million; such as kerbing, guttering, roads forum held at Sussex Inlet on Projects assessed under the governments and councils with ii) promoting high-rise and sewerage etc. However, the 15th June have highlighted controversial Part 3A process limited and shrinking resources developments in Huskisson and at the behest of land devel- further significant issues and introduced by Minister Sartor for acquisition of new reserves, Ulladulla; opers, the NSW Government increasing community disquiet in 2005 have a reported 94% they only offer real community iii) bungling the sale of has recently changed the rules over this proposal. The NBT success rate, and Part 3A deci- benefits if the associated urban riverfront land at Nowra which for these contributions, and provides this in depth analysis sions cannot be appealed in the development is logically located, is now the subject of a $1.9 placed a maximum threshold of of the proposal. Land & Environment Court. conforms to sound planning million damages lawsuit; and $20,000 per block, even where It is notable that the NSW principles and embodies sustain- iv) being investigated actual service-provision costs The Proposal in a Government’s own 25 year stra- able development practices. If by the Department of Local are higher. Councils who want Nutshell tegic planning document for the this is not the case, the handover Government for flawed plan- to charge above the threshold The One Tree Bay proposal area, the South Coast Regional of development-constrained ning practices, resulting in must seek specific permission envisages development of a new Strategy (SCRS), launched in land could simply be a contriv- 26 recommendations made from the State Government and town on the southern shore of St February 2007 unambigu- ance to gain approval for a in a Better Practice Review, demonstrate why they need to Georges Basin with a minimum ously states that “No new towns proposal which cannot be justi- including recommendation 9 do so. This in effect means that of 2,000 dwellings/5,000 or villages will be supported fied on its own merits, and which stating “Council needs to grasp Council ratepayers can end up people including a 4 storeys unless compelling reasons are secures a lucrative rezoning for the complexity of its planning subsidising land developers. high commercial/retail centre presented and they can satisfy the developer while burdening responsibilities and provide The Local Government & Shires with 16,000 square metres of the Sustainability Criteria”. the broader community with leadership to the broader Association has voiced deep floor space, which involves the This provision clearly trou- ongoing social, environmental, community with sound plan- concerns over these changes, clearing of 163 hectares (around bled the One Tree Bay propo- amenity and economic costs for ning direction setting and deci- which have ominous implica- 400 acres) of intact high conser- nent Miltonbrook to the extent the foreseeable future. sion making in the context set tions for Shoalhaven ratepayers vation value forest at One Tree that they paid a Victorian-based The merits or otherwise of by the Government’s South if One Tree Bay were to go ahead. Bay. This loss is to be offset by consultant to write a submission One Tree Bay as a standalone Coast Regional Strategy”. The NSW Minister for Planning rezoning 912 hectares of nearby which (unsuccessfully) sought urban development project can and the One Tree Bay devel- highly constrained, largely to have this condition removed only be established through The Perils of Part 3A oper could negotiate an agree- undevelopable land as National from the South Coast Regional rigorous land use planning, The Part 3A process raises ment which has onerous finan- Park, while about 26 hectares of Strategy. engineering, social, environ- serious issues for Shoalhaven cial implications for Shoalhaven adjoining foreshore land along St The One Tree Bay proposal mental and economic studies, City Council and its ratepayers, City Council and its ratepayers, Georges Basin would be sequen- clearly constitutes a new town, evaluation against existing legal because once Council signs off who would not only be excluded tially handed over to be managed and to date no compelling and policy requirements, and on the rezoning it loses any say from the negotiation process but by Shoalhaven Council. reasons or rigorous independent comparisons with other poten- in the next stage of the process, The proposal will be deter- assessment against the speci- tial options. These need to be where the specific conditions for 5 One Tree Bay Developer Background Alex O’Brien full details to the NSW Premier larly apprised of the One Tree In addition to the donations to Miltonbrook continue to “spin” regarding unseemly (near nude) Bay proposal, even though the Matt Brown and Alex Darling, the proposal in planning docu- THE One Tree Bay proposal is carousing within Parliament project is not located within electoral funding declarations ments as being “a new sub-centre being put forward by a consor- House, involving another high his electorate. It is notable that disclose that Neville Fredericks within the Sussex Inlet suburb”. tium comprising One Tree Bay profile Labor MP Noreen Hay when quizzed about political also donated $5,000 to the 2007 The connection