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June 2011 Newsletter

Triathlon

Finally we managed to achieve the opening up of all roads originally designated for total closure. Apart from a handful of gripes over access at the Flag Pole junction on the day, there seemed no other strong complaints. Getting a compromise at Elouera was a challenge, but the organisers worked with us right up until the day before the event to find a solution. The junction at King George ran well despite idiot parking significantly reducing available traffic lanes in Victor Ave. But overall I have nothing but praise for the organisers who listened and coped professionally with our needs.

One unfortunate outcome was the affect upon our local shops, who lost money on the day. Council’s idea was for main parking to be at the school campus thereby directing crowds past the shops to generate some trade and replace the business lost. Supporters clearly paid no regard to instructions and consequently Elizabeth reserve south of the Flag Pole became a park for hundreds of cars which forced the comedy of nine hundred runners being squashed into a narrow track along the lakeside. This gave the competition a slightly ludicrous complexion with the swimming leg taking place in water more suited to wading birds; the cycle leg blocking off one road out of town and back with not a chance of spectator support and the runners taking a course backwards and forwards on the same track in an opposing direction!

It’s also interesting to dissect the boasts hurled around on the $$ merits of hosting a Triathlon. My research suggests Council owned caravan parks were full. Club Forster hosted a big party and walked away with the main prize. Local shopkeepers and residents were inconvenienced and pubs, clubs, retailers and restaurants never got penny. Surprised? Well remember John Chadban let Ironman go because he doubted it ever brought money to the town and ‘Chadders’ was no fool. On the other hand, Club Forster plays an important part in the comfort of our elderly with free transport, subsidized food and a warm environment and if this event helps finance their efforts, so be it.

My view is that these events bring exposure and puts Forster on the tourism map. But we should at least make them a worthwhile spectacle and plan a contest for the whole town to enjoy. Start at the Keys by all means but take the cycling and running into town and the finish at main beach. We have been invited to participate in the planning for next year’s event and also a forthcoming contest in October. I will keep you informed of progress.

The Fun Day

Once again we are joining forces on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of July with the Taree power boat club together with Freddie Williams of water-ski fame, to put on another spectacular on Elizabeth Reserve. This will include the senior power boats from NSW locally and afar as well as out of State, with additional support from the juniors and some demonstrations of radio controlled model craft. Last year’s show remained slightly dampened by those tragedies on the Manning River the previous Easter, but the APBA have now sorted out their new regulations to prevent any future occurrence and Freddie promises a full return to the thrills of previous years. Most of the action will be to the north of the reserve close to the boat ramp and this section will also include exhibits from the Great Lakes Automobile club; Taree veteran motorbikes and the DONKs, with their ancient steam engines.

The markets arranged by Judy and Brian Payne last year also drew enormous public enthusiasm and undoubtedly brought real quality to the show. Judy tells me there will be an increase this year with over 100 stalls already booked at the start of April.

Moving south of the markets we come to the entertainment section and Great Lakes Band will be playing Jazz hits in the morning. Then we have lined up some great displays in our arena, including this year a performance by the Taree school of belly dancing. Wow! This will be followed by the YMCA demonstrating the Zumba and Body Pump routines, which is a must to watch.

There will be plenty of activities for the kids. Their games in the arena will start at 11.00 am this year, and running all day will be the usual bouncy castle, giant slide, face painting, the scouts’ bridge walk, electric car circuit and this year a merry-go-round.

Then of course we have perhaps the most popular event of all – the Dog Show - this year at 12 noon.

Now remember, this show is specifically staged to raise income to support the principle activity of this association, which is Dad’s Army and Navy so come and have an enjoyable day and bring money!

Speaking of which.....54%.....is the new record for resident subscriptions in one year and there’s less than a month to go. Anyone who still has that envelope sitting on the mantelpiece with their subs. inside then deliver it before it’s too late. Please       

Association Contact Details

 

President:

John Murrell

32 King George Parade

6555 3314

Email

Secretary:

Bob Porter

12 King George Parade

6555 9191

 

Membership:

Don & Peggy Sheffield

1 Victor Avenue

6557 6877

Email

Treasurer:

Marion Carney

32 King George Parade

6555 3314

Email

 

This newsletter is produced by John Murrell on behalf of the Executive Committee of the FKRPA

 

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Newsletter Archives

May 2011   January 2011   December 2010   November 2010    October 2010     June 2010  March 2010

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May 2011 Newsletter

Revetment Walls and Reclassification of Canals

Starting with the good news first, we met with Ron Hartley, Director of Engineering, on another matter last week and he reported, that their lawyers had considered our recommendation of Council granting a global easement to the waterside residents that did not have the privilege of the Kenrose canal water-siders. If nothing else this will bring a permanent equalisation to the Keys and will provide as close as makes no difference to the benefits already enjoyed by Kenrose canal residents. Naturally, any future development within this easement will require a application for consent, but all existing structures will be the subject of a moratorium and taken as legitimately approved. The quirk is that such a gesture can only be made with the reclassification of the canals to Operational land and as such Council will have our support. At least this means that any resident selling a waterside property and who has invested in the revetment wall solution offered by Australia Pacific Seawall Pty., will now have a clear title.

Green Point 

Our friends have been in touch to ask if I would give them a mention specifically relating to their own Fun Day with will be held at the   Green Point community hall – Sunday May 22nd. Marion and I have managed to get along for the past two years and they put on a very nice village show, with hot food and beverage to be enjoyed whilst trolling around the local market stalls and listening to their own local band that play mainly Country and Western but can turn their hand to any request. There will be kiddies’ games and the usual fun dog show conducted by Rob Dunsterville who doubles up to officiate at our own Fun Day later in July. This year The Green Pointers have come up with a couple of new attractions including, I’m led to believe, a Tug of War competition. I can’t wait to see this, because these local challenges were an important part of the village show back in England and if it turns out well we will just have to make a challenge to them for Fun Day. I’ve already been having a look round for likely contestants for our team. If weight were to be the only consideration, I reckon we would definitely be on to a winner and I speak for myself as much as anyone! Anyway, if the weather turns out to be fine, it’s a pleasant day out and I recommend you make the effort.

