June, 2014 Kangaroo Valley Voice www.kangaroovalley.nsw.au Page 1 Kangaroo Valley Voice Volume 19 Issue 11 ISSN 1833-8402 Circulation 850 June 2014 $2.50 Many objections to Boutique lodge proposed for Berry Mountain Editor’s note. Farming as a business on the mountain is at known hospitality real estate and tourism The size of this proposal and the heat already a point now where it costs the owners consultant Ron de Wit from AHS Advisory in engendered leads us to provide space in this money; even with our 185 acre lot it is just Sydney. We decided on a boutique-sized, five- issue for both the for and against arguments. not viable to operate as a pure farm. star quality lodge concept aimed at attracting To begin here is the proponent’s point of view My parents Lee and Robert moved to the and capturing demand from the couples and supported by the artist’s impressions of the mountain for the same reasons as many of executive conferencing market segments as the main facilities (top). our neighbours, that is the spectacular most attractive option for a number of reasons, natural environment. the most important of which were that this Rockfield Park Boutique However they have also run Rockfield Park market is not well-served at all on the south as a business, (beef/Charolais cattle stud and coast ,and that the style of accommodation Lodge accommodation now Dorper sheep/meat producer). would be the most appropriate for our delicate We see it as a natural progression of the area mountain environment. I would like to start out by giving our that tourism, as the fastest growing and Our research concluded that clientele would be reasons and ethos behind this highest employing industry in the staying with us to enjoy exactly the proposed development. Shoalhaven, should become a part of the environment as it is now in a full-service The Hamilton family has owned area as long as it maintains the natural hospitality environment, unlike the majority of “Rockfield Park” at Bellawongarah for character and environment of the mountain. typical “resorts” prevalent up and down the 22 years. We conducted over 12 months of study on coast (usually holiday apartments dressed up as During this period we have watched the area tourist accommodation in the rural areas hotels, offering limited service and limited change with rural farms gradually being around Sydney, as well as the south coast facilities). subdivided into smaller and smaller lots. and internationally, with the help of well- (Continued on page 3) www.kangaroovalley.nsw.au JuneJune, 2014 2014 KangarooKangaroo ValleyValley VoiceVoice www.kangaroovalley.nsw.au www.kangaroovalley.nsw.au PagePage 2 2 Published by angaroo Kangaroo Valley Editorial K Voice Incorporated. V alley Registration # Y2627221 V oice Things keep rolling along The monthly community newspaper of Kangaroo Valley One of the most significant and new alike) and jump right in to our developments ever proposed for the special community. Office Bearers This month, as our poetry competition heats President Carl Leddy valley is the Rockfield Park Boutique Treasurer Ken Crocker Lodge, featured on pages 1, 3 and 43 up, we have published some poems from Secretary Larraine Hahlos primary and secondary school students and Committee Sheila Young of this issue. one from an adult. Angus Kennedy There has been an immediate and Editor Carl Leddy We encourage people of all ages to take part. Design/Production Diana Jaffray consistent range of objections raised by The details are on page 13. Proof Reader Tony Barnett those opposed to the concept, and there Another pleasing result is the continued Advertising Manager Position available will almost certainly be a protracted progress and development of the Friendly Inn Computer Jason Horton Columnists period of negotiations and endless Village Garden (see page 11). Lee Sharam Rosemary Stanton meetings about the tenor and content of This is a project which can accept any number Gerard Keyser Sean Kramer the objections before any firm decisions of new members to not only enjoy the fruits of Ron Bower Andrew Paterson their labour with the freshest garden produce, Cecily Paterson Mark McLennan are taken. but at the same time benefit from socialisation Ellie Williams Tony Barnett Notwithstanding that the vision behind the Brenda Sambrook Jeanette Dumbrell with other like-minded people which could proposal is based on qualified consultants’ Jason Horton Shayne Tiplady lead to new friendships in the sharing of Joan Bray Barbara Guest reports, the rebuttals so far throw these into common interests. Jacinta Perry Powell Peter Brandis some confusion and doubt and will all need Ken Crocker Selena Hanet-Hutchins One last point: if any of our readers are the most thorough and rigorous testing of the Distribution Barbara and Adam Acworth missing out on mobile coverage, the Federal conclusions. Sports