Pty Ltd and IMB Property Ltd. (Ms Hay came to prominence donations at the public forum State Liberal Party election of the One Tree Bay proponents One Tree Bay Pty Ltd is wholly through her association with held at Sussex Inlet on 15th campaign. extends to joint consortium owned by Miltonbrook Pty Ltd, the Wollongong Council plan- June, Miltonbrook CEO Neville Miltonbrook clearly had partner IMB, which is a finan- developer of the self styled “eco- ning scandal which led to the Fredericks did not acknowledge concerns over the “no new towns cial company headquartered village” at Tullimbar (west of Council being sacked for corrup- any of these multiple donations or villages” directive contained in in Wollongong. A search of the Albion Park in the Shellharbour tion). Prior to his sacking from to Matt Brown, and instead only the 2007 South Coast Regional IMB website yields scant details LGA), which is repeatedly refer- Cabinet, Matt Brown was prob- mentioned a $1,000 donation to Strategy, and commissioned a regarding its 100% owned enced as the prototype for the ably best known as the NSW the NSW ALP to “buy a seat at Victorian-based consultant to subsidiary IMB Property Pty One Tree Bay proposal. Housing Minister who simul- the table”. prepare a submission seeking Ltd. Available public information The Chief Executive Officer taneously owned 14 houses, The mayor of Wollongong to try and overturn this trou- in the 2001 IMB annual report (CEO) of Miltonbrook is Mr as outlined in press reports in Council when it was sacked for blesome NSW Government indicates IMB Property Pty Ltd Neville Fredericks, who has April 2008. More recently, Matt systemic corruption following strategic planning provi- is a controlled entity associated 14 years experience in local Brown attracted media atten- a widely publicised plan- sion. Miltonbrook have subse- with a guarantee of $705,000 for government, including seven tion when he hit out at plans for ning scandal was Alex Darling quently had to (reluctantly) Shellharbour Council in associa- years as Mayor of Kiama, south coast wind farms. who, following Wollongong accept this provision, with tion with unspecified real estate and has maintained political In spite of this dubious track Council’s dismissal, was quoted Neville Fredericks quoted in development activities. connections while continuing record, self styled eco-developer in the press indicating support the press (South Coast Register A strong financial link existed his development activities. Miltonbrook have continued for aforementioned ALP MP of 6/3/09) as acknowledging between IMB and Shoalhaven Electoral funding declarations to donate to Matt Brown, with Noreen Hay and controver- that One Tree Bay constitutes City Council (SCC) at the time indicate that Mr Fredericks gave declarations lodged on the sial NSW Minister Joe Tripodi. a new town which can be justi- that the One Tree Bay proposal 2 donations totalling $4,700 to Department of Planning website Electoral funding informa- fied by rubbery “sustainability was initiated, with Council the 2007 campaign of Kiama disclosing a donation of $2,500 tion indicates that Miltonbrook criteria”. However, in spite of Mr records disclosing that SCC had MP Matt Brown, who was on the 3rd May 2009. Associated subsidiary Tullimbar Pty Ltd Fredericks acknowledgement $17.5 million invested in term later axed from NSW Cabinet documents indicate that Matt donated $3,000 to Mr Darling’s that One Tree Bay is indeed a deposits with IMB. following a failure to reveal Brown has been kept regu- 2004 council election campaign. new town, consultants hired by Winter 2009 #104 5

Land Bait 4 within these lands and provide Hardie Holdings and Rosecorp, flexibility in the design and loca- had both been major donors to also have to bear the financial tion of infrastructure within this the NSW ALP. The Tullimbar burden of the outcome. coastal strip”. This raises signifi- The land exchanges were The probability that cant concerns over how much formalised in controversial Shoalhaven ratepayers will clearing and development would MOU agreements, which were end up shouldering an unfair actually occur in foreshore areas signed before the developments track record burden of the servicing costs which are already declared as were finally approved, and for One Tree Bay infrastruc- a public reserve designed to whose validity has now been Alex O’Brien limbar Village Centre Building De- ture are greatly increased by the protect the shores of St Georges legally challenged. The Sydney sign Guidelines. It is possible that associated transfer of develop- Basin, with significant impli- Morning Herald reported that the Miltonbrook’s existing develop- this refusal will trigger a further ment-constrained (i.e. bushfire cations for visual amenity and NSW Government had obtained ment at Tullimbar, near Albion battle in the Land & Environment prone, flood-prone, with many water quality protection, and confidential legal advice indi- Park, has been profusely refer- Court. This track record does little threatened species and endan- how these could breach existing cating a high probability that the enced in the proposal documents to inspire confidence in the rigour gered ecological communities) foreshore reserve controls. It legal challenges would succeed, put forward for One Tree