The Triathlon

Out of the blue, a section in the Advocate of 20th April was brought to my attention advertising a Development Application to hold a Triathlon on Saturday the 14th May 2011. The venue was to be based at Elizabeth Parade for the swimming, then the bikes would take off down King George Parade for Tiona Park, then return up King George Parade for the run leg that would consist of 8 kms utilising both Elouera Crescent and Elizabeth Parade from end to end. The biggest shock was that Elizabeth  and Elouera; the entire length of King George; across the round-about up Cape Hawke Drive to the saddle; the entire of Lakes Way to North of Tiona were to be closed. TOTAL CLOSURE and you may have all seen an advertisement in the Focus Magazine, together with a letter box drop yesterday advising you of the times which were to have been, from 12 noon to the end of the Triathlon at 5.00 pm. “Really!” we thought. We immediately lodged a submission objecting to the entire proposal, particularly citing ten unacceptable points and I wrote to the Mayor, General Manager and all eight individual Councillors with a copy of our complaints and then set in motion a petition. I was contacted by the mayor who indicated her anger that the situation had occurred and blamed a flaw in Council procedure. Alarmingly, however, I became aware that Council were to proceed with the event regardless of the clear and overwhelming threat of public opposition from their ratepayers and electorate.  Well cutting a long story short and after some furious posturing on our part with Council and the Promoters, I am pleased to report that the present situation has considerably eased and there will be no road closures. To simplify matters, I have copied the e-mail received last evening onto the reverse of this newsletter. King George will remain passable throughout, but with access to the north via Victor and Murray, or the south via Discovery and to the Forster Keys shops, but not the round-about. I am therefore prepared to suggest that we welcome our visitors on this occasion. Their official communication to the residents of the Keys accompanies this Newsletter. 


March 2011 Newsletter

The Tuncurry Races

 

This idea seems to have gathered popularity, particularly with arrangement of the coach picking up at various spots around the Keys and especially being dedicated to the ‘Keys Only’ for the trip home. Hurry please anybody who has yet to make up their mind. I only have ten tickets remaining.

Revetment Walls

We had a very good turn-out at the Progress Hall last Thursday. Council was represented by Ron Hartley, Director of Engineering and Alexandra MacVean, senior strategic planner. Ron Hartley explained that under the 1993 Local Government Act, the Forster Keys Drainage Reserves were thought to have been classified as Operational land. Due to some small print in the wording of the Act having been missed at the time, it has only recently been discovered that in fact the land was classified as Community land. The effect is that Council have in the past had no right to approve any private structures erected since the Act became law. Structures erected prior to 1993 are legitimate because they come under the authority of the previous Act. To rectify the legality of all structures therefore, Council have no alternative but to reclassify the land from Community to Operational. In tandem with this requirement, Council took the opportunity to produce a management plan that would legitimize structures erected between 1993 and the present day and into the future. As a complication, all is not equal in the Keys, with the new properties in Kenrose and some parts of Wyuna having the benefit of a boundary reaching some 2.8 metres into the waterway. The remainder of waterside residents have a boundary line ending at the interface between the land and the canal. In the former example, there will be no requirement for a licence to cope with the erection of an outer wall to protect the failing original revetment walls, but in the latter case the Council will have to create a licence to allow any structure to be legitimately erected on what is effectively Council land.

However, those with a boundary reaching out 2.8 metres into the canal are not entirely without concern, because any jetty exceeding this boundary will require a licence and there is some thinking t this might just also include the overall depth of any craft that is moored up to the jetty. The biggest worry for residents is undoubtedly cost. First of all, a licence granted by Council is valid for only a maximum of five years and the creation of (and presumably thereafter the renewal) will be the subject of a fee. Ron Hartley was unable to pinpoint anything exact but hinted at a nominal $100 reflecting the cost of administration. The other worry is that existing structures erected between 1993 and the present day theoretically will require a development application, because any original DA approved by Council would be deemed unlawful. I have to say that I have rarely come across such a ‘pig’s breakfast’. The only satisfying conclusion to be drawn is that this entire mess was of Council’s making and I believe that they will bend over backwards to accommodate the best deal that we can negotiate. A sub-committee has been formed consisting of Don Sheffield, Robyn O’Meara, Bob Smith and John Woodroff, which I will be please to chair to represent our interests and I will report back through by newsletter of developments and our progress.

Speeding on the Canals

Ron Hansen (Elizabeth Parade) wrote drawing my attention to the Boaties who perpetually seem to disregard the ‘Four Knot’ and ‘No Wash’ regulations that apply to the Keys’ canals. Ron points out that most offenders are NOT holidaymakers. This practice is downright illegal and discourteous to all waterside residents. ‘Four Knots’ for those incapable enough to interpret the speed is a fair walking pace and ‘No Wash’ is glaringly obvious if you look behind your boat. The remedy Ron is this. Have a camera handy and photograph any offender incorporating the registration number and the bow wave/wash and send it to Maritime. They will issue one warning without further proof and confiscate the boat owner’s licence on a second reported offence.

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February 2011 Newsletter

 

Charities

 

I am pleased to report that with sales of the Christmas Carols DVD together with our collections on the night and subsequent donations, the total raised for the RDA climbed to nearly $800. This was an amazing show of generosity. Congratulations to everybody who contributed. That’s it until next Christmas when perhaps we can support a different charity such as the GL Hospice. 