Report Position available Government would like you to speak up now. Honorary Legal Adviser Tony Barnett On a different note the Arts in the Valley Earlier this year, the Government announced group broke new ground with a presentation that $100 million would be allocated in the Editorial and advertising office. of jazz in late May and were rewarded with a budget for increasing mobile coverage and telephone (02) 4465 1621 full house on the Saturday evening concert now this been confirmed. and another healthy roll up to the Sunday Gilmore has been selected as an eligible performance. region to receive mobile coverage upgrades Kangaroo Valley Voice was originally established The review starts on page 16, but for those of according to the Member for Gilmore, Ann under the Small Towns Program (an initiative of the us lucky enough to be present we were Department of Business and Regional Development). Sudmalis. treated to a masterful display of piano K.V. Voice Inc. aims to support and develop the The Minister has requested up to three areas techniques by two extremely professional Valley’s economic, social and communication in Gilmore to be nominated. infrastructure. The Committee and Assistants are all and talented musicians. More please. These three areas must be confirmed to him volunteers, who donate their time and expertise for the Being the Valley we have a whole lot more benefit of our readers. before the end of June. The MP’s office has entertainment in store on the social calendar. All Valley residents, clubs and organisations are invited received many enquiries during the past six The visit by the Northholm College (the fifth to forward editorial submissions. months about upgrades, and have kept a occasion of their Valley visits) will see them The K.V. Voice is financially self sufficient due to record of these requests. income received from local businesses and advertising. presenting a modern version of Much ado Now all other interested residents in Gilmore about nothing (see pages14 and 15 for further are invited to contact the office and nominate DISCLAIMER details); and following those performances the area they believe has the greatest need to The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are made in good will be the pre-school winter dance (June 21), faith by Kangaroo Valley community members. be one of the upgrades, by phone: 4423 1782, which this year promises new delights from K.V. Voice Inc., Committee, volunteers and contributors do not take email: [email protected] or post: new directions (see pages 7 and 52) and as all responsibility for any statements advertisement, notice, letter or opinions PO Box 1009, Nowra 2541, before June 25 so published. Such are published at the risk of the contributor, who accepts proceeds help finance our excellent pre- liability for any intended publication. All contributors agree to indemnify the as to complete a submission to the Minister. school it is indeed a worthy cause. publisher and warrant that the material is accurate and is neither deceptive or There are still pockets in the Valley where misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any laws. Later in the year the Public School P & C reception for mobiles is either weak or non- will once again stage their previously existent, so this could be opportunity to get on PRINTED BY: Red Barron Printing, Bomaderry. NSW entertaining and successful trivia night. DISTRIBUTED BY: Australia Post. the front page for a change. Graphics used in advertising courtesy of ClickArt For newcomers to the Valley, these nights Carl Leddy Incredible 65,000 Image Pak © 1996, T/Maker Co. are a great way to meet lots of people (old DEADLINES The Editor for the July 2014 issue Letters to the Editor of the ‘VOICE’, Advertising, All letters must be signed by Praise re ANZAC Day Wot’s On Calender the writer and give both and Sports Report business and home phone "One More Parade" June 22, 2014 numbers so letters can be The Valley at its best. Editorial Submissions verified if necessary. We are blessed with super children. June, 2014 The writer’s name will be Well done Joan Bray and her team. published with the letter. I spoke with many visitors and they were rapt Please do not leave your submission until the last day; Mail to : with the valley and its friendly people. being early is a great help to us. The Editor While I have your attention:- We need to do something about the Bridge in e-mail c/o Post Office Kangaroo Valley. 2577 peak times. [email protected] Or 44 651 621 [email protected] (Continued on page 4) June, 2014 Kangaroo Valley Voice www.kangaroovalley.nsw.au Page 3 Proposed development on Berry Mountain (Continued from page 1) The reason for building this facility is to attending the function and an additional 8 to In this respect it was unfortunate that the attract the executive midweek conference 15 for staff.