Bay, and or potential compliance with any land to the National Park estate, also raises the question of what meaning that both development can be used to gain insight into development control guidelines because Shoalhaven Council’s would happen to the near-fore- approvals would be invalid, the development track record of negotiated for the One Tree Bay own Section 94 Information shore lands if the One Tree Bay unless special retrospective the proponent and the credibility proposal. Sheet discloses that dedica- urban area was subsequently legislation was rammed through or otherwise of their environmen- tion of land can be used as part sold off to other third party NSW Parliament. It has been tal credentials. Miltonbrook is now in the proc- or full payment of a Section developers after the rezoning reported that as of the 10th June ess of trying to dispose of the 94 contribution. This means was granted (a fairly common 2009, Hardie Holdings had still Based on promotional material for remaining balance of the Tullimbar that, on the basis of this land occurrence, e.g. Miltonbrook’s not handed over the land near One Tree Bay regularly referring estate to any interested parties. transfer, Miltonbrook could own development at Tullimbar) Branxton agreed to be dedicated to the “experience gained at Tul- This could entail the sale or lease seek a major or full offset of its – what would be the basis for as National Park, despite the fact limbar”, a reader could easily gain of the rest of the town, ranging projected Section 94 contribu- controls and approvals of activi- that it had obtained approval for the impression that Tullimbar is a from commercial space in the tions in its negotiations with the ties carried out in these areas by the associated urban develop- bustling and diverse fully devel- town centre through to the sale of NSW Minister for Planning, and subsequent owners not party to ment at Sweetwater. oped “eco-town” from which to super-lots for residential subdivi- Shoalhaven ratepayers would the original agreement negoti- The Sweetwater and Catherine draw urban development insights. sion. have to pick up the tab for this ated by Miltonbrook? Hill Bay proposals are of partic- In reality, Tullimbar is only in its arrangement. The assessment process asso- ular relevance to the One Tree Stage 1 phase, and consists of 26 It is also incongruous that the self Shoalhaven City Council ciated with One Tree Bay raises Bay proposal, since both of these dwellings stranded in the middle styled Tullimbar “eco-village” has is already experiencing prob- significant potential conflict projects had undergone inde- of a former dairy paddock, with been promoted through glossy lems with section 94 contribu- of interest, impartiality and pendent professional assess- essentially no services provided brochures produced by both tions negotiated under current community benefit/disben- ment by qualified Department by the developer. Tullimbar only James Hardie and Bluescope Part 3A arrangements, and one efit issues for a proposal which of Planning officials, who had went ahead after the Land & Steel, whose recent activities can only imagine what could has to date been negotiated rated the proposals as the 2 Environment Court overturned have done little to inspire con- emerge under the revamped behind closed doors. While lowest ranked options from Shellharbour Council’s rejection of fidence in their sustainability “developer friendly” system. the Department of Planning a field of 91 potential urban the proposal, which was based on credentials. James Hardie is For example, in relation to the has indicated that the “local development sites in the lower concerns over excavation activities now well known for trying to Minister for Planning’s Part 3A community is encouraged to Hunter. The fact that these land associated with construction of ar- shield itself from full financial approval of Malbec Properties provide feedback when the LEP gift-propelled projects were tificial water-bodies requiring chan- responsibilities from asbestosis subdivision of land at Cunjorong and any development proposal subsequently approved after nelisation of a natural creek and victims resulting from use of its Point, Council business papers are made available for public their technical deficiencies and filling in a floodplain together with products, with Justice Ian Gzell tactfully state “The Minister’s consultation” it is likely that unsuitability were clearly iden- concerns over traffic generation. recently finding multiple breaches consent for the Malbec proposal the horse will have well and tified by professional assessment The 26 Stage 1 houses at Tullimbar of the company’s duty of care did not fully capture Council’s truly bolted by that stage, and provides a worrying precedent are poorly oriented from a pas- obligations by board members, request for additional contri- public consultation will be mere for the One Tree Bay proposal. and James Hardie more recently butions, which has since been window-dressing. sive solar perspective, lack solar heating/power, and feature many indicating it will not be adding any a source of on-going disagree- The proposal needs a rigorous Where are things now? 2 and 3 car garages discreetly extra funds to seriously depleted ment between the Council and and independent review