 

Subscriptions

 

Now that we’ve finished draining you of all your spare change, Marion is on the trail of all those previous subscribers who have not yet paid. Letters will be delivered shortly, if not already. If you haven’t ever been a member, or have just arrived in the Keys, how about joining us? I realise you might think that Dad’s Army do all the work anyway so why lash out on something you get for free, but using the Glen Handford analogy, it works out to two cents a day; less than a tea bag. $5 per person or $10 a household is all we ask. You know that Council won’t do the work; they just haven’t the money and this keeps your community at its best. Also, with over half of our residents as members, we have some clout, especially in Council. Come on – give it a try.  

Revetment Walls

Council has recently completed a plan to change the classification of the drainage reserves in the Keys that we know as the canals.  The change will be from Community Land to Operational Land.  This will allow Council to deal with applications from property owners to undertake work within the canals such as revetment wall repair or replacement jetties, boat ramps and the like. The plan will be on exhibition from 2nd Feb. until the 11th March for public comment and can be viewed at the Council Offices.  A meeting is also proposed at our Progress Hall at 6 pm on 24th February and Council staff will be present to answer questions and to note any resident’s views.  The meeting will be chaired by our past President, Don Sheffield.

Dredging

Boaties who still use the ‘Step’ will have noticed recently that a few green markers have popped up to define the original channel. This set me wondering what had happened to the Hydro-dynamic study that was part of our requirements.

Suddenly, out of the blue, I received a call from the Council asking Don and me to attend a meeting on Wednesday February 2nd. This will be for a presentation by the Consultants on their findings for the ‘Step’; north of Wallis Island, the Tuncurry Beach erosion and other matters. I’ll report the outcome and proposals in the next Newsletter.    

The Tuncurry Races

I have made arrangements for a “Special” Forster Keys Coach to stop at the various pickups around the Keys and take us to the Races. The coach will pick up starting at 11.00 am on the junction of Roebuck/Victor; Bounty/Victor; Cavill/KGP; 120 Elizabeth; the Flag Pole; 37 Elouera; 1 Wyuna; Murray/Lakes Way; 70 Kenrose and finally the Uniting Church. The return journey will be the most convenient, again only for Keys residents and will reverse the pickup points. This will save unnecessary queuing, the traditional clamour for seats and having to put up with louts who unashamedly try to ruin your day. I have also set-aside fifty seats at tables of ten in the Pavilion, right opposite the winning post with its own bookie and private bar; BYO snacks, or take-away food available at the ground. Tickets for the Coach, entry to the racecourse and the Pavilion are $40 payable in advance when booking direct with me at 32 KGP. The coach will take 57 maximum and hurry; 25 seats have already been pre booked.

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January 2011 Newsletter

 

Pipers Bay Reserve

 

By the time my December letter site hit the news-stands, in which I threatened Dad’s Army intervention to fix the former dredging deposition site, individual representations by local residents, notably Jeannette and Ron Anderson (Sirius Key) had attracted the attention of our Mayor Jan McWilliams who visited the site personally and ordered an immediate fix. Top soil was brought in and the site was been levelled and seeded. I have noticed Council workers in attendance with some regular watering and hopefully the grass will now grow and the Reserve will return to former glory.

 

The Christmas Party

 

This year we were greeted by fine weather and a welcome cool breeze. Judging by the tickets sold, there ended up well over a hundred party-goers. My earlier reminiscences in November prompted an unusual innovation this year. The Great Lakes Band came to the party and played Christmas carols throughout and then joined in with our BBQ. This was a marvellous addition to the proceedings and everyone embraced the singing with well lubricated voices. A must for the future I hope and thanks to Wilber Cross for making it happen. The raffle was again literally swamped with wonderful prizes, largely donated by our local businesses and retail outlets as well as some generous donations by individual residents. The sale of tickets well exceeded last year and produced a welcome additional income for the Association. Our very grateful thanks go to Marion for her hard work in rustling up donations and then making such an art form of wrapping the presents. Her savoury creation of the food baskets with such artistic charm is becoming a legend. Our thanks also to the lads who slaved over the BBQ’s; the lasses who presented the food so beautifully, to Dad’s Army for setting up and taking down the tents and also to Bill for doing the shopping with his customary care and attention.            

 

The Keys Christmas Carols

 

Thursday the 23rd December turned out to be a huge success, both for onlookers and participants. It was wonderful to see so many parties along the canals specially arranged to coincide with the pageant and join with the festive spirit. Everybody seems to be talking about an annual event and certainly next year we plan some improvement. We started off with five boats and the flotilla

ended up with about fifteen. Remarkable! Even more incredible was the collection for the RDA which topped $700 on the night plus $40 in advance by those away and a further fifty having been donated since. There are loads of people to thank, but especially Les Williams (6 KGP) for carrying the choir and Bryson Roberts (19 FS) for taking the Band which included Glynes Roberts on the Keyboard. I would also like to thank Paul Fitzgerald (14KGP) for the many shots of the night which I have made into a musical photo slide show. There are some quite stunning shots that could be invaluable material when selling your house. I am providing the materials free and charging $2 for the DVD; all proceeds to the RDA. How about the write up in last week’s Advocate?

