Tuross Head Progress Association Committee Letters 2009/2010

1. Kyla Hall status request

Dear Council,

On December 6th, 2009 the THPA wrote the following letter to Council Re: The Condition of Kyla Hall

Dear Sirs,

It is with regret that the Tuross Head Progress Association learnt of the letter to the Editor of our local community newsletter that states there will not be an exhibition in 2010. This discission and the cause of the discission come as a blow to the Tuross Community at large and to the Moruya Hospital Auxilliary as beneficiaries of funds raised.

The letter to the editor is as follows:

No Tuross Head Model Ship Expo in 2010
The Tuross Head Model Ship Group has decided not to hold a Model Ship & Hobbies Expo in 2010.

The main reason for this decision is that The Kyla Park Hall facilities are inadequate for our purpose. In particular there are insufficient tables and trestles to accommodate our displays.

Each year we rely on importing fold up tables from our homes and the Pines. This year we also sourced tables from the Moruya Hospital Auxiliary.

To date we have been lucky in that these tables were available. Should The Pines or the Hospital Auxiliary need them for other events then we would be left in an embarrassing dilemma.

Approaches have been made to Council, as far back as 5 years ago, to replace 6 tables that have been lost over the years since they were built in 1981.

An informal undertaking was given to supply these tables but to date none have been forthcoming.

The kitchen utilities are entirely inadequate for the catering of these public events. The Auxiliary ladies are forced to supply their own. This entails a lot of work as private kitchens need to be unpacked and repacked in order to prepare, cook and serve food to the event visitors.
This heavy work takes its toll on our aging bodies and discourages us from organising another event.

As a general observation, the Kyla Park hall is in much need of restoration work. There has been insufficient investment by Council in this important Community facility that was built and maintained by volunteers before Council took possession of it.

We are sad to have taken this decision as we realise that Tuross Merchants will lose much needed income and tourism to Tuross in September will be affected.

Ray Sillett

The Kyla Park Hall has a solid and proud history in this community. It was a hall built by the community for the community.

At the time of handover to Eurobodalla Shire Council the hall was in good condition and had a full inventory of quality fittings such as table, chairs, a full compliment of kitchen items and a full table service able to provide for 120 people.

The hall, in the opinion of the Tuross Head community has been allowed to run down under the management of Eurobodalla Shire Council to such a point as to see the withdrawal of a major annual function such as the Model Ship Builders Annual Expo

We look forward to your response to the above letter and to the concerns of the Tuross community at large in this matter.

Sadly Mr Mayor and GM Anderson there was no reply to this letter.

It has now come to the attention of the Tuross Head Community that the Kyla hall is in a very sorry condition.

Can Council please advise the Tuross Head Progress Association and the Tuross Head Community as to:

• How the hall managed to be allowed to fall into such rapid disrepair knowing that the hall was solid and sound when handed over to ESC in February 2002.
• Can Eurobodalla Shire Council provide to the THPA and residents of Tuross Head evidence of the annual building inspections carried out and provide copies of the pest inspections carried out since taking over management of the facility.
• How it was that a termite infestation was left unchecked for so long especially in light of Council having full knowledge of a previous attack in the late 1990’s that saw restoration work carried by Campbell Page under Council direction.
• What does Council now see as the short and long term options for Kyla Hall
• Whether, in light of the removal of one of our community halls Council still proposes to change the classification of the Progress Hall to operational with a view to selling it.
The THPA was of the understanding that any sale of the Progress Hall would see 100% of funds being retained by the Tuross Head community and used for such projects as enhancement of the existing Kyla Hall. It was not of our understanding that the Kyla hall would be allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that considerable funds would now be required to restore it back to a functional condition.

Once again sirs might we raise another letter sent to Council dated December 3rd, 2009 that also remains unanswered

Re: Memorandum of Understanding regarding any monies forthcoming from the possible sale of the Tuross Head Progress Hall Land at Jutland Ave, Tuross Head.

