It's happening again.
Just as council has shown utter disregard for the residents' wishes and
their own Local
Environment Plans with the Cambewarra fiasco . Plans for the development
of the proposed district centre at the Vincentia Crossroads are being sped
through council without proper process and community consultation
Plans differ markedly to those people were invited to comment on earlier
this year. The area initially to be zoned 3(a) for retail, commercial and
business activities has now been changed to Zone 3(g) allowing for higher
density residential, commercial and tourist combinations.The proposal would
allow the development of the centre before the regional sewerage scheme
is in place.
Councillors were not briefed on the implication of the changes at the Policy
and Planning committee anf changes were rushed through without debate or
questions and passed at the full meeting of Council on 16th September.
The "St George's Basin Fishos" at a public meeting in February
this year were represented as a simple fishing club wishing to gather at
a shed in Panorama Rd to participate in their sport. (Ref. NBT Issues 73
and 75) Since then fish seem to be the least of their interests.
Recently the club has made further appplication to extend their hours of
use from 6.30 pm to 11.00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays and if residents
were objecting to their use of the shed they would proceed to plan a clubhouse.
This was approved by the council without any additional reference to the
local residents. The Basin Forum has objected to the council that the Development
application was not brought to the attention of either the Forum or surrounding
residents.
Permissive use of the Harbour has been applied for but has not yet been
approved. The Department of Land and Water Conservation have been investigating
the use of the harbour and vicinity as it lies at the entrance to wetlands
to the west.
The same group have recently applied for development approval for seventeen
villas, a club and restaurant at Greenwell Point and have also been negotiating
to purchase land at Sussex Inlet. All this for one humble fishing club?
Is the fish turning out to be a shark?
Elaine Atkinson
In response to a call for someone to take over the actual task of compilation
from Ev Pettigrew who has done it the past 5 years, we have acquired the
services of Sandra Lee. Sandra will be well known to many of our readers
as the editor of Women In Focus and Greenmail. Sandra will be taking over
the compilation next issue. (Issue 77).
The NBT has always involved many volunteers and contributors in many aspects
of its production. This will continue under the structure of a NBT "Collective"
Because of additional compilation costs we are increasing the subscription
to $15.00 a year and reducing the number of free issues distributed. Subscribe
to secure your copy (see page 15)
Shoalhaven Internet is providing this as a community service. They can be
contacted on (044) 225040
Dear Ev,
For five years now, you have been the co-ordinator of N.B.T., our "Shoalhaven's Awareness Magazine", steering that small boat in all weathers, often in the midst of great political and powerful storms; steadily, consistently telling the world of the beauty of the Shoalhaven, its beautiful rivers, its marvelluos Jervis Bay, its great parks and forests, fighting for its preservation. Thanks to you and N.B.T., people generally are more aware. Thank you Ev. Thank you N.B.T.
And now, after 5 years you want a break, a well deserved break. With
Joanna Macey I say "take it and don't feel you are abandoning
ship. You are not abandoning anything because you don't cease being who
you are: you are just slipping back to continue the work of the "Great
Turning" in another form, the way the head goose, when she's tired,
slips back and flies in the windstream of the others, and another flyer
takes her place. "
(Permaculture International Journal June/August 1997)
I believe Joanna Macey's words encapsulate the situation perfectly This
is indeed the time of the "Great Turning". You, N.B.T., all of
us, will rise to new levels.
Marcel Veldhoven
Berry
Thank you Marcel. I find the metaphor of the snowgoose very comforting as
I take my leave.
Ev Pettigrew