 

The New Year

 

Whilst you are all filling in your new calendars, I have some dates for the up-coming events of 2011. The Fun Day will be held on the weekend of July 10th and 11th and Freddy Williams tells me that the confusing restrictions after the 2010 Manning Easter disaster have been lifted and he expects a bumper return to his traditional show.  We hope to host the Dragon Boats in a State wide regatta, for the weekend of 24th and 25th September. Then bearing in mind that we have quite a few newcomers to the Keys, I am proposing to lay on a special coach or two, calling at stops around the Keys, with maybe our own marquee, for the March Tuncurry-Forster Race meeting. I hope this will help introduce our new friends into the community and encourage them to join in our activities. There will be more detail on this subject next month.

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December 2010 Newsletter

 

The Christmas Party

 

By the time this letter is delivered, there will be less than a week to go for the Keys’ biggest social event of the year. Next Sunday December 5th is the Christmas Party and huge helpings of merriment will undoubtedly break loose down at the Elizabeth Parade picnic area adjacent to the Boat Ramp. By now, all seats have been pre-sold I’m afraid, so those not already booked have to bring their own chairs and picnic tables, but it’s not too late to make up a party with friends and join in the fun. Bill Campbell tells me there are still some sausages, two onions, one steak and a few potatoes going spare, but he could always buy more if he only knew who was coming. Why not drop him a note at 19 Elouera or call 65545737 with numbers?

 

The ‘Log’ Mystery.

 

For months we have reported that large round poles about 30cms diameter and two metres long have been spotted in Pipers Creek. Luckily all seventeen have been salvaged by Dad’s Navy before any accident. These things were substantial and almost submerged and collision with any boat would have been catastrophic. Maritime and Council were notified, and we ourselves searched the lake to try and discover the source. Collapsed jetties and embankments have been investigated, but the occurrence remained a mystery until a couple of weeks ago. By an amazing stroke of luck, Helen Duggan (41 Wyuna) was driving south over the Kenrose canal and spotted another one tucked under the bank close to the bridge. (How – don’t ask!) Her account eventually reached Dad’s Navy. Bill Campbell and John Ligertwood fished it out before it passed under the bridge and with an impressive piece of detective work apparently using log-rhythms Bill located the source to be the creek at Southern Parkway. Originally placed by Council to stabilize the canal bank, they have now contracted to have them removed for good. 

    

Dolphins

 

The prize has gone to Dallas Paff at the end of Bounty Key who was the first to provide pictures of the dolphins just off his jetty.

 

Pipers Bay Reserve

 

Criticism of the former dredging deposition site has now escalated to anger. Despite assurances by Council, virtually no remedial effort has been made. Ugly bare patches full of shells and shale have replaced the grassy meadow that once fronted the lakeside. The terrain resembles more of a bike   motocross circuit than a park. Council have been called in again and I believe that local individuals have approached senior councillors direct. My letter of the 18th to Gerard Tuckerman remains unanswered. Still no action!! I have been talking with various Committee members. Dad’s Army was formed thirty odd years ago to remedy the same Council apathy that seems to prevail today and I have suggested that we should take our own action to get this matter sorted. Equipment will be hired to remove the debris and level the ground. Top soil will be bought in to provide a basis for the grass to grow. As many volunteers as possible will be welcome as labour and I will keep you all informed of preparations and prospective dates. Half a day’s work followed by a BBQ will do the trick. I regard these circumstances as an absolute betrayal by Council and I intend to bill them for our costs and go very public if they refuse to pay!                

 

The Hundred Year Flood Plan

 

Don Sheffield (our outgoing President) is involved with some Council committees and one is the Wallis Lake Floodplain Management Committee which gives input to the Council on flooding matters.

The Committee has recently been advised of the latest estimates of flood levels likely to occur through global warming. New design flood levels have been adopted by Council and will mainly affect new subdivisions and existing properties proposed for redevelopment. Don has also advised me that some insurance companies might have increased premiums for flood cover as a result of the latest flood zones. Personally I have just noticed that my Insurers have included flood cover in our policy free of charge, but Council will be able to advise if your property is within the latest designated 100 year flood zone and you can obtain this information by applying to Council for a flood level certificate or a Section 149(5) certificate.

 

Great Lakes Council - Thirty year plan

 

Another one of Don’s activities is serving on a committee to assist in determining the direction of the Shire over the next thirty years and he has advised that Council is seeking input from residents and ratepayers to help prioritize the Council’s objectives. This is separate to the State’s thirty year foreshore improvement plan for Forster and Tuncurry that has been widely publicised and displayed recently. Anybody who feels that they would like to add to this input, please contact Don direct, or forward your submission to Council by 3rd December 2010.

 

A discussion paper and supporting documents are available for download from Council’s website at www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au or can be viewed at Council’s offices and library.

 

The Keys Christmas Carols

 

It is very pleasing to report that this idea seems to be gaining in momentum and popularity. I have had several calls from residents wanting more detail on timing, so that they can coordinate their own private parties to take in the spectacle of the Christmas Carol procession. So we have made a dry run and this is more or less what to expect.

 

Thursday 23rd December

5.15 pm Arrive entrance to Kenrose/Wyuna Canal 5.30 pm Reach Harbour Shores

5.45 pm Leave Harbour Shores

6.00 pm Enter Wyuna/Elouera Canal

6.40 pm Exit Wyuna/Elouera Canal

6.45 pm Arrive Boat Ramp Elizabeth Parade

7.15 pm Depart Boat Ramp

7.20 pm Arrive entrance to Dolphin Passage.

7.30 pm Tour Elizabeth/Supply Canal

7.40 pm Tour Roebuck/Bounty Canal

7.50 pm Tour Sirius Canal

8.00 pm Arrive KGP/Bounty Canal East

8.15 pm Finish at KGP/Friendship Canal West

 

We plan to include three pontoons with the lead boat producing the music for carols by way of CD’s. Also there will be a keyboard with hopefully a few brass instruments as well to accompany a flotilla of impromptu choirs made up of local celebrities and volunteers. Anybody who wants to join in, even with their own craft – please feel free. Santa’s elves will be distributing lollies for the kids. Remember, they will also have collection buckets for the RDA (Riding for the disabled). Please, please, do give as generously as possible.