process, The Part 3A preliminary assistance fund for asbestosis the Department of Planning.” It including full public access to environmental assessment for hidden away in the rear lanes of suffers arising from exposure to should be noted that the Malbec the developer funded and super- the One Tree Bay proposal has this “walkable village”. The only Hardie’s asbestos products. Blue- proposal is “only” for a 182 lot vised studies and assessments to recently been circulated to NSW services provided by Miltonbrook scope Steel has vigorously re- extension within an existing be used as the basis for decision- Government agencies, who are a series of signs indicating sisted introduction of greenhouse settlement – the mind boggles making. Public release of glossy have identified major flaws and “This is the site for the library/ gas emissions controls. Blue- at what the servicing cost impli- summary documents cherry- unanswered questions with the community centre/health centre cations will be for an entirely picked from a variety of more proposal and called for more etc”. The first commercial precinct scope Steel struck a sweetheart new town with a minimum of detailed studies where unre- detailed investigations, major at Tullimbar, a four storey hotel compensation deal with the NSW 2,000 dwellings in a relatively solved, inconvenient, expen- modifications or further details with basement and 63 serviced Government in 2006 to cover any isolated and completely unserv- sive or significant issues are before the proposal could be apartment complex, was rejected costs involved with introduction iced sensitive site as is proposed buried away in the fine print is adequately assessed, let alone in November 2008 by Shellharbour of a greenhouse emissions reduc- for One Tree Bay, and how equi- not a meaningful or transparent approved to go ahead. For Council, who indicated that it was tion scheme, and more recently tably Shoalhaven ratepayers means of allowing community example, the Department of contrary to the public interest for a was one of 6 major Australian will be treated in a negotiation input and promoting informed Primary Industries comments range of reasons, including insuf- companies cited to face allega- process from which they are decision-making. Shoalhaven noted that some of the water ficient information to demonstrate tions of false and misleading excluded. City Council needs to facilitate sensitive urban design (WSUD) compliance with Council’s flooding conduct in respect of its contra- Another major issue with public access to the full range features require water to flow and stormwater requirements, an dictory advice to shareholders, One Tree Bay relates to the so- of materials that the propo- uphill, while Shoalhaven Water inadequate Social Impact Assess- the government and public over called “dedication” of foreshore nent provides in connection has advised that One Tree bay ment, and the proposed building projected impacts of a national land to Council for public open with the One Tree Bay rezoning cannot rely on the existing was inconsistent with the floor emissions trading scheme on its space, which is proposed to application. sewerage treatment system space allocation detailed in the Tul- business performance. occur in stages linked to the sell- which is already at capacity. The off of adjoining blocks. The NSW Similar developer “gifts” New Bush Telegraph will provide Department of Lands has indi- The approach of developers further details of these agency cated that the shoreward 30.5 handing over land for dedication concerns in the next issue. metres of 100 metres proposed as National Park in return for However, the fact that NSW to be “donated” by Miltonbrook approval of new urban projects agencies have identified signifi- as a public reserve is in fact is the basis for the Sweetwater cant flaws and gaps in the One already a public reserve (parish and Catherine Hill Bay proposals Tree Bay proposal is no guar- reserve 755937)! The fact that (near Newcastle), which recently antee that it will not go ahead, Mayor Green’s press release of featured as front page news in as evidenced by the approvals the 4/3/09 uncritically echoes the Sydney Morning Herald. of Catherine Hill Bay and details of this “donation” of land Both these proposals, which Sweetwater against professional which is already a public reserve have been approved by the NSW planning advice. is clearly indicative of the lack Planning Minister under the The only people who can of proper scrutiny given to this same Part 3A planning proc- really prevent this preposterous proposal by both State and local esses earmarked for One Tree proposal from going ahead government politicians to date. Bay, involved developers gaining are concerned residents and The ostensible reason given approval for major new urban ratepayers of the Shoalhaven for the stage by stage “dedication” developments in sensitive areas lobbying the Councillors and of the foreshore public reserve in return for handing over land Mayor of Shoalhaven City is that it allows the developer for additions to National Park Council during the rezoning “to undertake required works estate. The developers involved, phase. 6 Winter 2009 #104

BOOK REVIEW Co-Op Quilt to The story of the landscape is in the rocks, be Raffled you just need to know where to look.