Dear Sirs,

In order to effectively survey the community it is essential that we know exactly what Council intends to do in regards to the Progress Hall land sale and exactly what it plans to do with the monies from that sale.

The Tuross Head Progress Association made representation at the Public Meeting held by Council to discuss affected land to be reclassified and submitted that if it were the will of the community to sell the land then the money should be preserved for the Tuross Community.

The reclassification of the land does not take effect until the Draft LEP is approved by the Minister.

The Tuross Head Progress Association requests that Council provides a response to this request of clarity of intent prior to the draft LEP being re-exhibited.

The Tuross Head Progress Association and Tuross Community would appreciate Eurobodalla Shire Council clearly defining, in writing, exactly what Council proposes to do with any monies forthcoming from the possible sale of the Tuross Head Progress Hall Land at Jutland Ave, Tuross Head to ensure these funds are returned to the Tuross Head Community.

In a letter date 11th June, 2009 Mayor Thomson extend an invitation to meet further with the THPA Executive to discuss the surety required by the Tuross community to secure any monies forthcoming from the possible sale. There have been conflicting statements since that letter that have raised questions as to whether this particular process of specifically earmarking and corralling funds is possible.
It was clearly stated by Mayor Fergus Thomson at the public meeting on 4th June, 2009 that any monies gained from the sale of the Progress Hall land would be secured and used to the benefit of the Tuross Community in refurbishing the existing Kyla Oval Hall and improving the Tuross Head amenity.

Prior to any sale of the land it is the intention of the Tuross Head Progress Association to carry out a survey/poll of the Tuross Head residents and community and determine from that survey/poll the wishes of the community in regards to the future of the heritage listed Progress Hall.

It is a major outrage to this community that the Kyla hall has been allowed to deteriorate to such a sad state in just 8 years under Councils watch. Council has totally disregarded and disrespected the monies raised and efforts made by this community to build that hall for themselves and to now see it all for nothing.

It is also a major disappointment that Council has not replied to either of the above letters.
It is of major concern that the Tuross head residents will see the sale of the progress hall land go ahead following the adoption of the Draft LEP and as a consequence the community will be left with either no hall at all or a hall that the financially strapped Eurobodalla Shire Council offers from its ever diminishing funds.

Response: termites found - extensive damage. Kyla Hall bookings diverted to Progress Hall - hire fees are being processed into the THPA management committee's account. THPA executive invited to discuss the future of Kyla park hall and Tuross Head Progress Association hall..

Note: Though this was in fact a "response" it was a "one liner" that failed to commit to any of the substance of the THPA letter and was deemed by members as not anywhere near good enough a reply to the absolute questions asked.

above: there is an error in the general manager's statement saying these matters have been answered verbally at a number of meetings - the questions asked HAVE NOT been answered verbally or otherwise - the GM's statement is unfortunately "bullshit" and is only repeating by rote previous media statements...

2. Maintenance of Tuross Head Progress Hall – Jutland Ave

Re: Maintenance of Tuross Head Progress Hall – Jutland Ave


Dear Council,

At our meeting of June 3rd, 2010 a motion was raised to write to council requesting:

• An increase to $20 per week contribution be made by Eurobodalla Shire Council to the cleaning of the Hall as the utilization of the hall has increased substancially as a consequence of the Kyla Hall now being closed indefinitely. We would appreciate this increased contribution to be effective as of July 1st 2010. Please indicate if you do not wish to increase this contribution providing reasons for your descision.
• General maintenance be carried out to the hall such as cleaning of the gutters following the recent storms that filled the gutters with litter and leaves.
• That parks crews undertake wippersnipping at the rear of the Hall adjacent to the carpark as part of their duties. Presently they only mow the front of the property and the rear area has fallen into unsightly disrepair.
• That a ceiling panel that is sagging be refixed
• That, in light of the recent closure of the Kyla hall to termite inspection Council advise the THPA of its records of the most recent termite inspection on the Hall and advise the THPA of when the next scheduled building inspection is to be carried out.

