K angaroo V alley V oice Volume 10 Issue 11 Circulation 750 June 2005 $2 Tallowa under siege —it’s a dam shame!! Lake Yarrunga Taskforce report Possible new What is happening water level to our lake? Lake Yarrunga has become a key element in the State Government’s plans to satisfy Sydney’s water demand for the next 30 years. They see the Shoalhaven River as the main source of additional supply, which was the reason for building Tallowa Dam (see insert). However, since Stage 2 of the project (Welcome Reef) is now shelved, the Government is examining other options to increase the amount of water harvested from the Shoalhaven. These include modifying Tallowa Dam. In the several meetings KV Community Assn and the Lake Yarrunga Taskforce have now had with Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA), there has been no indication of what modifications to Tallowa Dam were under consideration. We know that a fish-way and multi-level off- Background take have been designed and budgeted for, but Lake Yarrunga is the body of water retained by Tallowa Dam and fed by Shoalhaven River, this work is on hold until work starts on the Kangaroo River, Yarrunga Creek and Bundanoon Creek. new scheme. Tallowa Dam backs up the waters of Lake Yarrunga beyond Bendeela, forming a conduit Rumour suggests the dam might be raised 5 so water from the Shoalhaven (the largest contributor) metres. can flow 'up' Kangaroo River for extraction at Bendeela. At a deputation meeting last month with Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) manages the level of the lake. Minister Bob Debus and Graeme Head (SCA), Any inflow in excess of the environmental flow plus Shoalhaven City’s needs is available for Graeme Head confirmed that increasing the Sydney's water supply. Up to 800ML a day can be extracted at Bendeela Pumping Station and height of the dam was one of the options, pumped via Bendeela Pondage and Fitzroy Falls Reservoir to Wingecarribee Reservoir. another being increased pump capacity. From there it can flow downhill either to Warragamba Dam via Wingecarribee Recent investigation suggests the original and Wollondilly rivers or to Nepean Dam via Glenquarry Cut. design of Tallowa Dam included the option of Stage 2 of the project was to build Welcome Reef Dam to store the Shoalhaven water, ‘radial gates’ on top of the dam wall to allow to be released at a rate suitable for pumping to Sydney. the storage level to increase 10 metres, (as The Welcome Reef Dam is now recognised as unworkable, since the huge evaporation from the shown on our photograph above). dam would result in less water being available rather than more. (Continued on page 4) News 1–14 Regular columns 19-23 Sport 25-27 Directory 28-29 Wot’s on p 31 June 2005 Kangaroo Valley Voice Page 2 Published by K angaroo Kangaroo Valley Voice Incorporated. Editorial alley V Registration # Y2627221 oice V “Now is the winter of our discontent” The monthly community newspaper of Kangaroo Valley Office Bearers This month’s Valley Voice seems to be a more insight, help and personal experience than more serious one than of late. the “woolly” thinkers who have allowed the President Carl Leddy situation to deteriorate, in an overwhelming Treasurer John Wells Perhaps the deaths of some amongst us, Secretary Larraine Hahlos ushers in the serious note, see the study of neglect. Committee Win Palmer salutation to Bill Daly on page 7 . A struggling mother of three in a caravan park is as likely to cut to the chase with ideas and Sheila Young We also acknowledge the passing of Pamela Joan Bray opinions genuinely held than those Spence , co-proprietor of the Valley Kennells Laurie De Ville “professionals” who have gone before and and Graham Lloyd , Manager of The Pioneer Editor Carl Leddy failed. Motel; our sympathies are extended to the Advertising Jane Richter Our neighbours in Goulburn are looking down families and friends of those three people. Journalists Joan Bray the barrel of a crisis with just a few months Win Palmer Our cover story, put together assiduously by supply,. Liz Aitken Peter Stanton, highlights the lack of Wyangala Dam is down to a pitiful 8% capacity Linda Chittick consultation by the State Government with the yet the amount of water sloshing out to sea ‘Wot’s On Janette Gale residents of the Valley, indeed with the entire from Sydney alone could refill that dam in a Sports Report Kate Rutherford population of this parched and thirsty state, Legal Advisers A P Sparke & Broad matter of days. looking for leadership and answers to the Computer operator Hope Kennedy Who is going to bite the bullet? crippling drought and the inexorable pressure Other local issues are the closure of the Dairy on water storage and supply. Editorial Office. Farmers plant in Bomaderry see page 