QUILTERS from across the raffle will be drawn just before community have finished their Christmas on Saturday the 19th Understanding the Scenery pinning and patchwork, and of December, a perfect comple- their efforts have been pieced ment to the festive season as and quilted into the finished family and friends gather. and the Coast Community Food Co-op quilt. The quilt is the perfect size to From conception through to snuggle beneath, adorn a wall or the reality of the finished quilt, accompany a picnic, so get your- from Nowra to this project has certainly rein- self to any of the listed venues by Kevin Mills book also provides convincing forced the Food co-op’s vision: and have a chance to win while evidence of the occurrence of that by unifying we can create also lending your support to the remember clearly Bob tsunami waves many hundreds, an environment and experience Community Food Co-op. Young leading a group of if not thousands of years ago; that can meet our needs as a The quilt will be displayed university geomorphology this alone makes the book a community and make a differ- at: Ulladulla Library from 13th students around the sand- fascinating read. ence to our way of life. July to 3rd August, Pilgrims Istone country west of Nowra, The book is full of excellent With the contributors having from the 3rd to 24th August, his favourite country. That was colour photographs that well donated fabric, creativity and Angus and Robertson from the thirty years ago and I was one illustrate the text. The book’s time in order to support the co- 24th August to 7th September, of those students. Since then size (15cm x 21cm) means that it op, we are all rewarded with the Ulladulla Picture Frames from I have continued to explore can be permanently left in a day outstanding finished quilt. It the 7th to the 28th September, the Ettrema, Shoalhaven and pack for ready access when out can be seen at a host of venues Splatters from 28th September Budawang sections of Morton and about. The only complaint I (see details below) as local busi- to 19th October. Further venues National Park, ever-mindful have is that it was not available nesses endorse the foundation will be announced at a later of Bob’s words explaining the thirty years ago. of the Food Co-op by displaying date. landscape I was traversing. the quilt and selling raffle The Co-op’s founding Ann’s work helped me to under- Understanding the Scenery Mor- tickets. members extend their grati- stand the swamps of the same ton National Park and the Coast This community’s good will tude to all those involved in areas. from Nowra to Batemans Bay and solidarity is in no doubt as the creation and exhibition of At last Bob and Ann have Bob and Ann Young, Envirobook, encouragement and assistance the quilt and, in anticipation of distilled the information National Park and the adjoining Sydney 134 pages, $29.95 has come from all areas of the you buying a ticket, to you, the contained in many academic coastal district. community. So if you haven’t community. papers, many of those their The book is well written been involved up to this point From: Tory Fuckner & Cathie own work or their colleagues at and is readily understood by then now is your chance, simply Griffith for the Community Food The , the general reader. It will be buy a ticket in the raffle. The Co-Op Project where they both lectured for of particular interest to bush- many years. The authors have walkers and other visitors to drawn upon their own vast Morton National Park and knowledge of the region to bring those who live and holiday us a popular work on the evolu- on the coast. If you have ever tion of the landscape of Morton wondered about the nature of Shop 1 waterfalls, why Pigeonhouse 138 Junction Mountain looks like it does or Court, Nowra how it is that some beaches are sandy while others are pebbles,  then this book is for you. The 4423 3281

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New Computers Sales & Service Printers Multifunctions Scanners Reconditioned Systems Modems + ADSL + Dial-up Education + Repairs + Upgrades Shop 1, 74 Kinghorne Street, Nowra 2541 TEL (02) 4423 3376 FAX: (02) 44233378 Email: [email protected] Winter 2009 #104 7 Bomaderry Creek Bushland Terry Barratt, Bomaderry in 2002 which resulted in the Creek Landcare/Bushcare establishment of a third of the Group Bushland as the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park. Given that it is HE 250 ha Bomaderry now seven years since the initial Creek Bushland is a rare dedication, NPWS should be and precious place, a getting on with this task starting miraculous survivor in with dedication of all imme- Tthe midst of suburbia. Within its diately available Crown land suburban setting, it has become (except for the old tip – that must a necessary breathing space remain Council’s responsibility). for local people and visitors to Resolution of an Aboriginal land Shoalhaven City. It provides a claim over one piece of Crown welcome relief from growing land requires consultation by urban sprawl, an unparalleled the State Government with recreation and educational the Aboriginal community as a resource, a viable reservoir of matter of urgency in the inter- native plants and animals and ests of all parties. a buffer against pollution of Dedication of the Council Bomaderry Creek – a tributary owned land also needs early of the . resolution. Purchase of freehold A special feature of the land can be considered for the Bushland is its role as a refuge future subject to government for plants and animals that were and/or private funding. once common, but have now In the meantime, all inter- become rare. The outstanding ested parties including private example of this rarity is the property owners should come Map by Terry Barratt Bomaderry Zieria (Zieria baeuer- together to develop a planning lenii) found nowhere else in the strategy for the management and and arboretum for propagation been going on for much of the care groups and, although they world! appropriate