Go People Power.

Hi All,

At long last the final election results are in.

http://www.lg.elections.nsw.gov.au/LgeFinalCountReports/Wingecarribee/Council/04_LG2008_%20WINGECARRIBEE_UNDIVIDED_CandidateSequence.pdf

A most sincere thank you to the best team in the election without doubt.

Peter Smyth

Lyndall McGrath

Alex McCaffery

Jan Hainke.
It has been a pleasure and an honour working with these people who have not only become good friends, but have proven to be extremely talented and amazing people.

Special thanks to Candy Raymond and Tom Boyle for their tireless efforts and FAITH!

Thank you also to all of you who helped me to get re-elected. Your support and assistance has been remarkable. I can assure you I will continue to fight for your rights. If I can help, please contact me.

Regards,

Larry

It's Official, People don't want to sell off land for leisure centre

PLEASE FORWARD THIS ON TO THOSE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTEDDear All;Hot off my desk as a scrutineer at the Poll count. Final figures are:
Q1. Do you approve of Council building the Leisure Centre?

YES: 41.4%
NO: 54.9%
INFORMAL: 3.7%
Q2. Do you approve of the construction of the Leisure Centre being funded by the sale of the identified properties?
YES: 22.5%NO: 68.3%INFORMAL: 9.2%Full figures available later on today at:
http://vtr.elections.nsw.gov.au/result.aspx?areaname=wingecarribeeSeems as if the new Council will have a lot of thinking to do.Regards;Cam FordMOSS VALE ACTION GROUP 42 Valetta St.,Moss Vale, NSW 2577(02)4868 2378

Leisure Centre . To Be or NOT to be?

PLEASE FORWARD THIS ON TO OTHER CONCERNED RESIDENTS.

Dear Concerned Residents;
Cr Campbell-Jones and the Our Leisure Centre group have been spending an extraordinary amount of money on press advertisements to prove how much support there is for the plan to build a Leisure Centre. They quote all sorts of “facts”, statistics and surveys to support their claim, many of which, to put it politely, do not bear close scrutiny. For example:
We have a mandate to do this: False. Clr Campbell Jones and his supporters were elected on a vague promise to build a Leisure Centre; but they did not tell electors how they planned to fund it. They had no mandate to sell off publicly owned land.
The Community supports the project: False. The surveys Clr Campbell Jones quotes were all taken before he and his supporters unveiled their scheme to cut up and sell off publicly owned pools, parks, reserves and other Community green spaces.
When they did, the Community reacted in outrage – sure, a Leisure Centre might be a good idea, but not at that cost! As Council’s own website confirms, an avalanche of written objections poured in; its series of official Community consultations produced a massive 94% “NO” vote against the proposal, and public Council meetings were packed with hundreds of angry residents objecting to the whole idea. Thousands of signatures on widely circulated petitions also expressed total rejection of the sale of publicly owned green spaces. Clr Campbell-Jones ignores these statistics!
The Community has been fully consulted: False. By the use of a legal nicety, the faction pushing to sell off public land to fund the Leisure Centre have avoided holding Community consultations on almost half of the twenty properties currently listed to be sold. There is no reason to believe that the 94% rejection rate for the other properties would have been any different in these cases.
No Reserves are on the list of properties to be sold: False. Stunned by the public backlash, Clr Campbell Jones and his supporters removed all public parks from the list; but of the twenty properties currently proposed to be sold, fully one third are designated Reserves. Read the list!
We will abide by the results of the Leisure Centre Poll: The Poll is not legally binding. Read the fine print of the poll questions - if the result goes against the Leisure Centre, determined Councillors, whilst abiding by the letter of their promise, can still go ahead and sell off the land for any other purpose they wish! Clr Malcolm Murray states in his campaign literature that “Council needs to realise some of its real estate assets to assist in funding the Leisure Centre and other infrastructure programs”.
Don’t fall for the old pea and thimble trick. On September 13th vote “NO & NO” for the Leisure Centre Poll – and don’t vote at all for any groups trying to persuade you to vote “YES”.
The online petition against the sale of public land to fund the Leisure Centre on:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/wingecarribee-shire.html

is currently running three times as many signatures as the Our Leisure Centre petition. Please ask your friends to keep signing - different family members can vote separately if they have their own email account.

Sincerely,
Cam Ford

PLEASE FORWARD THIS ON TO OTHER CONCERNED RESIDENTS.MOSS VALE ACTION GROUP 42 Valetta St.,Moss Vale, NSW 2577(02)4868 2378

Don't play dice with our future

VOTE for LARRY WHIPPER'S TEAM FOR PEOPLE POWER.

And make Your Vote Count.

Dear Friends,

Elections are very close indeed. At the moment we are distributing people Power brochures and policy materials to try and raise awareness in the community.

There is a big decision to be made on the 13th of September.

"What do you want this shire to be like in the future" What lifestyle do you want for your children". What type on environment will we leave for future generations". these are only some of the very important questions that need to be asked when considering your vote.

Are you prepared to sell our greenspaces? Are you prepared to steal the future from you kids and their kids? How do we return Power to the People? I believe that it is only through considering carefully and voting for those who have vision and empathy and a strong social conscience that we can honestly maintain our collective integrity.

I believe that a no: 1 VOTE FOR LARRY WHIPPER'S PEOPLE POWER TEAM is the best way to ensure that community integrity.

We now have car bumper stickers and would invite you to contact us so that we can arrange to deliver some to you. The Stickers will get our message out in to the community and inspire like minded people to take an active part in local democracy.

Also please remember that Pre -Poll starts on Monday at Moss Vale Civic Centre and the following Monday at Mittagong.

Warm regards and thanks to all of you who continue to help and support us.

Larry

Music idea talks to young people.

Media Release

Music idea talks to young people.

Clr Larry Whipper shares in the frustrations of our young people and continues to put his support behind calls for more focus on youth initiatives! “Council are now in a very strong position to harness the considerable abilities of young people in the shire”. Larry said. For many years I have been supportive of and advocated for young people.

As a foundation member of The Wingecarribee Community Foundation, I have supported initiatives like Joynt Youth action. Mad Youth, Youth Radio and of course Council’s Youth Voice Committee and Youth Council. It is good to see young Travis Holland as a foundation member of MAD Youth continuing to work for the youth of the Shire as well.

Over many years of youth involvement in my work and on Council I have seen the benefits of having a specific Youth Liaison Officer (YLO). “As an adolescent support worker myself, I know that young people benefit enormously by the assistance of a dedicated officer to assist them in gaining autonomy experience and acceptance within the community” Larry said.

“Now that we have a YLO on board and our Youth Council is gaining a stronger footing within the process of Council and the community, I see some very real opportunities to develop projects and build upon these foundations”. To succeed, we need to work together; it is all about people power, according to Larry.

“I have long advocated for a Youth Café and or Centre in the Central Business District of the Shire. Unfortunately these proposals have never been fully explored or supported by the Council or the Chambers of Commerce. “I think this is due to the fear factor, Larry said. The time has come however to empower young people, and give them a chance to show that they have the skills and responsibility to make such a venture a success. We can no longer ignore the fact that young people are a part of our community and as such they have rights and responsibilities!

I will also be pushing to have a dedicated youth band practice space/ café established for the use of all genres of music. There is an amazing amount of local youth talent in the Shire. The sad thing is that young musicians are not getting a chance to showcase these talents. We talk about giving young people something to do, I believe that such a venue will not only provide an opportunity for young musicians and artists to exhibit their talents, but also provide an opportunity for other young people to experience live music and become involved as well!

I look forward to bringing these ideas to Council soon and also gaining the support of not only council on this initiative, but also local businesses leaders and service clubs. I see this as a real investment in our local youth. Music is a universal language. Let’s start talking!

alternate leisure centre

Media Release


Larry Whipper’s People Power Team, has raised serious concerns about some of the irresponsible claims being made by the newly formed Our Leisure Centre Group.