We appreciate your support and response in this matter

Response: Kyla Hall bookings diverted to Progress Hall- hire fees are being processed into the THPA management committee's account - these additional fees should be utilised to increase services of cleaning and maintenance including basic maintenance such as mowing and landscaping and non-structual building repairs Gutter cleaning has been scheduled to be undertaken by Councils carpentery team. THPA executive invited to discuss the future of Kyla park hall and Tuross Head Progress Association hall..

3. The Kyla Oval Dump – request to desist further dumping and burning off

The Kyla Oval Dump – request to desist further dumping and burning off

The THPA has made a submission to the Draft Recreation and Open Space Strategy for a BMX facility.

The location identified for this facility is the area commonly referred to by Tuross Head residents as The Council Dump that is arrowed in the image below. Over the years Council has industriously filled this area extending the levelled section of field adjacent to the Kyla Oval.

The area is now all but levelled and the Tuross Head Progress Association is now be asking Council to desist in any further stockpiling on the site of either soil, building debris or vegetation as it is contrary to the Plan of Management for this sporting reserve and also deemed by Tuross Head residents as contrary to the intent of the EPA guidelines that now restrict any burning off in an urban area.

Whilst the nearby Grazing Lots are zoned as Rural under the existing LEP the Kyla Sporting Reserve is, in the opinion of the Tuross Head community at least, very much on the urban fringe and will be reclassified as urban in the new lEP once adopted.

Burn-offs at this site are no longer appropriate.

The THPA is requesting of Council to clearly define the proposed finished levels to this site and detail their intentions to distribute the existing stockpiles that now have become overgrown and unsightly.

It is of the opinion of the THPA that this area could be effectively used for a BMX circuit that would allow Council to simply reshape their debris into suitable hillocks and batters suitable for cyclists.

In regards to Burning Off:

From Councils own CONTROL OF BURNING - POLICY

http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/site/Publications/Brochures/PDFs/AppForms/BurnVeg.pdf

2. Eurobodalla Shire Council, its employees and contractors who carry out activities within land
currently zoned under the Eurobodalla Urban Local Environmental Plan 1999 (as amended), may
burn dead and dry vegetation on land within those zones, subject to the conditions in the
CODE OF PRACTICE

• Permits shall be obtained from the appropriate fire service during the bushfire danger period each year. Conditions attached to any such permit shall be complied with. Where permit conditions are inconsistent with the conditions below burning shall not take place and an individual approval shall be sought from Council.

• Burning must take place by such practicable means as are necessary to prevent or minimise air pollution.

• Every attempt shall be made to recycle or reuse vegetation prior to burning. Recycling techniques include but are not limited to mulching, composting, milling, and use as fuel for heating purposes. Only the residue from recycling and reuse shall be burnt.

• Burning shall only take place during dry weather conditions, taking into account the potential for smoke impacting on any person due to wind direction and other climatic conditions.

• Burning shall not take place where other persons are likely to be unduly impacted.

We appreciate your support and response in this matter

Response: Council has arranged a cleanup installing acces bollards and signs - the site remains a fill site before reaching a final level - the storing of clean fill and mulching saves Council considerable expenditure avoiding expensive transport costs. Illegal dumping will be monitored by ouncil

4. To write a letter to Council thanking them for their excellent work on the dune access at the rear of the main beach and to ask them to consider refurbishment of the old boatramp

Dear Council,

Our best wishes go out to the families and friends of those lost in the recent boating accident off Tuross Head.

Like many who watched the Channel 9 news report that night the Tuross Head Progress Association also asks the question of why the One Tree Boat Ramp is not available for Emergency rescues.

Mark Burrows from Win TV said in his report as he stood in front of the old boat ramp “ This is what’s left of the Tuross Heads Boat Ramp. Locals say that if it was in a usable condition a rescue boat could have been launched.” “The towns bigger and more specialised boat could not be launched.”