development of this and promotion of local native past 15 years, but on a gener- will undoubtedly continue to be Like most areas of urban outstanding natural and recrea- species. There is abundant space ally uncoordinated, small scale involved, much more is needed bushland, it has suffered neglect tional resource. The Bomaderry for a picnic area, visitor centre basis. With the establishment by local and state agencies to and abuse, but has nevertheless Creek Landcare/Bushcare Group and car parking while its central of the Regional Park in 2002, generate a greater resident and survived and remains an impor- has been pursuing this strategic location makes it very handy for a greater degree of activity and visitor awareness of the attrac- tant community resource for approach for the past 15 years taking off on the many walks improvement has taken place tions of this great Shoalhaven present and future generations. and now intends to bring this to available through the wonderful thanks to the financial input of park. This can be achieved The Bushland is held in a an early conclusion through a wildflower country of the sand- the State Government (in excess through improved signposting, diverse mix of tenures (see vigorous promotion of the values stone tops and into the deep of $150,000 investment in picnic interpretive literature and map) under the responsi- and management needs of the rainforest filled gorge carved out area and walking track upgrades publicity through Shoalhaven bility of various agencies such Bushland. by the creek. over the past few years) and Tourism, National Parks offices as National Parks and Wildlife The Bushland has the poten- A site suitable for expansion professional management by the and local businesses. Service (NPWS), Shoalhaven tial as a significant recreation/ of the Nerang Road sporting NPWS. The production of a plan City Council, Dept of Lands and tourist attraction and we believe facilities is identified on the The Council has also begun of management is urgently a few small freehold parcels of that its values can be protected map. This is an old spoil depot to show a greater interest in needed to give direction to all land. This complicated mix of while at the same time exploiting and is a much more suitable site weed management and some of these advocated approaches. tenures presents real difficul- its economic potential. for tennis courts rather than walking track maintenance. It will give guidance for a better ties for properly protecting the The bulk of the Bushland is Council’s plans for extension of A great deal more resources management direction and will Bushland’s values as there is in a natural condition providing these facilities into the undis- are needed, particularly from help with attracting funds and little coordinated approach to great opportunities for walking turbed Bushland. Council and the Dept of Lands voluntary community effort. management. experiences via a network of Local and State agency invest- as the Bushland under their care If appropriately upgraded, The best approach is for the walking tracks. Located in a ment in the development and is unquestionably the most weed well managed and widely publi- NPWS to take on the respon- handy central position is the professional management of this infested and in greatest need of cized the Bomaderry Creek sibility for management of the old tip. This highly degraded tourist resource can be comple- walking track improvements. Bushland can become a signif- whole Bushland. This was the land has received a great deal of mented by community voluntary Public promotion of the icant attraction for visitors as advice from a working party of remedial attention from Council effort assisted with government Bushland has tradition- well as, at long last, providing community, government agency and now has the potential for grants and private donations. ally fallen to the community the local community with a first and Council representatives upgrading as a botanic garden This is, in fact, exactly what has through conservation and bush- class recreational facility. Council Moves Slowly on Climate Change Mike Clear bility; in short, to foster sustain- “The concern that I would others, is to: “Participate in emissions reduction goal; ability in local government. Yet particularly wish to express Cities for Climate Protection N Milestone 3: Develop and GLOBAL climate change as a some 15 years on in the 2005- relates to what I believe is an and complete milestone 2 by the adopt a Local Action Plan; result of human-induced green- 06 financial year, of the 32 Giga insufficiently specific, explicit end of 2009/2010. Commence N Milestone 4: Implement the house gas emissions has a strong Watt hours (GWh) of energy and targeted response in the Milestone 3 by the end of Local Action Plan; scientific basis and the Synthesis consumed (predominantly elec- Draft Management Plan 2009- 2009/2010.” N Milestone 5: Monitor and Report, the latest major scientific tricity) by Shoalhaven Council’s 2012, to the demands posed This is very modest and report on achievements. report on this, suggests that on a fixed assets, none was generated by climate change in general minimal, and would put (See http://www.ecosmaga- number of indicators, we have from renewable energy sources and Council’s own Energy Shoalhaven Council somewhere zine.com/act=view_file&file_ almost reached a point where (See http://shoalhaven.nsw. Saving Action Plan (ESAP) in near the bottom of the ladder id=EC136p10.pdf) it is too late to avoid dangerous gov.au/Environment/Energy/ particular. in aspirations and ranking of Although the Shoalhaven City climate change (See http://www. Default.htm). Over 130 Councils in commitment and action on Council is not part of the Cities anu.edu.au/climatechange/ A brief submission on the Australia actively participate in sustainability. for Climate Protection program, wpcontent/uploads/2009/06/ Shoalhaven City Council’s Draft the Cities for Climate Protection The five milestones