“This is a group of people who appear to be making some very big promises without the means or the authority to do so”, Clr Larry Whipper said. “Rather than assist the cause of the Leisure Centre, I believe that this well meaning group could actually distort the results of the poll and as such destroy the credibility of the process!”

The People Power Team will give an undertaking to revisit the Bowral Pool site as a real option for a covered, all season swimming facility. We will also look at providing realistic and cost effective ancillary activities, such as family friendly facilities for children. A gym will not be viable in any way and would be in direct competition with private business.


It is blatantly clear that the campaign by this new group is nothing more than a politically motivated attempt to make promises about a leisure centre that we cannot afford and which is not located for maximum use by the whole community.

I am seriously concerned about these promises being made by the group. I am, particularly worried about some of the un-costed and deceptive stage two promises made people who will have no accountability at all.

When will these people get the message that we all want a covered swimming facility, but we cannot afford it. The Larry Whipper Team offers a very real alternative. One, which can maintain the Bowral Pool, site and provide an all year swimming facility.

I am tired of the Prophets of Doom saying that we can’t build a covered swimming centre on the Bowral Pool site, while they are intent on selling of other public assts to meet their own needs - at the expense of all ratepayers!

If you are serious about an all weather swimming facility, give up the idea of a leisure Centre in Eridge Park. This will put ever increasing pressure on ratepayer’s resources. Support the realistic concept that the People Power team will pursue. Come on enough talk, let’s get on with it.


Authorised and written by Larry Whipper, PO Box 141, Robertson, 2577.

WHIPPER FOR PEOPLE POWER

“Clr Larry Whipper believes that his People Power Team are the best hope for the people of the Southern Highlands at the council elections this September. The team is diverse and representative of the aspirations of this unique community”. Larry said

“After 9 years, Community Action is still my motivation, and I will continue to advocate for all interest groups to be heard, without fear or favour! I am uncomfortable with the move away from the traditional role of local government, which has been thrust upon the community by certain interest groups on the current Council. I am worried that the demise of numerous Council Committees has also alienated the community view and feel this needs to be corrected”. From my experience at many levels of advocacy in the private and public sectors, I am convinced that People Power is the only way to make change or protect values. This belief is reflected now in our team name”

“I am concerned about the land sales debacle, the apparent deafness to the voice of the community and Councils journey into the Entrepreneurial world, of high risk.

I believe we should get back to basics and that after all we are public servants, not Commodities Brokers or Real estate Agents!

I have gained a lot of experience since serving in the role of Councillor since 1999and have continued to remain true to the basic philosophy of listening to and acting for the Community, Clr Whipper said.

I unashamedly believe in Community involvement in the local government process. I believe in People, I believe in the Environmnet, Social Justice, Small Business, Responsible Fiscal Management, Youth, Community Services and Culture and these things will continue to be a part of my local agenda for People Power!

Among my most satisfying achievements have been the protection and enhancement of the local environment. As one of the instigators of the Environment Levy, and Chair of the Environment Committee since 2000, I have seen the generosity and concern of residents of the Wingecarribee Shire invest about 5 million Dollars into our local environment. This has included 135 rehabilitation projects, 52 incentive projects on Private land (which equates to around 273 hectares of privately owned endangered ecological community), the removal of around 2.4 million weeds. The levy has attracted over 1 million dollars in grant funding and local volunteers have contributed an estimated 5350 hours to the community as well.

Other significant achievements have been establishing the Companion Animals Committee and the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. I am proud to continue to advocate for these often-neglected responsibilities of Council and to see the Aboriginal Flag proudly flying along side the Australian flag at Council.

Let's rethink development assault.

Clr Larry Whipper again reinforced resident concerns about the saturation of SEPP5 and Senior Living Developments in the area. “It getting to the point” as Crosby Stills Nash and Young sang, “ I can’t take any more, I must cry out loud”! Clr Whipper said.

“This is not about good planning, this is not about strengthening community. This is about some developers taking advantage of State Legislation to get maximum bang from their investment buck”! Since I came to Council in 1999, I have continually raised concerns about this exploited legislation:

At almost every occasion when these came in, I asked, what about the infrastructure strain. How can our Hospitals and Medical Services cope”? The answer was, there is nothing we can do about it! “ I believe there is, I believe we can refuse the development approvals. In the last Council, there are even now Councillors who are reluctant to go to Court on these matters, saying it is a waste of money. Ironically, some of these same Councilors don’t seem to have a problem wasting money in other areas of Council finances”? Clr Whipper said.

I believe that there are currently around 600 SEPP5 and Seniors Living units, which have been approved in the Shire. This is without OLSH and Neerim. It is getting to out of hand. The reality is that these new units are largely catering for new people coming into the shire. This unfortunately continues to bring medical and other forms of local infrastructure to breaking point”!

Occasionally we get promises that these development will provide medical care for residents, but we never see these eventuate and residents are forced to increase the strain on the existing services which we know are also inadequate.
As an example Council recently received an application for Neerim for subdivision to allow I House per I acre on the site, after taking the application in good faith, we now have an application for a Seniors Living Development for 62 units.

This is all the more disappointing knowing that the Wollongong Diocese of the Catholic Church reneged on their undertaking to build a High Scholl on the OLSH site in return for a rezoning!

People have accused me of being anti development in the past. Wrong, I am opposed to inappropriate developments, which continue to stain the beauty of this shire, put our environment at risk and tears our infrastructure apart.

If we are going to have development, it is our responsibility to ensure that we get it right. That we can cope with it and that we as a community do not pick up the Social infrastructure costs for the developer.

Enough is enough! Lets rethink the way we are developing this shire. Lets try to start focus on families and young peoples needs. Lets seek at least a moratorium on Seniors Living Developments.

Council to consider Transition Town.

Clr Larry Whipper put his support behind the Transition Town Concept today.
“ This is another great local initiative by CANWin. They are definitely setting the benchmark and I will be putting my full support behind them in the endevours to bring a sustainability focus into the shire”. In fact I was one of the first to sign up!

“I agree with Peter Lachnewinsky and others completely”, Larry Said. I have been on both the Local Agenda 21 Committee and more recently the Sustainability Committee of Council. We (Council) have made some gains, but real change as we know, always starts within the community. An in touch Council and/or government should respond accordingly!

“Sadly our Council has gone backwards in some respects. Rather than involving the community it has dismantled a number of community committees, thus preventing true representation and and input from local people. Of course I opposed such a move, and will continue to fight hard to reinstate these committees and include the people of the Shire in local government”.

"One of my commitments is to push to reinstate the Sustainability Committee and resolve to form a local partnership with CANWin. This way those with the passion, enthusiasm and expertise can continue to present community initiatives to Council, who would ideally support these with monetary assistance and advocacy”.

"In this age of diminishing natural resources, global over population and warming, I believe in the concept of local garden, food co-ops and a more realistic and community based approach to find and implement local solutions to lessen our impact upon our planet and to reduce our insensitive destruction and consumption of our children’s future"!

"It seems that CANWin believe the same. Lets get on with it. The Transition Town idea will be one of the first things that I will take to the New Council. Lets hope that they will be enlightened enough to see the benefits of such a concept. I will be moving a motion at the Council meeting on the 23rd of July. Hopefully this motion will be supported by Councillors and we will meet with CANWin soon to discuss ways that Council can assist with the process of Transition Town", Larry said

Community Action Name Change and People Power Launch.

Larry Whipper announced his new team at the Briars on Saturday, 12th of July 2008 at an official launch which was hosted by Actor Michael Caton.

The team is now known as LARRY WHIPPER'S TEAM for PEOPLE POWER and they are determined to put local government back into the hands of the people and take it away from those who have puhed their own pet agenda's and self interests!