 

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November 2010 Newsletter

 

Recruitment

 

The message in my October newsletter was to call for an intake of fresh minds and take us forward into a new era. I was instantly bombarded by two willing helpers, and although not actually the new influx I had in mind, I am pleased to announce that Don and Peggy Sheffield have stepped back to the committee as Joint Membership Secretary. A great help to Marion and thank you! Anyone else please?

  

The Christmas Party

 

The first new committee decision was to plan for the Christmas Party. Over the past few years there has been disappointing show from residents and perhaps the reason has been timing. This year we have moved the event back into December. Sunday 5th has been chosen and the invitation appears on the reverse of this letter. Last year we provided over $1,000 of raffle prizes, largely from donations by our local businesses and Village stores. I hope you will join in the festivities and perhaps meet some new friends. Please give Bill Campbell your  numbers on the slip provided with the invitation.

 

Christmas Carols

 

I suppose being Poms, Marion and I seem to have some greater emotion at Christmas time. Family gathering; huge platters of roast turkey with all the trimmings; Christmas pudding with brandy butter; extraordinary alcoholic concoctions for Grannies – Cherry Brandy; Snowballs; Pina Coladas; frosted up windows; roasted chestnuts; open fires; Dads playing with kid’s newest presents and, fondest memory of all, the Christmas Carols. From villages to towns and cities, the Salvo’s would produce their brass bands and tour the shopping Malls by day and the Pubs at night playing favourite carols. We would sing our hearts out whilst donations poured into the collection boxes. This year, we intend to bring some of this nostalgia to the Keys. Starting off at 5.30 pm on Thursday 23rd December at Harbour Shores, Santa will take Bob Porter’s pontoon, complete with Christmas decorations, a sound system and talented singers and we will tour the canals. We want you to bring your children to the waterside and join in with the singing. Those residents land-side might plan to make for the Reserves or friends across the road or even BBQ at the Elizabeth boat ramp and we will make special stops so that you can all join in. Make a note now: Thursday 23rd December 5.30 pm. don’t forget!

 

The Christmas Spirit

 

Christmas is a time for love, peace and reflection. However unwell, disappointed, unfortunate or even impoverished we feel, there are those considerably worse off. Christmas is also a time for giving. Presents are as much a pleasure for the giver as the receiver. I have been working with the ‘Riding for the Disabled’; mainly kids from five years old upwards with generic deformities, either mental or physical. Horses bring joy and education to these children, who through no fault of their own are in a strange world. Without any doubt, the therapy works and it helps these kids progress to normality. But, despite all of the voluntary assistance, horses are a huge expense. Whilst we are conducting our Christmas Carols, Santa will have several escort boats to cruise along the Canals and the Reserves armed with buckets. Please make a donation. Anything that you can afford will be better than nothing and I will pass on all the collection to the RDA as a special Christmas present from the Keys.

 

Dolphins

 

Our next door neighbour has reported another recent sighting of a pod just off their jetty next to Dolphin Reserve, KGP. Apparently these lovely creatures frolicked for some time cruising up and down before heading back out Dolphin Passage to the lake. Now, there’s a crate of plonk for anyone can get me a photo of dolphins in the canals. This I can use in a letter to the Advocate broadcasting the real success of the recent dredging. Maybe we can use this obvious improvement in tidal flow as a persuasion to open up Pipers Creek to the west!

 

Pipers Bay Reserve

 

Following a very justified criticism of the former dredging deposition site by local residents, we managed eventually to get Council along for an on-site meeting to explore the possibilities and form a plan of remedial action. Pledges have been made and for those residents remaining doubtful, pop in to a similar site by the Tuncurry skate park at Point Road and witness the progress. The grass is now virtually re-grown and should give you some hope.

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October 2010 Newsletter

 

Annual General Meeting

 

This year the meeting was held at the Progress Hut, Elizabeth Parade on Friday 24th September with a typical attendance of some forty residents. In addition to the annual reports from the President and Treasurer circulated with the AGM Notice, the meeting was provided with news on membership levels from Marion Carney and with the latest information from their various departments from Dave Sharrock - Dad’s Army, Bob Porter - Dad’s Navy, and Bill Campbell - Catering. Specific details can be obtained from the Secretary.

 

The purpose of this letter is to bring you up to date with the events that followed, because there has been a significant change at the top.

 

You will recall that Don Sheffield had announced within the body of the President’s report that he had decided to stand down. During the AGM we further learned that Rod Lawton had also concluded that with family pressures on his mind and after eleven years of service, he too would be unwilling to continue with his responsibilities.

 

Without dwelling on the specifics, the outcome can be seen at the bottom of the opposite column. Effectively, for the time being your Association is being run by the couple of Poms at 32 KGP! Congratulations are not in order by the way, commiseration would be nearer to the mark. It’s a tough and unexpected task for us both.

 

Less alarming news! Bob Porter, who has some previous similar experience, has been elected as the Association’s Secretary. Dave Sharrock continues to run Dad’s Army, Tony Manwaring now heads up Dad’s Navy, with Bob Smith in charge of Water Quality and Bill Campbell remains as chief Catering officer. That’s the new dream team. Notice girls, only one lady present!

 

Visibly, you will not see any radical change to the way that this Association has been steered so magnificently in the past. I aim to keep an information flow by way of regular newsletters. I want this Association to continue to throw its weight and representation behind local issues. And I intend to financially support the aims and efforts of Dad’s Army and Navy with initiatives such as our annual Fun Day and Christmas Raffles. But in parallel to this continuity of existing policy, I also see a far larger task ahead.