for on the evidence it could clearly synthesis-report-web.pdf) Management Plan (2009-2012) scheme initiated by the ICLEI. each participating council benefit from the leadership and The Cities for Climate resulted in a series of exchanges The ICLEI was founded in 1990 to complete for the Cities for collaboration such member- Protection (CCP) initiative was with council that are instruc- as the International Council for Climate Protection Campaign ship affords. Council’s 2009- born in 1990 with these growing tive. In order to begin what I Local Environmental Initiatives. provide a robust framework for 2012 Draft Management Plan issues of sustainability and the hope will be a systematic and From 2003 the ICLEI is known taking action to reduce green- has no clearly defined corpo- need for a shift to renewable regular reporting on council’s as–Local Governments for house gas emissions. These rate or community targets for energy as the context. Its over- activity in relation to energy Sustainability. SCC is not a listed milestones are: greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, riding aims are to encourage savings and reduction of green- participant and has not provided N Milestone 1: Conduct an it is now widely recognised that local governments to adopt house gas emissions I offer some any reports required for inventory and forecast for without such targets govern- practices that limit greenhouse commentary and analysis. My involvement in the scheme. Corporate and Community ments and organisations are gas emissions in the area of brief submission of 12 June The stated “proposed action” greenhouse gas emissions; local government responsi- 2009 reads: in SCCs Draft Plan, amongst N Milestone 2: Establish an 8 8 Winter 2009 #104

Climate Change 7 For a very modest subscrip- Overall, climate change tion the council can gain a range unlikely to provide leadership poses serious threats to of benefits and continue with its Pride of Place for businesses and communities ‘Milestone’ objectives. I have life on earth, and for local Richelieu du Plessis looking for a clear statement of written and encouraged it to do direction. Indeed, without these councils and the com- just that, for the very reasons I have been a resident of Nowra and the northern Shoalhaven for most explicit targets it is much less munities they serve the that my submission on the Draft of the past twenty-five years and, since the year 2000, have operated a likely that reductions in emis- Management Plan (2009-2012) sions will be made at all. risks are immense. proposed. Council efforts, like business in the Nowra CBD. During this time the atmosphere of Nowra I urge Council to rethink and that of many organisations, can has often confused me. Understanding that the town is the service develop a much more explicit CANA, Climate Action Network obviously benefit from leader- centre of the district, it offers little more than that - a centre providing for and genuine emissions target Australia, 2007, Social Impacts ship, collaboration and support the basic needs of the local population, a town centre stuck in the middle for its corporate and community of Climate Change at www. with a wider community in of the 1950s. functions.” cana.net.au). these critical matters. We all Shoalhaven City Council That the Insurance Council of have much to learn and much At peak periods, such as Easter, while the outlying villages of Berry, the adopted its Energy Savings Australia (ICA) is working with to do. Valley, Huskisson fill with tourists, most of Nowra (other that the super- Action Plan (ESAP) in February government and the commu- Shoalhaven City Council has markets and a coffee shop or two) closes. It’s as though the town does 2008. There is evidence that nity to give support to emissions said through its ESAP that;” not want to adapt to the 21st century. it has made some worthwhile trading and to pursue the devel- it will by example become a changes. It has ascertained its opment of new insurance prod- community leader in energy It is also obvious to any observer that a significent percentage of the 10 top energy consuming facili- ucts because of climate change, management and conserva- local population seem intent on destroying any work intended to beautify ties and commenced the process we know they are reading the tion”. This is a wonderful vision the town, or which makes the CBD more user friendly. The continuing dif- of benchmarking their energy science and taking it very seri- for a Council whose record has ficulties with the pedestrianised Junction Mall, the tree’d area alongside use. In a reply to my submis- ously. Karl Sullivan of the ICA been demonstrably lacking in sion council says, that it has also recently said in the Journal of community leadership on these Woolworths Car Park, the public toilets, unwanted graffiti, provide contin- completed an “inventory and Emergency Management: things. As part of that commu- ued evidence of this destructive attitude. It is obvious that this element forecast for key sources of green- “For some decades the global nity, I think it behoves us to of our society has little or no ‘pride of place’ regarding Nowra. house emissions for Council industry has been involved become well informed about At a recent meeting of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber, a meeting operations - buildings, vehicle in research concerning the our council’s obligations and fleet, street lighting, and waste impacts of extreme weather performance in energy manage- that I regrettably missed, it was suggested that the Nowra CBD needs and the Community - residen- events on communities and has ment and conservation. It means revitalization in order to encourage residents and visitors into the town tial, commercial, industrial, keenly followed the results of acknowledging when good deci- centre at peak periods. transport.” climate change research as it sions are made, too. This article Two outcomes from that meeting were (i) a resolve to beautify the