The Larry Whipper’s team for People Power kicked off their campaign at the Briars on Saturday night, the 12th of July 2008. “ The night was an outstanding success,” Larry said. Actor Michael Caton who hosted the evening spoke about the important role that Local government play. “Unlike other levels of government, it is in direct contact with the people” he said. Michael also spoke about how people are becoming more and more disillusioned by the major political parties and the turmoil, which they create.

"True independents are the only way to get the message and concerns of the community to the table. Larry Whipper’s team, for people Power, has shown that they are a group of independents that are more than capable of delivering the good’s. You all live in such a special place People Power is from my experience, the only way to protect the things you value”! Michael said

Peter Smyth, spoke about the need to look after the communities money and transparency. Lyndall highlighted the need for a focus on sustainability and sound environmental management. Alex McCaffrey highlighted the need to look after our open spaces and the quality of life for young families and children. Jan Hainke, a tireless volunteer for the community and the environment, spoke about the value of volunteering and of her respect for Larry Whipper’s values. “ I would not even consider throwing my hat in the ring with any one else” Jan said!

Larry reiterated the need to return local government to the people. “ The policies of the Larry Whipper’s team for people Power are first and foremost to involve residents, young and old in the process of local government. It should be inclusive and not exclusive “ Larry said.

We will give an undertaking to be socially just, we will look after ratepayers money, we will be accountable and we will be eco-friendly” Larry said. "As a team of individuals, the thread that joins us is our sincere need to protect the specialness of the Southern Highlands, nothing more and nothing less!” This message was reiterated by all the People Power Team members.

The entertainment on the evening was provided by Louise Bell, Phito, Shayna Stewart, Bob McGuiness, Gary Hastie, Dave Debs, PJ, Karen Ashworth and Shacapella and provided a very ambient and energetic backdrop for the evenings celebrations, symbolizing the union of people and power, which was a fitting environment for Larry Whipper’s Team for people Power to be introduced.

Jan Hainke completes the line up.

Clr Larry Whipper proudly announced Jan Hainke as the 5th and final member of the newly launched People Power Team today. “Jan brings an enormous amount of community mindedness to the team” Larry said.” I have known and respected Jan for many years. Her volunteering efforts are almost legendary. She has contributed countless hours of service to Environmental and Social issues in the Wingecarribee Shire”.

Jan, who is a retired Occupational Therapist and Riding instructor, has been a full time resident of the Shire for 15 years and a ratepayer for 25 years.
Her son was educated at Chevalier College. She lives with her husband Len on a small rural property at Sutton Forest and has two adult children, both currently residing in London. “Jan has worked professionally with the aged and holds a TAFE certificate in Conservation and Land Management.
Jan continues to live her principles and is active in conserving and rehabilitating native vegetation on her property and is also does voluntary work in Bushcare and Landcare.”

“Jan’s dedication and Community involvement through HedgeWise, Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group, National Parks Association, REPS, CANWin, the Exeter Fayre Committee, co-ordinator Exeter Centenary of Federation Trees, Moss Vale Community Garden, WSC Community Nursery and Permaculture are an indication of the importance that Jan attaches to Community Action. Her networks bring her into touch with many grass roots issues in the Shire and her expertise and ongoing role as a Council observer have given her good insight into the process of Council”. She has more than served her apprentiship”, Larry said.

Jan’s philosophy of trying to Involving the general community in local issues and activities and her desire to see Council becoming more sustainable by using, and maintaining natural resources more wisely, is a common theme among team members.

Jan also believes that careful development does not mean no development, but rather wise development, knowing that all levels of society need to find a point of balance. She recognises that the “Englishness” of the Southern Highlands is a great attraction for tourists and many residents, but that we live in Australia and many people love the Australian qualities, which we are losing. This affects our wildlife and biodiversity, which are under great threat even at our local level. The challenge for us all is to maintain both and not to become a suburb of Sydney!
Jan is a welcome addition to the team. I believe she shares our vision for the Shire and supports issues such as considering the zoning of prime agricultural land in perpetuity, local saleyards, lobbying for more affordable housing opportunities, and looking at opportunities for local sustainable farming, an expansion of bike tracks and lobbying for improved public transport. It is clear that the Larry Whipper’s people Power Team have a wealth of Social, Financial, Cultural, Environmental and Local Government experience, which I know will continue to represent the community’s needs and maintain the quality of life for residents of our Shire". Larry said.

Alex McCaffrey joins the team.

Clr Larry Whipper today announced Alex McCaffrey as the 4th member of his Community Action Team. “At 34 years of age, Alex brings energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the already impressive mix of talents on the team.”

Alex has lived in the Southern Highlands for many years and is a resident of the family orientated area of East Bowral. She is the proud mother of 3 young children aged, 6, 8 and 10 years. Her eldest son attends Tudor House, and Alex’s two younger children attend Bowral Public.

Alex graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Legal Studies. She has also worked in the areas of social justice and community rehabilitation assisting people to reintegrate back into the community. Alex is now employed in the welfare sector and is currently employed at Community Links Wollondilly as a Brighter Futures Caseworker – working with families who have children aged 0 – 8. Alex also works at the Southern Highlands Youth Accommodation Service in Bowral, as a Youth Worker.

“I am impressed by Alex’s’ political insights and community sincerity”, Larry said “Her involvement within the Wingecarribee shire, including membership of the Bowral Public Parents and Citizens Committee, the Parents and Friends Committee at Tudor House and her connection with the Mittagong Soccer Club and the Southern Highland Hawks AFL give an indication of the community insights and understanding that she can bring to the table at Council”.

“Alex’s’ passion for the Southern Highlands, particularly her desire to maintain a social, psychological and healthy lifestyle for families and to protect open spaces and provide a safe environment for children to live and play, fits the Community Action ethos perfectly. Her strong desire to advocate for the needs of women and for providing opportunities to youth, also reinforces the core values of of our policies and what I believe to be the will of the people of the Shire as well”! Larry said.

Community Action Launch

Friends,

On the 12th of July, the Community Action team will be holding our launch at the Briars. This will be an opportunity to meet the team and to have a good time as well. A limited number of seats have now become available. This event is also Community Action's major fundraiser. As we are a group of individuals with no political party affiliations, we do not have the party machine behind us. Nor do we have any major benefactors to fund our campaign.

We believe in grassroots representation which "represents" without fear or favour and does not owe anything to self interest groups or individuals for survival. We believe in Local Government that represent on conscience not on "obligastion". Because of this there is a need to organise a fundraiser to meet campaign expenses.

A big thank you to all of you who have already purchased tickets.

I have included the program for the evening. Actor Michael Caton, will be the MC for the evening. If you are interested or know anybody who would like to join us for this evening of good food, good entertainment, good company and good politics, please contact me to secure a place.
laza53@aapt.net.au
Regards,
Larry

COMMUNITY ACTION LAUNCH

Date : Saturday July 12th
Time 7pm
Place,: Briars Function Centre , Moss Vale RD.
Cost; $100 per person.
What's on : ( or the bang for your buck)
MC. For the evening, Actor Michael Caton
Musical contributions by:
Shacapella choir
Louise Bell : Harp, vocals
Helen Archer : vocals
Shayna Stewart : Guitar & vocals
Bob Mclnnes : fiddle
Gary Hastie : Percussion& vocals
Dave Debs : Guitar & vocals
PJ. Drum & vocals
Champagne & beer on arrival
Two white wines, two red wines Per table
Choice of two Main courses
Choice of two desserts
Tea & coffee
There will be a bar open for any purchases you wish above &
Beyond beverages supplied as above.
* There will also be an auction offering treasures from the rare to the
Ridiculous.

residents of Sutton Forest. To be included in decision making process

Larry's recission motion was successfully moved at last Wednesdays meeting. This will allow residents of Sutton Forest to be heard and hopefully be able to negotiate a more acceptable development which is more in keeping with the village ambience.