 

The New President’s Objective

 

Marion and I retired to the Keys in 2002. Soon we joined this Association and why not? A year later, dredging had become a personal boating issue. Keen to start some action, I joined up as part of the dredging sub-committee. What a challenge but also what a creative passage in my life. Lobbying the Council, befriending the Mayor; reasoning with Fisheries; cajoling the Lands Department and hob-knobbing with the Lani’s. But I gained great friendship, not only with Don, but many in Council and around town. That to me was the real reward not just the success of the dredging. I felt invigorated. At my age an unexpected satisfaction!   

 

Dad’s Army and Navy have a strong background and a proud reputation. These men are dedicated residents, who enjoy the camaraderie of the Thursday morning efforts as well as the chat that follows after their breakfast. On occasions such as Fun Day and the Christmas Party they are the work force behind the scenes and mostly it is their wives' that provide and administer the catering.

 

But listen, Don and I were never in Dad’s Army.

 

If I am to make any impact on this Association, I need to build a team that will bring commercial skills and support that will lead us into the future. When we host an event, I want not only the man- power from Dad’s Army, but organisational and secretarial backup. Remember Marion is the only female representative here. Some of you girls must be typists, or been cashiers; run simple accounts programs, whatever. And boys, particularly the newcomers, put that fishing rod down for a few minutes and get back into some real action. Add a taste of challenge and interest back into your lives and become a part of this great neighbourhood.

 

I want an events sub-committee with the same drive that fought and won the dredging battle.  I’ll lead the way, but there’s plenty to do. Become another John, Don and Marion. Anybody interested get in touch with me. Please.

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July 2010 Newsletter

 

Family Fun Weekend

 

Another successful Family Fun Weekend is behind us despite losing the last hour or so because of rain.  From the many comments we have received it seems we now have a very popular event and one that is becoming widely recognised within the wider community.  Initially we set out as one of our objectives to showcase Forster Keys and now find it is being used successfully to promote the Great Lakes region.

 

However, this growth in popularity brings with it added responsibility to ensue the event is as professional as possible and to include activities to satisfy a wider range of visitors.  It is also sorely testing our reserves of willing volunteers to work on food and beverage preparation and sales, setting up and dismantling the necessary facilities, traffic control and parking, cleaning, fencing and many other essential tasks.  With this in mind we have decided that next year we will investigate how we can involve other community groups in some of these tasks.

 

All of us are aware of the wonderful job our Dad’s Army and Navy do each week and whilst Council is very supportive in the supply of equipment there are costs associated with our operations such as insurance cover, maintenance of the boat and other equipment, our meeting hall, correspondence and newsletters. 

 

In the past, costs of this nature were covered by the income for the food stall run for the triathlons.  The Family Fun Day was then created to replace this source of funding.  It is now important for support of Dad’s Army and Navy that we continue with a fund raising activity and the Family Fun Weekend is now a  way to do this.

 

Having said all of this we must also ensure the event retains its popularity and meets the expectations of our target audience which is clearly family groups. 

 

With this in mind we have included with this newsletter a survey aimed to discover what fresh ideas our residents can come up with for the activities we provide over the weekend.

 

There has been discussion on the way in which the power boats have become a major feature of the weekend and whether there might be some way of incorporating a major event involving the Dragon Boats as an alternative to the power boats.  Perhaps, both groups might be given a day each of the weekend. 

 

We will also welcome your thoughts on how the event might be better managed and how we can encourage the continued support from our volunteers.

 

We hope you will take the time to complete the survey and return it by the designated date.

 

Revetment Walls

 

This issue has been raised once again recently by some residents who are selling their property and the Real Estate agents acting for them.  Some prospective purchasers have asked Council for compliance certificates to include the walls that have been protected using the product installed by Australia Pacific Seawalls.  Sadly, Council is still unable to issue such certificates.

 

Some of you might remember the condition of the walls installed some 30 odd year ago have been deteriorating and in some cases had collapsed.  When the canal subdivision was constructed it included a barrier between the properties and the canals of Super 6 Asbestos

 

Cement sheeting.  This material has limited life when exposed to the elements, particularly sea water.

 

Council refused to accept any responsibility for the maintenance of the walls and a proposal was put to Council in 2007 to allow those residents who wanted to repair their walls to use the Superloc Sheet Pile Seawall System recommended by Australia Pacific Seawall Pty Ltd.

 

Because the canals are legally designated drainage reserves and are permitted to be used by the public they have now become in legal terms “Community Land”.  As such Council is unable to approve any private structure that encroaches into the canals.

 

In a letter to the Association in September 2008 a process was described to reclassify the “Community Land” to ‘Operational Land” which would allow new revetment walls to be constructed using the “Superloc” process or its equivalent within the drainage reserves.  We were advised this process would take some 18 months to complete because of the Council staff workload.

 

Since the issue has again been raised Council was contacted to determine the latest position.  We have been advised by letter this month that the initial action plan was not legally achievable and that Council is now preparing a new Plan of Management to address the issues.

 

It has advised that the draft Plan of Management requires a process of public exhibition, consideration of any submissions received and formal adoption by Council before it can be used to approve any of the structures.  Council anticipates that the process will take about 6 months to complete.

 

In the meantime Council staff dealing with applications for S149 certificates will be made aware of the process so that they can provide appropriate advice to enquiries.

 

Any residents who have had these new revetment walls constructed and are considering the sale of their property should make themselves aware of the Council’s position and we will be happy to provide them with a copy of the Council’s latest letter.