3 and a It is time for someone to stand up and take thoughtful letter of complaint by a regular telephone / fax (02)-4465 1521 charge of the situation with a boldness; visitor (see below) which should give us all someone who is prepared to tackle the problem cause for reflection. Kangaroo Valley Voice was originally established under head on, think outside the square for solutions If the tourism industry is now one that so many the Small Towns Program (an initiative of the and not tinker with reapplication of old ideas Department of Business & Regional Development). businesses and individuals rely upon and is and methods. K.V. Voice Inc. aims to support & develop the Valley’s supposed to be the economic magic that will On the evidence to date there are no signs of economic, social & communication infrastructure. The sustain the valley as more traditional pursuits Committee & Assistants are all volunteers, who donate anyone emerging from the moribund puddle of undergo inevitable change, then the sentiments their time and expertise for the benefit of our readers. muddlers who inhabit our adversarial system of expressed and situations which have given rise All Valley residents, clubs & organisations are invited to government. forward editorial submissions. to the comment should be addressed by all of What is needed is a unified community The K.V. Voice is financially self sufficient due to us, not just the tourist operators, the approach, the involvement of non professional income received from local businesses and advertising. accommodation houses and the shopkeepers. politicians and bureaucrats, largely concerned Is it not possible for us to encourage visitors about job comforts and security and the DISCLAIMER and residents alike with a welcoming smile and anticipation of a generous superannuation The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are a wave and a cheerful comment or two. made in good faith by Kangaroo Valley community members. scheme. If we start doing that until it becomes a habit K.V. Voice Inc., Committee, volunteers and contributors do not We have had “summits” before for lots of then perhaps it will rub off and we will become take responsibility for any statements advertisement, notice, issues. letter or opinions published. Such are published at the risk of the and perceived to be a happier place. contributor, who accepts liability for any intended publication. All What is wrong with one on the water crisis? To that end I would welcome any cartoonists, contributors agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the But don’t stack it with the “talking heads” and material is accurate and is neither deceptive or misleading, in satirists or humourists to submit their comments breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any laws. so called experts, open attendance to all. and drawings to the Voice; it could help us all A farmer from “back ‘o Bourke’ could well add PRINTED BY: Red Barron Printing, Bomaderry. NSW to lighten up. Carl Leddy DISTRIBUTED BY: Australia Post. Graphics used in advertising courtesy of ClickArt Incredible 65,000 Image Pak © 1996, T/Maker Co. Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, DEADLINES Visitor asks for improved service for the July issue of the ‘VOICE’ I am a frequent visitor to Kangaroo Valley. Advertising, I am most envious of those lucky enough to live All letters must be signed in such a wonderful setting with the views and Wot’s On , Calender by the writer and give atmosphere being so pleasant. & Sports Report both business and home The only negative is that the businesses and phone numbers so letters June 20, 2005 can be verified. service providers don't seem at all interested in looking after the tourist. Editorial Submissions If Kangaroo Valley business operators are June 24, 2005 interested in tourism then they would: * greet customers with warmth as opposed Please do not leave your to disdain submission * make visitors want to come back by being Mail to : until the last day; The Editor polite when we ask for directions being early is a great help to us. c/o Post Office * serve coffee after 5 pm on a Friday when Kangaroo Valley. 2577 E-mail [email protected] (Continued on page 4) June 2005 Kangaroo Valley Voice Page 3 Dairy Farmers closure has serious knock on effect “These people – farmers in the area and the disruption to the community, simply to line the Mayor encourages workers at the plant – have, in good faith, made pockets of the already well-off . farmers and workers to a commitment to the Dairy Farmers company This may damage the good name of the and the community and this decision is a gross Company and destroy the confidence of the “take on” Dairy Farmers betrayal of that commitment. local people in the product.