Check out the minutes from the 25th of June, for more information.

http://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/files/5410/File/2008-06-25_Minutes.pdf

Lyndall McGrath. Brings Environmental Expertise to Team.

Clr Larry Whipper has welcomed Lyndall McGrath as a new member of his Community Action team.

“Lyndall has a wealth of environmental expertise which I sincerely believe will be of enormous benefit to our Community. She graduated from Wollongong University in 1988 after achieving a Bachelors of Environmental Science. She has also worked as an Environmental Consultant and produced environmental Impact Statements environmental monitoring and construction projects for the RTA; State Rail and the Electricity Commission

Her work with the RTA and the SRA involved a large amount of community consultation and state and local government liaison, giving her a valuable insight into the processes of both of these tiers of government. As well as sitting on a number of planning committees, dealing with sensitive environmental and heritage issues Lyndall has also undertaken number of social, economic and environmental assessments to ensure the environmental integrity of many large scale projects such as the M5 Motorway. She has also been a member of the Jenolan Caves Historical and Preservation Society (JCHAPS) since the early 1980’s.

Lyndall moved permanently into the Wingecarribee Shire over 7 years ago,. A major attraction was due to the cohesive community within the Wingecarribee Shire, the unique environment – both ecological and social, and it being a safe place to raise children.

Clr Whipper said that Lyndall’s environmental credentials, her concern about the lack of foresight displayed by recent planning decisions, the untapped potential of tourism opportunities and the lack of basic infrastructure maintenance to meet the needs of both retirees and young families, have struck a common chord with the values promoted by the Community Action philosophy. Being a full time mother of two children 6 and 10, and being involved in various school activities including the coaching of the basketball team, she is acutely aware of the needs of families in the shire.

I am happy to have Lyndall stand at number three on the Community Action ticket and thank her for her dedication and her desire to maintain the special values of the shire which we all know and love. Lyndall’s contribution adds significantly to the diverse skills and experience already present on the team and I am sure she will serve the people of the Shire with enormous commitment and passion.

Peter Smyth. Joins Community Action.

Clr Larry Whipper recently announced that he has invited local Businessman Peter Smyth to stand on his Community Action Ticket.

It has always been my philosophy to bring the many and diverse representations of the Wingecarribee Community on to the table at Council. One of my concerns is; the voice of many people in the community who have been increasingly stifled and ignored. The abolishment of many Council Committees is a testimony to the inability of this Council to acknowledge and welcome the direct contribution of residents in the decision-making process.

It is my intention to do my utmost to ensure that the community regains some control over the direction of council and to feel that they are being consulted and valued. It is therefore essential to have the right people with a diverse interest on Council. It is equally important that within that diversity, there is a unity of purpose, to provide a true representative government. The commitment to financial responsibility and accountability, with a serious ecological sensitivity policy should be the main priorities.

The catch cry at the last election was “Its time for change”. I believe, that promise has not been fulfilled. On the contrary, there is a substantial reduction of confidence in the community with Council resolutions. In fact, many of Council’s decisions have put our overall lifestyle at threat. In short, I believe the community has been “short changed”. It is my intention to get it right and to return to basics, rather than gamble the future of this Shire on Entrepreneurial uncertainty.

We will be promoting Community, Action. It’s NOW OR NEVER! And I am now gathering a team of people with many representative skills. I believe, we will cover all aspects of life and concern in the Shire to redress the departure from grass roots representation.

There is no doubt in my mind that there is real concern and suspicion in the mind of the community surrounding Council foray into the world of quick profits and big risks, while forgetting about the people.

Peter will bring a great amount of talent to Council.

Peter’s expertise, in financial management, with an eye for fiscal accountability, plus his concerns about the community “being kept in the dark” for too long, are his key strengths. Peter’s qualities will bring a new perspective and be a welcome addition to Larry Whipper’s Community Action Team. They are also qualities that I know will benefit Council and the Community enormously.

Peter and his wife Amanda have four children and live in the district. They employ people within the Wingecarribee Shire and run together a group of International Import/Export Companies. Peter brings a vast knowledge in Business Management Systems and will bring a new dimension to the Whipper Team. It needs to be noted that the businesses, Peter owns and operates have been born from the ground up. The challenges and processes have given Peter a wealth of experience. Peter is definitely a people person and we are immensely proud to stand a candidate with his financial and back to basics approach.
Welcome to the team Peter


Its NOW OR NEVER!!!

Borefield Not to Proceed

A call today confirmed that the Kangaloon Borefield will not be proceeding.

I believe there will be a story in Fridays Southern Highland News. This move by the State Government should not come as any suprise , particularly given that the De-Sal plant has been approved. I have always thought that the political imperative would subside after the election and when the De- Sal came on line. Sad thing is that around 2 million dollars have been spent on the project to date. Congratulations on a job well done by the local community, particularly by the Upper Nepean Groundwater Community Reference Group (UNGCRG), Council and the Save Water Alliance. Particular thanks to Leon Hall, Karen Guymer, Denis Wilson and Bernard Eddy.

History to be Bulldozed

Hi All.

I have added a copy of a recent media release about the proposed development of the OLSH site by Australand proposal below:

There will also be a meeting conducted by Council Staff at 6.30pm tomorrow evening , Monday the 16th of June at 6.30 pm in the Wilson Room at Craigeburn. This meeting will be followed by an update by the Developers, Australand at 8.00pm.

Local History to be demolished.

Clr Larry Whipper raised concerns today about the proposal for a retirement and wellness centre on the OLSH site. At a recent meeting, which was attended by around 40 people, he listened to the numerous concerns, which were raised by those who would be directly affected by the development.

“ It is quite clear that this development will change the amenity of the area forever Clr Whipper said. I also support the residents in their fear that this may be a precedent that will see other similar Seniors Living developments eroding the residential integrity of the neighbourhood, devaluing property prices and compromising the existing lifestyle of many people”.

From my reading I feel that it is becoming increasingly more evident that there is a growing opposition to the proposal in its current form.

Issues such as Traffic, infrastructure, environmental, social and amenity impacts are very real in the minds of members of the community. There are also concerns about the demolition of these buildings and possible geotechnical issues, which may affect neighbours properties as well.

“I support the neighbour’s calls for restraint and will call upon Council to refuse any separate application to demolish the buildings until such time as a final application is submitted and approved. With further negotiations there may be an opportunity for an alternate concept to gain some support from neighbours” Clr Whipper said.

I sympathize completely with the neighbours concerns, particularly given their long experience relating to the previous application and commitment by the Church to build a new School on the site, in return for a rezoning by Council. I find it sad to see the history OLSH now, standing at the point of obliteration and to acknowledge the changing character, not only of the Centennial Rd and Mount Rd area, but also the rapidly changing values of our society.

“Our Shire is crying out for a new School and with the OLSH about face and the debacle with Steiner School now being sacrificed for their development potential rather than their cultural, spiritual and social potential, it seems to indicate a society which is losing its way. If you ask me are gated seniors communities a good idea, I would say that I believe good planning should be integrative and should not segregate or divide our community! Ultimately its up to the community to make up their mind as to what they want the future of this Shire to be, hopefully it is not too late? My belief is it is Now or Never”!

Does this mean no one needs to pay their debts?

Check out Councils report on CJ Recyclers outstanding Debt on pages 56, 57 and the unbelievable recommendation of page 58.

http://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/files/5303/File/2008-05-28_Agenda.pdf

Why has this been swept under the carpet for 6 years? Who wants it to disappear and why?

Do you believe in Community Action.If so can you help?

For Larry Whipper and Community Action

OUR LIFESTYLE – IT’S NOW OR NEVER!

Yes, I do want to help sustain our unique environment and lifestyle within the Wingecarribee Shire!

NAME………………………………………………………………………

ADDRESS………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………

POSTCODE……………………PHONE……………………......……….

EMAIL……………………………………………………………………..