 

Association Annual Subscriptions

 

It is that time of the year again when our Treasurer, John Murrell will be sending out the subscription notices.  There will be a change this year in that the payment can be made at John’s address, 32 King George Pde or with Di and Trevor at the Forster Keys Mini Market.

 

Phil at the “No Bull” butchery has provided this service for a number of years and we are very grateful for his wonderful support in this matter.

 

Annual General Meeting

 

Please note in your diaries that the AGM will be held this year on Friday 24th September at our meeting hall in Progress Reserve.  A further notice will be sent out closer to the date.

 

Vili’s Pies

 

A feature this year at the Family Fun Weekend on the Sunday was the Vili’s pie van which was manned by Mum’s Army and sold a big variety of pies.  They proved to very popular and it has been agreed they will be on the menu for future events.

 

We have a few boxes of the Beef, Beef and Mushroom and Chicken pies left.  They were snap frozen at a commercial freezer immediately after the event and the manufacturer advises they can be kept for two years frozen.  We are offering them to our residents at a greatly discounted price of $40 for a box of 24. 

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June 2010 Newsletter

 

May General Meeting

 

On Friday 21st May we held a General Meeting of the Association and it was well attended. Reports were given from the various areas of our activities by members of the Executive and I will cover some of those matters in this newsletter. 

 

We also had a presentation from Country Energy staff on ways in which residents might save electricity and hopefully offset some of the increases which seem to be inevitable in our power bills. The presentation was well received and there was ample time for questions over coffee, tea and scones.

 

Water Quality Issues

 

You are probably now well aware that the blockages to the channel from Pipers Creek to Wallis Lake have been cleared with a Council contractor dredging the sand that had built up at the southern end of the channel through to the channel markers in the Lake.

 

The sand was pumped into a holding basin formed on the reserve at the southern end of Victor Ave and as soon as it is dry enough to be moved will be trucked to a deposition site off Cape Hawke Drive as part of the extension of the Southern Parkway.  

 

There was a delay in commencing this part of the project as very fine silt was dredged from where the new channel connected with the deeper water in the Lake. With the continued wet weather this material was proving difficult to move and the Council looked at a number of methods to handle it. The solution that has proved to be most effective was to mix woodchip mulch with the fine silt and this has dried the silt sufficiently for it to be trucked away.

 

It is now expected that the sand can be removed over the next two weeks and a commencement made on restoring the reserve.

 

Council staff is aware of the concern of those residents close to the holding basin about   delays to the work has and that several Casuarina trees along the waterfront have apparently died. The Council has commenced the removal of the holding basin and will level and lay new turf on the damaged reserve as a matter of some urgency. Unfortunately, it has also added significantly to the cost of the project.

 

On the bright side we now have a channel from Pipers Creek to the lake approximately 2 metres deep and this should be capable of accommodating any of the craft normally used in Pipers Creek and our canals. We also hope that it will reduce some of the impediment to tidal flow in this part of the waterway.

 

The other positive from this project is that Council is now confident that clearing channels within our lake system can be undertaken without any serious or long term damage to the ecosystem that is so important to the health of the Lake.  

 

Your Committee believes there are still other works needed to significantly improve tidal flow and in turn water quality in the Keys such as:

·          A second channel from Pipers Creek to the north into Wallis Lake

·          A connection across King George Pde between the two canals as originally planned when the subdivision of the Keys was approved.

·          A continuation of the treatment works Council is providing in the drainage catchment area feeding into the Kenrose Canal.

 

Council has advised that the Wallis Lake Estuary Management Plan calls for continued investigations into opening up the northern end of Pipers Creek to increase flushing.  The oyster industry has some objections to this and Council has made its priority the improvement of water quality flowing from the catchment into the Kenrose Canal. 

 

A grant is being sought from the State Govt. to carry out ecological health monitoring in Pipers Creek. This will help to determine the ongoing condition of the waterway and will help establish the value of a northern channel from Pipers Ck. We will continue to monitor these investigations by liaising closely with Council.

 

In the meantime Council presently has two more water quality gardens under construction in the Palms Estate and applications have been made to the Federal Govt to continue this work. 

 

Council has also awarded a separate contract for the hydrodynamic study required for a new channel to be constructed across the “Step”. Hopefully this will mean a commencement of the new channel across the “Step” in 2011.

 

Forster Keys Family Fun Day

 

The preliminary work needed prior to this event is now well underway. It will be held over the weekend of 10-11 July 2010.

 

The Taree Aquatic Power Boat Club will be presenting power boat displays including a range of craft from some of the old classics to the big hydros. There will be boats from the 60s and 70s and blown boats, both operating on the water and in static displays.

 

This year we will have the local Dragon Boat Club providing a demonstration and they also plan to provide opportunities for you to try your hand at this very popular sport.

 

On the Friday before the Fun Day weekend there will be a 9 hole golf event at the Forster Golf Club and a Gala Dinner on the Saturday night at Club Forster. These two events are being organised by the “Boaties”. You need to contact Fred Williams on 6555 2662 for tickets and bookings for these two events.

 

On the Sunday we will have the markets, displays from the Historic Car Club, Scouts, SES, Rural Fire Service and many other community groups. There will be a wide range of activities for the children with our usual ring events, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting and the very popular Dog Show.

 

 To overcome the problems of catering we have experienced in the past, we are planning to have several different food outlets as well as the stall that our Association operates.  This will help spread the workload and provide a greater range of food and beverage.

 

We are seeking volunteers to assist on the weekend and hopefully enough will come forward to spread the workload more effectively than previous years. 

 

We require helpers with various tasks, mainly on the Sunday, such as parking control, the cooking and serving of food, setting up and dismantling of the tents etc. We would like to attract sufficient helpers to ensure they only have to work for a few hours and to have enough time to enjoy the activities on display.