Both the Win and Channel Seven news said that the two survivors were in the water for two to three hours before being picked up.

Floating in the sea with fresh bait floating beside you for several hours is not to be repeated. By having access to the boatramp the Tuross VRA may have been able to attend the scene quicker and at least remove the risk of shark attack.

The THPA would like to thank Council for the provision of the beach access track that leads onto the main beach from the lower carpark adjacent to Clive Court. This access track will provide an alternate for launching the rescue craft and allowing other emergency services to access the beach area. None the less the community still wishes to pursue the reinstatement (fore emergency purposes only) of the One Tree boatramp.

Can Eurobodalla Shire Council please inform the Tuross Head Progress Association, the Tuross Head VRA, The Tuross Head Fishing Club (of who make up the many off shore recreational fishers that may rely on a quick response) and Tuross Head residents and ratepayers exactly why a few rocks and a bit of concrete can’t be placed at the One Tree Boat Ramp . If it is a matter of money the Tuross Head community will fund and carry out the works.

Council has been asked for many years to restore the 2m gap between the edge of the car park and the start of the concrete slab. All that is asked is a lockable boom gate for emergency use only to allow rescue boats to be launched.

Can Council, please provide a clear statement in regards to the proposed works.

Photo: an impression of the proposed modifications to the One Tree boat ramp that would see it being used only for emergencies with a lockable railing or bollards to ensure access wasn’t gained by non-emergency craft.

We look forward to your timely reply

Yours sincerely

Response: Letter sent June 4th, 2010

5. Boat ramp for emergency use only

Dear Council,

Our best wishes go out to the families and friends of those lost in the recent boating accident off Tuross Head.

Like many who watched the Channel 9 news report that night the Tuross Head Progress Association also asks the question of why the One Tree Boat Ramp is not available for Emergency rescues.

Mark Burrows from Win TV said in his report as he stood in front of the old boat ramp “ This is what’s left of the Tuross Heads Boat Ramp. Locals say that if it was in a usable condition a rescue boat could have been launched.” “The towns bigger and more specialised boat could not be launched.”

Both the Win and Channel Seven news said that the two survivors were in the water for two to three hours before being picked up.

Floating in the sea with fresh bait floating beside you for several hours is not to be repeated. By having access to the boatramp the Tuross VRA may have been able to attend the scene quicker and at least remove the risk of shark attack.

The THPA would like to thank Council for the provision of the beach access track that leads onto the main beach from the lower carpark adjacent to Clive Court. This access track will provide an alternate for launching the rescue craft and allowing other emergency services to access the beach area. None the less the community still wishes to pursue the reinstatement (fore emergency purposes only) of the One Tree boatramp.

Can Eurobodalla Shire Council please inform the Tuross Head Progress Association, the Tuross Head VRA, The Tuross Head Fishing Club (of who make up the many off shore recreational fishers that may rely on a quick response) and Tuross Head residents and ratepayers exactly why a few rocks and a bit of concrete can’t be placed at the One Tree Boat Ramp . If it is a matter of money the Tuross Head community will fund and carry out the works.

Council has been asked for many years to restore the 2m gap between the edge of the car park and the start of the concrete slab. All that is asked is a lockable boom gate for emergency use only to allow rescue boats to be launched.

Can Council, please provide a clear statement in regards to the proposed works.

Inset: Photo of boatramp with signs and bollards that have a padlocked access gate

Above: an impression of the proposed modifications to the One Tree boat ramp that would see it being used only for emergencies with a lockable railing or bollards to ensure access wasn’t gained by non-emergency craft.

We look forward to your timely reply

Yours sincerely

5. Response: Letter sent June 4th, 2010- Response recieved 17th June

Boatramp determined as unsuitable for this site.
Council has worked with VRA and provided main beach access. Tuross lake entrance now open providing access