I can help with:

Letterboxing 
Door Knocking 
Polling Booth 
Campaign Co-ordination/Media 
Providing Equipment 
Stationery/Printing 
Contributing Funds 
Providing Fence For Posters 
For further information, contact Larry Whipper:

PHONE: 4885 1695 FAX: 4885 2099 EMAIL: laza53@aapt.com.au

WEBSITE: http://communityactionwingecarribee.blogspot.com/

call to abandon the kangaloon borefields

Upper Nepean Groundwater Community Reference Group (UNGCRG) member Larry Whipper has joined calls for the State Government to abandon the Kangaloon borefield project.
Cr Whipper, chairman of Wingecarribee Shire Council’s environment committee, said in light of uncertainty about the environmental effects of the borefield, the State Government should take a cautionary approach.
“If we have learnt anything from our ongoing exploitation of the environment, it is that once environmental damage occurs, it takes many lifetimes to repair, if at all,” he said.
Cr Whipper said the Economically Sustainable Development (ESD) Act dictated that where there is no scientific evidence that a project is safe beyond all doubt and will have no detrimental effect on the environment, the work should not proceed.
“The UNGCRG and Council also endorse this principle and as such are calling for the Minister to refuse the application,” he said.
Cr Whipper said even after receiving information as a member of the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Board, councillor and UNGCRG member, he still believed the Kangaloon borefield plan did not stack up.
For the full story see the Southen Highland News, Monday, May 19

http://bowral.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/whipper-calls-to-abandon-borefield/772233.aspx

Whipper says LEP has lost the plot. SHN. 5.5.08

Media Release


During a 3-hour meeting, which was attended by around 250 people, the LEP was amended and debated by Councillors. Clr Larry Whipper expressed concerns about the way the process was being presented; he raised concerns that the document was packed with information that was difficult to debate in any meaningful detail.

Clr Whipper pointed out that he “ has been approached by many people in the community who have raised a number of questions about individual parcels of land and also the basic philosophy of the document. Like those people, I have some concerns about the fact that we seem to have lost the basic vision of the 2002 LEP”.

Unlike this version of the LEP, which almost completely constructed the previous draft almost completely influenced by the residents of the Shire from the ground up, by way of workshops which identified common themes and visions, which then became the basis for the future planning of the shire. Sadly the majority of current Councillors obviously did not share that vision.

My greatest concern for the current LEP is that there appears to be a lack of real protection for environment, it also appears to be light on Social infrastructure, like affordable youth friendly venues and activities. It appears due to the rigidity and generic nature of the planning templates, provided by the government does not allow appropriate environmental protections in place. It does not provide for innovative and sustainable development opportunities, nor does it utilize or expand on the advantages of promoting eco friendly business and development parks.

Clr Whipper also cited the push to get Wensleydale and Gibbergunyah back onto the agendas as highlighting the lack of vision or understanding about sustainable development shown by some Councillors. “ I am also worried that in spite of the Communities insistence that we retain our uniqueness as a shire, there are areas of the LEP that continually provide threats to the character of the Wingecarribee Shire”.

“In fact some of the clutter housing that has evolved incrementally overtime resembles the outer suburbs of Sydney rather than the tranquil Southern Highlands, citing the Big Box retailing establishments and the increasing numbers of traffic lights in the Shire as indicators that we are losing the plot, in terms of retaining the principles aesthetically pleasing and sustainable development and place based planning in our push”. I believe our real future lays in our ability to promote and sustain local business and sustainable housing opportunities that reflect our shared vision for the shire, while protecting our environment, cultural landscape and social conscience.

“I am glad to see the community taking such a strong and determined interest in the future of this shire, as expressed by the numbers at the last two public Council meetings”. Clr Whipper said. I trust we can harness this enthusiasm and that the LEP when it is finalised truly reflects the expectations and visions of the whole shire rather than a few interest groups.

RECISSION ON LAND RECLASSIFICATIONS

HI All.

I WILL BE SUBMITTING A RESCISSION MOTION AT WEDNESDAYS MEETING ASKING THAT THE DECISION TO CONTINUE WITH THE LAND RECLASSIFICATION'S ARE RE VOTED.

A FOLLOW UP MOTION IF SUCCESSFUL WILL BE TO PUT ALL LAND RECLASSIFICATION'S AND SALES ON HOLD UNTIL AFTER THE POLL IN SEPTEMBER.

IT MAY COME DOWN TO THE MAYORS CASTING VOTE. SOMETHING THAT HE DOES NOT WANT IN THIS INSTANCE. WILL HE BE REMEMBERED AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE AS THE ONE WHO FLOGGED OF OUR LAND? A BIT OF LOBBYING PRESSURE ON COUNCILLORS MAY BE TIMELY.

Who is holding the Hot Potato

I am told that the lead story in "Your Times" tomorrow will focus on the $24,000 outstanding debt that is owed to Council by CJ Recyclers.

Some questions we may need to ask are: Why are Mum, Dad's, Seniors and Pensioners hounded for outstanding council rates or debts, and in this instance a substantial debt of this nature allowed to go unchallenged??

Read about it in the "Your Times" tomorrow.

I am still awaiting more information on this matter as a result of a Question with Notice to Council on the 24th of April. More when it is to hand...

LEP to be re-exhibited.

Last nights meeting (Wednesday 30th of April) to consider the Wingecarribee LEP was a little bit clumsy. I was concerned about the way that the LEP was presented as a whole, with very little opportunity to bring out concerns and questions on specific items. the Mayor did try and facilitate opportunities, but the document and process of dealing with it was awkward and confusing.

I have had a good number of people actually raising concerns about missing bits and a lack of sustainability or visionary planning in the document. I am glad to say that the only comforting fact thing for me was the fact that we will ask the Dept of Planning for permission to re-exhibit. this will mean that you will now have the chance to put your thoughts on paper and make comment.

The 2002 LEP was one that in principle had a strategic vision, it promoted ecological principles and earmarked an eco enterprise zone for Moss Vale. this zone under the dictates of the entrepreneurs of council, soon became nothing more than an industrial zone.

There was a recommendation to bring Wensleydale back on the agenda, which I managed to move a motion against. This was successful. In the absence of Clr Yeo, who was on leave and Campbell-Jones who left the meeting early, the vote was tied at 5-5. the Mayor used his vote to carry my motion.

There was also an attempt by Clr Gair to bring Gibbergunyah back to the table, this was howled down, at least by the majority of Councillors.

Interesting to note that the election campaigns have now begun with a number of candidates putting their hands up. the Community Action Team is almost finalised and we will be making a public statement to that end shortly.

We are still looking for supporters to help with polling booths and other tasks in the lead up to election. i am thinking of having a meeting to discuss these issues and to introduce our team. wee would love to see you there. I would appreciate it if you could indicate your availability at least in principle. From there I will set a date. Please forward contact details of any body you may feel could be interested.

We cannot do this without your help. I am determined to "Keep Council Honest", particularly in the light of recent land re-classifications and other entrepreneurial ideas, by a group of Councillors who appear to have been putting their own agendas before the good of the wider community.

Southern Highland News.28.4.08

Council to investigate chamber head's debt
8:50AM Wingecarribee Shire Council will investigate whether it can recover a $24,0106 outstanding debt from Highlands Waste Services, a defunct company formerly run by Mittagong Chamber of Commerce president Charlie Johns. [more]

Letter to the Editor.Southern Highland news. 28.4.08

Dear Sir

Thanks Mac for your appraisal of the Extraordinary meeting on Wednesday the 16th of April (SHN 18.4.08). You certainly put an interesting spin on the proceedings of the evening. Like you, I was very impressed by the 400 plus residents who actually got themselves motivated enough to come along and voice their protest at the totally arrogant attitude of the majority of Councillors. The block must be an incredibly thick one, as even the pleas of 400 plus residents and rate payers could wear them down. So much for listening!