CBD, Council’s efforts are also has been matured by the scien- is intended as an introduction to demonstrated through its tific community. some of the relevant concerns (ii) to form a committee to work with the SCC Strategic Planning Office. recent purchase of an inde- There is agreement in the and also as the initiation of a Both are excellent suggestions. However, should an invisible ‘Strategic pendent energy reporting scientific community that a process. With that in mind, in Planning Committee’ decide on the methods, materials and design of any service, Planet Footprint Pty level of climate change can now some future issues of the NBT, beautification behind closed doors, a large segment of our society will Ltd. I applaud these initia- be described as ‘locked in’ or as I hope to report on progress still not value such work. Without participation in the decision from the tives, but at the same time it ‘unavoidable’. This is regardless and contribute to the process greater community, any ‘pride of place’ is unlikely to develop. must be said, that they are long of even the most aggressive miti- of monitoring our council’s overdue. To some extent they gation and greenhouse reduc- performance in these things. I recently spent time in Brazil and was very impressed by the artistic, represent a response to statu- tion proposals. These ‘locked in’ Finally, the South Coast user-friendly urban designs created by Burle Marx, a landscape architect. tory requirements rather than changes will arrive on the back Register (24/06/2009) in These designs can be seen on the pavements and in public places in demonstrations of strong lead- of an Australian environment “Council’s greenhouse gold ership in these matters. The that already has a rich history star” reports that Shoalhaven both Rio and at Manaus and involve decorative, artisic, mosaic-like paving State Government’s Energy of weather related natural disas- Council was awarded a gold symbolising the beach and forest atmosphere of the two cities. I believe Administration Amendment ters. On this basis there is a star for reaching its first mile- that his work was recently shown on Australian television. (Water and Energy Savings) strong need to continue to adapt stone in the Cities for Climate It struck me that this concept, if used in Nowra, could - Act 2005, requiring councils to the current level of extreme Protection program. It should to prepare an Energy Savings weather events that occur be noted that many councils (i) beautify the CBD by creating a unique, mosaic paved landscape on the Action Plan (ESAP) for their in Australia as well as to the around Australia have reached the major traffic arteries of the town, top 10 energy consuming facili- predicted increases in extremes milestones 3, 4, 5 and beyond. (ii) create a CBD unique in all Australia, a tourist attraction, ties is a prime example of the (November 2008). Based on what we know, this statutory context to which our Overall, climate change poses is more like an award for the (iii) by asking the local Aboriginal community to participate, include large council is responding. serious threats to life on earth, slow student who the teacher designs inspired by the rich heritage of the traditional owners, inter- Council tells us through its and for local councils and the wants to engage in the learning spersed by a basic connecting pattern, Cityplan mission that energy communities they serve the risks process, not for any excellent management will have “an are immense. With a significant achievement. It puts the “gold This suggestion could be extended by providing a space, perhaps on the increasing focus”. Let us hope coastal boundary spanning an star award” to Shoalhaven southern wall of the Art Centre, where creative, supervised graffiti is so, because few doubt the estimated 1,000 kilometres when clearly in perspective, but permitted and replaced at intervals. serious implications of climate all bays and inlets are taken into it’s still an important event. change due to human actions account, and with many homes I congratulate the council on These suggestions would, I believe, go a long way in providing ‘pride of and the significant impact and businesses on relatively these signs of change and I place’, the one important ingredient which, in my view, is missing in the that industrial economies have low-lying water frontage, the hope and trust that this positive CBD. had on the climate patterns of Shoalhaven City Council is likely development will persist. Below: Pavement design by Burle Marx our planet. Industry figures to experience these impacts since the 1960s show a three- from climate change, if it hasn’t fold increase in the incidence already, sooner rather than later. of natural disasters. This has If the global insurance industry resulted in a 900 percent has been looking at the impli- increase in economic costs (See cations of climate change for its industry “for some decades”, it is unfortunate that it hasn’t been ‘GET TOUGH’ CALL talking to our local government ON SNOWY FLOWS or perhaps they haven’t been Source ABC News, 29.06.09 listening. The Australian government There is a call for shareholder funding of the Cities for Climate Governments to get tough Protection program ended on with NSW over the lack of 30 June 2009, but the ICLEI has environmental flows in the strongly indicated its commit- Snowy River. ment to continue the program in the form of the new ‘CCP The flow for this year has Partners Program’. In its reply to been set at 15 per cent but is my submission council indicated running at just four per cent it had joined the old Cities for below the Jindabyne Dam. Climate Protection milestones The high country’s river program. Shoalhaven may watchdog, Snowy River have become part this program Alliance, says it is frustrated very late, no doubt this is due over trying to get the NSW to the deplorable obstinacy of Government to honour its the Watson led council, but it is environment commitments. better late than never.