 

Please contact Rod Lawton on 6555 2371 if you can help. A couple of hours’ assistance is all we are seeking.

 

Dad’s Army and Navy

 

Over the past few weeks the Navy boys have collected 10 very large treated logs from the waterways around Pipers Creek. These logs are some 2.00 to 2.50 metres long dressed to approximately 300 mm diameter and in excellent condition. It is a mystery where they have come from but they were an extremely serious hazard to boats using the waterways.

 

We have been contacting various local organisations to try and identify where they might have been used but so far this has been unsuccessful. If you have any thoughts on this please contact Bob Porter on 6555 9191.

 

We would also warn you to keep a close lookout when travelling around the Keys and Pipers Creek by boat and report any further sightings to Bob.

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March 2010 Newsletter

 

Water Quality Issues

 

In the last newsletter I mentioned that there was some light at the end of the tunnel in respect to the dredging of the channel from Pipers Creek to Wallis Lake. Well at long last that light is now burning a lot brighter.

 

Last meeting Council awarded a contract to a Maclean based company to dredge three channels including our channel. The work is scheduled to commence during the third week in April and the first job will be the clearing of the channel at Tuncurry near Boatland’s Marina. This is expected to take 5 weeks and then the clearing of our channel will commence at the end of May. It will take approximately 4 weeks. Some preliminary work will commence before that date to cater for the sand which will need to be dried on the reserve at the southern end of Victor Ave prior to it being trucked away for use on playing fields near the proposed extension of the Southern Parkway.

 

There will be some disturbance to the reserve and it is likely that some damage will be caused to the road pavements during the removal of the sand. However I understand Council has plans to undertake maintenance of the pavements when the work is completed.

 

The third project is the dredging of the Corrie Channel in the Myall River at Tea Gardens.

 

Council has also awarded a separate contract for the hydrodynamic study required for a new channel to be constructed across the “Step”. Hopefully this will mean a commencement of the new channel in 2011.

 

Your Committee has been working on this project now for more than 7 years and we are delighted that it now seems as though it is finally coming to fruition. The introduction of the extended environmental levy by Council has provided the funds needed for these projects together with a grant from the State Government.

 

Importantly, this work will now re-establish this important and only entrance for boats to and from the Keys to Wallis Lake as a clearly designated channel and future maintenance may be more readily available than it has been in the past.

 

It is also important to recognise the co-operation we have received from Council’s Environmental and Engineering staff over the past 18 months or so. They set a timetable for this project and so far have delivered exactly on schedule. After the frustrations of previous years dealing with the professional staff has been most refreshing.

 

Still on the issue of water quality, Council has now completed another series of bio-retention devices in the catchment area draining to the Kenrose Canal. Another two are to be commenced shortly and Council is confident of obtaining further funding next financial year to continue this work.

 

The bio-retention gardens are designed to assist in removing contaminates from the stormwater runoff in the catchment before it enters the canals and eventually the Lake. 

 

Elizabeth Reserve Boat Ramp

 

The work on new boat ramp has recently been competed with the construction and sealing of the car park.  The new ramp is now double the size of the old one and the all weather car park will be much easier to maintain and over more user-friendly.

 

This work was funded by a grant from Maritime NSW and Council funds. Your Association agreed to contribute financially to the work to demonstrate the community support for the project but this may not now be required.

 

Forster Keys Family Fun Day

 

The preliminary work needed prior to this event is now well underway. It will be held over the weekend of 10-11 July 2010.

 

We are working closely with the Taree Power Boat Association again this year and there promises to be a great display of boats on shore and exciting events on the water. Working with this Association has helped to reduce our insurance costs which you may remember was a major problem for us last year.

 

The markets that have been with us for the last 3 years are not available this year but we have been able to obtain the markets that are held each month at Blackhead. It is therefore probable that there will be more and varied stalls that previous years and this will help to make the Sunday a very special day.

 

To overcome the problems of catering we are planning to have several different food outlets as well as the stall that our Association operates. This will help spread the workload and provide a greater range of food and beverage.

 

We will be requiring volunteers to assist on the weekend and hopefully enough will come forward to spread the workload more effectively than last year. 

 

We require helpers with various tasks, mainly on the Sunday, such as parking control, the cooking and serving of food, setting up and dismantling the tents etc. 

 

Please contact Rod Lawton on 6555 2371 if you can help. A couple of hours’ assistance is all we are seeking. 

 

5a Kenrose Street

 

You are probably aware that we were helping the residents in the vicinity of this property who were protesting against the State Government constructing Affordable Housing on this site. Unfortunately the protests fell on deaf ears and the Government will go ahead with the construction of 19 units in lieu of the 20 initially proposed. 

 

As this was part of the Federal Government’s Economic Stimulus Package the project was rushed through with only token community consultation. It is to be hoped the completed project will not have the adverse implications for the residents in the vicinity of the site that the preliminary plans presented at the public meetings indicated.

 

General Meeting of the Association

 

We have scheduled a General Meeting to be held on Friday 21 May 2010 at our meeting hall in Progress Reserve off Elizabeth Parade, commencing at 10.00am. The meeting will present reports from your Executive and we are hoping to have a presentation from a representative of Country Energy of the important topics of:

 

·          Reducing your electricity bills by becoming more energy efficient.

·          Payment options to spread your bills throughout the year

·          How to access the Country support program for those in financial hardship.

·          Updates on the NSW Govt solar bonus scheme

·          Involvement in community events

·          Planned upgrades to the electricity network

 

The meeting will be followed by a sausage sizzle and the opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of some of your fellow Keys residents.

A reminder notice will be sent out closer to the date.  

 

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