I voiced my contempt on the night at the blatant disregard of public sentiment shown by the now gang of seven. The point was continually missed by my fellow Councillors who were always determined to push ahead under a smokescreen of promises and public consultation to manipulate their own agenda.

I still cannot and will not believe that those Councillors who profess to be listening to the community, in all sincerity believe that they are acting in a fair and democratic way. Even though they would have the community believe that they will listen to the poll, I am afraid that the deal has been done. The ink has all but dried on the for sale signs.

Why was I continually goaded by Clr Malcolm Murray to commit myself to go along wit the Poll when he himself has so blatantly ignored and insulted the will and the intelligence of the community?

I did agree to abide by the result of the poll as Mac Cott pointed out, but this was conditional on the magnificent Seven showing the integrity and sincerity that comes along with their own commitment. In other words, my agreement was based on fair play, that is if they had agreed to be honourable and " taken no action in relation to the reclassification of the land" until after the polls.

They of course did not. I believe their sincerity was tested on the night and from where I sat, they failed the test. This may be because they had already made up their mind.

The deal is done. If not, they would have shown their sense democracy by holding back until the results of the poll were known, not thumbed their collective noses and continued with their double speak and attempts at patronising the crowd.

Mac, I think people know where I come from. I do not and have not ever sold this community out, nor will I try to deceive the people of the Wingecarribee, nor bamboozle them with platitudes and patronisation.

Also Mac, I would see a number of advantages in playing the popularist, rather than the unpoularist, particularly when you believe, like others, in what you are fighting for.

Faithfully yours,

Clr Larry Whipper

dont be like this!

Join us in our campaign to bring sanity back into the community decision making process. Don't believe that you cannot make a difference. You are the only thing that can.

If you have had enough of being ignored by Council. Consider supporting the Community Action Team. I will be calling a special meeting to seek support from those of you who care about the shire and want to see some commonsense and community minded local governance returned to the shire. Please email your expression of interest in attending an informal meeting via email and I will contact you closer to the time of the meeting and provide all the details.

Remember we are all in this together!

letter to the editor.

Dear Sir,

Re: Can we afford leisure centre? (SHN. 11.4.08). The simple answer is no ! The honest answer is no! And the responsible answer is of course no! Why then are we persisting?

I don't really think that any one would object to a leisure centre if we could in fact afford it. But given we can't why do some Councillors ignore this fact? Maybe the answer can be found in the election jargon of the "time for a change" team at the last election. What cannot be found in that jargon however, is the promise to sell your land or close public pools.

What can be found there in that election blurb, is a promise to listen to the people, not ignore the fact that around 90% of submissions to the LEP have been relating to and opposing the reclassification and sale of public land.

I think Mr Brewster in his letter to the editor makes some very pertinent Points and asks some very relevant questions. There will be an enormous maintenance cost accompanying this proposal as well. Nobody has spoken about that yet. How will we be able to pay for it? Even though no fault of our own, some Council investments have gone sour. Until recouped, we have to acknowledge the fact that there is an uncertainty surrounding council finances.

Don't be seduced into thinking your local pools will be safe from the eyes of our current Council Entrepreneurs (particularly if the same mind set prevails on your new council). It seems that anything that isn't tied down may be seen as collateral to fund pet projects.

It is still my belief that the construction of a leisure centre at this point in time, is an investment in financial loss. In the current economic climate of council, this will remain a drain on the resources and rates of the residents of this shire.

I believe that Councillors should to listen to the people who have entrusted them with their civic role, all the time, not just at election time! Remember there were a number of promises made at the last election. The sale of community, land was not one of them. The closure of public pools, was not one of them, nor was ignoring the community.

So it may now " Really be time for Change". Change back to a form of representation that favours the mums and dads, children, retirees and families of this shire. Time to focus on the bigger picture and Community over the personal pursuits and narrow vision of some whose actions do more to prop up the big end of town, than cater for the rest of us!

I for one have heard the message and will continue to fight not only to save your land, but to empower and save your future.

Faithfully yours.
Clr Larry Whipper.

Don't miss the line up on Wenesday the 16th of April

No it is not April Fools Day, Council are actually going to vote to reclassify and sell your public land. There is a motion being put forward by Clrs Malcolm Murray and Paul Tuddenham. I believe this to be directly in response to the public outcry on this matter. Of course they say it is because they are listening to the people! And maybe they are, but only to save their political necks. If we were not only 6 months out from an election, I do not think the community would be getting this concession!

Even with the concession there still remains around 20 blocks up for grabs, including Bowral Pool. There is also a proposal to sell the Old Sewage Treatment Plant site at Mittagong, which is behind the Big W.

Some say that the land sale proponents have devised a strategy to divide and conquer the opposition. I still believe that the community will oppose this fire sale mentality on principle. It is essential that we stand together. It is also important to remember that we are are not far out from an election. You must ask yourself "can I trust these Councillors, who are proposing and continuing to support the reclassification and sale of public land? What will they come up with as a money making strategy and entrepreneurial venture in the in the next term. And can the community afford it?"

I am proposing to move an amendment at the meeting. It will probably come after the land cited by the ruling junta has been given as a gift gift to the community and the 30 or so lots have been removed from the list. Having then proven that they ahve listened, you may then find that they again choose not to listen. The proof is always in the pudding. Lets see what eventuates. My amendment will be this:

1) That Council not proceed with the reclassification of any community land as identified in the LEP, including Bowral pool

2) That Council endorse the sale of the old STP site in Roscoe Street Mittagong.

3) That the proceeds of the sale be invested in the upgrading of Mittagong and Moss Vale Pools and the covering of Bowral Public pool to create an all year round swimming centre for the shire.

From the Whisper: Councils Newsletter.

Latest on land reclassification.

The Whisper
No. 544 Thursday 3rd April 2008
A weekly publication for Wingecarribee Shire Council staff

The next step with reclassification of community land
The residents have spoken, now it is the Councillors turn
Following the exhibition period of the Draft LEP Council will now conduct two extraordinary council
meetings in the Bowral Memorial Hall on Wednesday 16 and Wednesday 30 April commencing at
3.30pm. The first meeting will consider the reclassification of community land in the Local
Environmental Plan, while the 30th April meeting will consider the final endorsement of the LEP. The
Bowral Memorial Hall will to allow a greater number of
community members to observe the process, catering for 400
people, while the Civic Centre Chambers can legally cope with just
100. It is stressed that these will be formal special extraordinary
council meetings, so only councillors can debate the issues – that is
the procedure at extraordinary council meetings. Members of the
community have had their turn at all the public meetings and in
their submissions, but these meetings are for Councillors to have
their say and vote on the matters.
Parks proposed to be removed
from the reclassification list
A Notice of Motion will be considered at the extraordinary council
meeting on 16th April, proposing to remove thirteen parks and
seven properties from the reclassification list in the draft LEP.
Following the democratic and extensive public consultation
process undertaken by council, the notice of motion proposes to
remove the following parks and properties from the list;
Parks
Yeo Park in Yarrawa Street Moss Vale, Ritchie Park in Suttor
Road Moss Vale, Thwaites Park in Twickenham Place Moss
Vale, Broughton Park in Broughton Street Bundanoon, Acacia
Park Janice Crescent Moss Vale, Rotary Park in Old Bowral
Road Mittagong, Venables Park in Una Street Bowral, Apex
Park in Price Street Bowral, Westwood Park in Westwood Drive
and College Street Bowral, Henderson Park in Pine Street Moss
Vale, Waratah Park in Street Colo Vale, Waratah Park (Jasmine
Street) Colo Vale, Mineral Springs Reserve at Mittagong.
Properties
Soma Avenue in Bowral, Rytina Place in Moss Vale, Dyson Place in Moss Vale, Ben Nevis Circuit in
Bundanoon, Meryla Street in Robertson, Wilson Drive in Balmoral, Tulip Close in Bowral.
Land proposed to remain on the reclassification list
Provided the Notice of Motion is adopted at the extraordinary council meeting on 16th April, the
following land will remain on the reclassification list in the draft LEP.
Queen Street in Moss Vale, Argyle Street in Moss Vale, Mylora Street in Hill Top, Mylora Street in
Hill Top (2), Harold Street in Hill Top, Davy Street in Mittagong, Stanley Terrace in Moss Vale,
Woodbine Street in Bowral, East Kangaloon RFS site, Old Hume Highway in Berrima, Anembo Street
in Moss Vale, Drapers Road in Braemar, Lackey Road in Moss Vale, Cherry Tree Close in Moss Vale,
Bevan Place in Bowral, Oxley Hill Road in Bowral, Woodville Road in Moss Vale, Bowral Pool,
Oxley Street in Berrima, The old STP site in Roscoe Street Mittagong.

