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.