Borefield Environmental Assessment on Exhibition

The exhibition period for the Kangaloon borefield extractions has commenced. At this stage it is anticipated that it will be on exhibition from the 2nd April 2008 until the 5th of may 2008. I have included a few links for those of you who may be interested.

The community reference group are still opposed to the extraction and believe that given the Governments priority should be the de -sal plant, particularly given their commitment to the project. Of course the UNGCRG have always supported recycling, water efficiency and harvesting of stormwater as the first defence against Sydney's water crisis.

Council's Environment Committee along with Councillors will get a presentation from the SCA. We are also asking for an extension for the exhibition period. the UNGCRG w are preparing a submission. I will ask Council to support the stand of the reference group, as they have done in the past.

The EA is now available on the website of the Department of Planning http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/major_projects.asp under (Part 3A Major Developments - on exhibition)

As we now, it has been declared critical Infrastructure.

There are other documents on the project accessible through the link http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/06_0331.asp

Donna Sowry is the Public Relations person for the project. She is extremely helpful and available on the following email.

Donna.Sowry@sca.nsw.gov.au

The project overview is available on the following link.

http://www.sca.nsw.gov.au/dams-and-water/metropolitan-water-plan/groundwater-investigations-community-consultation

Beware of Nick's bearing Gifts.

Hi All,

It has been confirmed that Malcolm Murray will move a motion ( a possible vote getter) Nick who will not stand again, will second it. The motion will be to remove all parks from the for sale list. The Plan is to move to sell of the old sewerage treatment plant in Mittagong instead. Motion will be moved at the meeting of the 16th. Looks like Nick has been worn down. He did tell me a week or so ago that he was getting too tired to
tired to fight and would consider removing parks, but leaving
reserves. He must have thought further on the matter.

I , am very suspicious about this latest strategy. I have seen some councillors, still intent on getting their own way, manipulate public sentiment and, as Cam Ford from the Moss Vale Action Group has said, use this to divide and conquer!

My feeling is that the public land sale proponents are getting overwhelmed by what they call the noisy minority and are running scared. This strategy is designed to put up yet another smoke screen and confuse the community, while allowing them to continue to build the White Elephant that will still cost enormous amounts of rate payers monies in maintenance. It will not stop the sale of Bowral Pool, nor will it stop the possible closure of other pools to pay for the ongoing maintenance costs.

Nick indicated to me after the Stateline taping, that he was getting tired and would probably take the parks of the for sale list. He said we would have to sell the Mittagong sewerage site however. Question: are these his to sell??

Be very careful of Greeks bearing these type of gifts. I am trying to think of a significant amendment t raise at the meeting in an attempt to expose this move for what it is (i.e) a self interested strategy, rather than the response to public concern that the land sale proponents will try to push down every one's throats. Let me know if you have any ideas.

the earth says thank you

Last Wednesday evening Council unanimously voted (in the absence of Clr Jim Mauger) to go to the public with a model for our next application to the Minister for another 5 year Environment levy . The model accepted by Council, if supported by the community and subsequently the Minister, will raise $5,391,799.55, for ongoing restoration and maintenance of our Environment.

To date the WOFE (Wingecarribee Our Future Environment Levy) has been one of the very real success stories of this shire. It has engaged Community members, school children,private landholders and others within the shire in the protection and healing of our local area.

To get to the stage where this levy is seen as an important part of Councils operations has not been an easy task. It has been a long battle. One that many bushcare, landcare and others with the community have assisted me in.

It is exciting to see an awakening within the mind of Council on this matter. Of course we have a very long way to go, but it seems that we are starting to acknowledge honestly the value of our precious environment and the advantage of having a special rate to protect it.

As we continue to work with private landholders and help them to maintain valuable stand of native forest on their properties and to educate school children and assist those amazing volunteers who continue to selflessly do so much work for the benefit of our shire and future generations, we can do so in the knowledge that there is an increasing acceptance of environmental issues within Council.

It is my hope that this will continue to grow and that we will eventually be in a position to strike a special rate in perpetuity. The public consultation process will commence in a month or so. The application needs to go to the Minister sometime in June. Hopefully by July, we will be in to our third term of WOFE. This is an incredibly satisfying reality for me.

Please look out for the public consultation phase and encourage friends and supporters to give their written support to the Environment levy. there will be many more important environmental projects under way soon.

Thanks again to all of you for your practical and financial contribution to our natural environment in the Wingecarribee Shire. It wouldn't be the same without you.

Media Release: Water Charge.

Clr Larry Whipper has raised concerns about the possibility of Wingecarribee Shire Councils water utilities being subsumed by Sydney water. “ Such a move would disempower the local community and have very real financial implications for all local water users.

The government believes that many Local Water Utilities face constant challenges to plan and deliver reliable services, but this does not appear to be the case in the Wingecarribee.

For many years Council have been the local water Authority and although part of the Sydney water catchment have in effect had autonomy over water and sewer services. We have been very successful I this area, in fact, in 2006 Wingecarribee Council was actually voted as one of the top ten best sewerage award recipients. This was largely due to the very expert staff management of these utilities.

There is the belief among country councils that a change is inevitable and there has been talk of our Council possibly being forced to align with Goulburn-Mulwaree or the Shoalhaven.

“Obviously our Council has concerns, particularly when this will have such a financial impost upon Councils revenue and resources. We have a strong desire to remain a stand-alone water utility in one form or another. This sector of Council’s operation is indeed very viable at the moment”. Clr Whipper said.

Sydney waters charges are also predicted to rise substantially in the future, some believe that this will be needed to fund the proposed desalination plant to sure up Sydney’s water.

“I am afraid I have become very skeptical when our State Government start talking about water reforms of this nature. Some believe it is just another attempt to legitimize their pilfering of water from the Shoalhaven and the Wingecarribee”.

“This seems like another move to cripple local rural government utilities and rope them in even further in an attempt to make sure that Sydney’s and their own political survivals are shored up, even if this is at the expense of everybody else.

“Such a move could also put our local water resources at further risk, particularly when recent reforms are opening the way for water trading rights and the potential for water shares to become an even greater reality. Under the current state philosophy, I guess we cannot even write off the eventual privatization of these utilities as well”.

“Maybe this is could explain the growing interest in the water resources of the Southern Highlands”?

Council will further debate the subject on Wednesday night.

Keeping the "B's" honest

An Extraordinary Meeting of Council will be held on Wednesday 16 April 2008 to consider the Reclassification of Community land the meeting it will be in the Bowral Memorial Hall commencing at 3.30pm.

There will also be an Extraordinary Meeting of Council be held on Wednesday 30 April 2008 in the Bowral Memorial Hall commencing at 3.30pm to consider the final endorsement of the Local Environmental Plan.

These meeting are very important. The first (ie) 16th of April will be D day or decision day for the reclassifications. One of the "D" Block, is starting to show signs that he is under mounting pressure. He told me the other night that he may consider taking the parks off the reclassification list. This will as he said still leave the reserves in jeopardy.

I have heard that some are trying to seek legal advice, with an aim to mount a possible challenge. I haven't had confirmation of this as yet.

There was a strong turn out last week for the taping of a piece fro Stateline. People gathered at the Bowral Pool and westwood Park as well. The piece is scheduled to air on ABC, Friday March 28, at 7.30pm.

Please help stop the rifle range at hilltop.

From: Julie Cook
Date: 19/03/2008 6:01:58 PM
To: No Gun Club
Subject: Exhiition of State Proposal


Dear All,

Here is a submission letter for you to sign and send or drop into the boxat the shop. Please forward this letter to all your friends so we get the word out about this outrageous proposal. adding your own comments on the back or a separate sheet is very important too.

Council is supporting our group to oppose the State proposal and we will meet with them again next week to inform their submission. Our consultants and lawyers are forming up a substantial submission for HTRAG and have found all EA reports from DoS to be grossly inadequate and unable to be considered by the Minister - so this will stop in its tracks for some time (if not for good which is our aim). Community input from individuals is very important.

Media is starting this week to bring this proposal and the existing contamination and fauna issues and dodgy public consultation and planning processes into the public arena - SMH next Wednesday is taking it on so keep your eyes open - letters to the editor and talk back radio are all good - Alan Jones etc. This needs to be loud.

Here is the link to theDoS reports again http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/major_projects.asp (ensure you are in the Exhibitions page and click the "3a projects" button the left -) scroll down or search "shooting"

If you have any specific comments about any sections please reference them and send them to us. We will be passing all community comments to our planners.

Please respond to nogunclub@optusnet.com.au with any queries

Please post the attached letter - by 27 March or drop into the Hill Top Shop Box by that date.

Julie Cook
for
HTRAGI

message for your information

Dear friends

This is to invite you all to participate in the annual Koori Flagraising Ceremony at nin garang thurree currobung (The Place Between the Rocks) near Cherry Tree rest area in Gibbergunyah Reserve, to commemorate that this land is and forever will be the spiritual home of the traditional owners, the Gundungurra people.

Friends of Gibbergunyah, your families and friends, are invited to attend the ceremony which will take place around 3.00pm on Saturday 12th April 2008 at the designated place.

Refreshments and cold drinks will be provided, but please bring your own eats and drinks if you wish. From here there are short trails to the 90 Acre Hill Lookout with extensive views of the Gundungurra lands.

We will once again attempt the mirror flash experiment with Katoomba. This year we have our own volunteer who will be flashing from Katoomba (weather permitting)

We extend a welcome to Gundungurra and other Koori people w ho wish to be a part of this event.

Please pass this information on throughout your networks to make this a special event.

Please contact me if you have any queries, suggestions or contributions to make.

recission defeated

friends, the recission motion to stop reclassification of public land until at least after the poll at the next election was soundly defeated at the last council meeting. clr jim mauger went against his previous support for our original motion to vote against the recission. myself, clr clark and clr sara murray were the only ones to support the recission. from this it would appear that other councillors are not really concerned about peoples concerns about losing their land. it is a great concern that they are so fixated on teh leisure centre, right ot wrong. i will bring a motion back again in three months time, which is the soonest i can do so. it seems that the council electrion on the 13th of september is our last chance to correct the imbalance and really make sure the community's concerns are heard.

we cannot let our land be sold for an election promise

hi all.
well i will give it one more go tomorrow night. i will be moving a motion of recission on the amended motion that was carried at last weeks meeting. i thought we would have more lead time, but it has been listed for wednesday the 5th of march. if we loose it, we will not get another chance to move a motion ofn the subject for 3 months. if i am successful in getting support for a recission i will be moving the following motion. we cannot stand by and watch our precious land be flogged off to fund an election promise! i will fight to the end on this one.

WINGECARRIBEE SHIRE COUNCIL


Notice of Motion No: __________Date: ___


NOTICE OF MOTION

1. THAT a Council poll be held at the next election to determine public support for the construction of a Leisure Centre and the funding model.

2. THAT the wording of the question be determined by Council prior to 31 May
2008.

3. THAT the LEP process continues but the reclassification of all community land be suspended until after the results of the poll are determined by the incoming Council.

4. THAT two tender prices be obtained, for the construction of the leisure Centre; one for a July 2008 Commencement and one for a commencement date in November 2008

5. THAT Council determines a financial model for the construction of the Leisure Centre prior to 31 May 2008 including possible grant funding for consideration by a future Council after the 2008 Council election poll on this matter.

This will give us some certainty that land will not be reclassified before the election and that a new council make the determination based on the results of the poll.

i am hoping that some councillors are reading the community voice and will reconsider their stand. lobbying will again get the message through as will asking questions at question time.

thanks to all those who are passionate about our inheritance for the future and who want to protect our " breathing spaces".
regards,
larry

The continuing saga of...

Hi All,

Please see a letter that I sent over a week ago to the editor. It seems that the SHN these days is somewhat selective with the letters they print. Not like the good old days when peoples opinions were really valued. I continue to try, but it is difficult getting the message out there. The word on the grapevine is also that the Chambers of commerce and land sales interest groups have the ear of the manager of the paper. It has even been suggested that a minority of the Chambers are dictating what should appear on the front page of the paper. Not having the resources or contacts of the intersts groups is a real hurdle.

Given the serious nature of things to come, it would be good if somebody knows of a like minded person who would be interested in talking about a campaign manager for the community action team for the upcoming elections. It is also a good time to be getting an idea if anybody would eb interested in standing on a Community Action Ticket.If you have any ideas, please drop me a line.

I have a notice of motion going up to the meeting of the 27th February. IF SUCCESSFUL, IT WILL ALLOW cOUNCIL TO GO TO A REFERENDUM ON THE LEISURE CENTRE AND LAND SALES. It will be difficult. NCJ also ahs a motion which in itself is a claytons motion. Theya re obviously feeling teh heat and want to put up a smoke screen. I still think the numbers are against us. I would suggest that you encourage friends and family to lobby Clr Gordon Lewis, Jim Mauger and Duncan Gair heavily. This may be our only chance to put the brakes on the sale of public land.

More to come later.

Larry


Dear Sir,

Having been along to a number of Public Hearings in relation to the proposed sale of Public Land, I am only more convinced that this is a totally unacceptable action on Councils part. The message is loud and clear "leave our land alone". This is the legacy that not only previous Councils have put in place for future generations, it is also a legacy bequeathed by private and also developer gifts.

I stand strong on my commitment to fight to the end, the sale of public land. I will not give up or devalue the
Ideals of our community by ignoring their plea for caution and restraint on this matter.

We need to listen, not just give the appearance of listening. We need to actively process the message and
act accordingly. This is the reason why I believe that the only way to show sincerity to the community on this matter, is to go to the people. If any Councillors believes they can act from this point in defiance against the growing voice and calls for caution within the community on the Leisure Centre, then let them continue at their own peril.

Given our current financial dilemma, I am convinced we need to stop, take a breath and consult with the Community on their current thinking on the Leisure Centre. I am also convinced that we need to go to the community and test the feeling on the sale of public land. Although, it is beyond doubt in my mind that the majority of the community are totally opposed to the "flogging off" of our children's inheritance, I am also equally convinced (frighteningly so), that there are those Councillors who will in some strange way justify their own agenda's and ignore the majority.

Therefore the only way to test the theories of those Councillors who remain in denial is to go to a referendum. I believe anything other is deceptive and nothing more than a smoke screen. If those Councillors who feel they are right and the majority really do want to move forward with land sales and a Leisure Centre, then the referendum that I propose will do nothing more than support their arguments, if not, then surely they need to be mature enough to accept that they are wrong. I certainly am!

If the exercise of providing a facility that is indeed for everyone. Lets make sure that everyone actually wants it and agrees that now is the time to do so.

Faithfully yours,
Clr Larry Whipper