Hardys Bay Residents Group

Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held at 7.30 pm Tuesday 29 August 2006 at Hardys Bay Community Church Hall.

President Adrian Williams welcomed the new people to the meeting.  Thanks to John Lee for the new HBRG signs – great to see a good roll up.

Apologies:   Marilyn Cartmill, Allan & Faye Wilson, Angela and Brian McGill, Steve Farrell, Jim Macfadyen, Allan and Fiona Lambell, Robert Hill, Sandy Broadhead, Paul & Helen Robinson.

Financial Report:  Before new memberships tonight $330.00.  The newsletter is self funded as a result of a one year of support by local businesses plus advertising on the website.

Minutes:     Minutes of the previous meeting held were read and accepted as true and accurate record. Moved by Bill Egan seconded Ruth Dunlop.

Guest Speakers:  Rural Fire Service - Steve Marsh, District Regional Manager,

Rolf Poole, Community Safety Officer, Chris Radford, President & Deputy Captain from Killcare along with Mick Jackson and Warwick Teasdale.

• Steve responded to community concerns about the level of coverage in our area.
• Killcare brigade have a heavy Cat. 1 tanker and a small Cat. 9.  A Cat. 7 light tanker is to arrive this month.
• Gone through a rough patch earlier this year with internal issues and this is now settled with Steve Farrell as the newly elected Captain.
• Currently 20 active volunteers and 2 trainees.  Killcare had a 100% roll up from call outs last year. 
• RFS have a duty of care to supply a service and have the ability to back up with other brigades in the area and have semi-retired people to call on.  No more concerns for Killcare than any other area.  A new station is also being built at Kincumber.
• No problems in Gosford City, especially New Year’s Day 650 homes saved and only 3 lost with the help from National Parks and NSWFB.
• Rolf delivered a very informative FIREWISE presentation and the need to identify bushfire hazards and communicate through local groups.
• Landowner’s responsibility to maintain their Asset Protection Zone around their home.
• Life, Property and Environment…in that order, in the event of a fire.
• Biggest fire threat is from embers that can travel thousands of metres.  80% are ember attacks.  Clean out gutters and around the home. 
• Hydrants clearly marked.  Any static water sources such as pools or rainwater tanks (recommended to have compatible RFS storz fittings) can be registered by faxing RFS details and a SWS letterbox sticker is issued.
• In the event of fire they try not to evacuate whole communities.  The plan of action for the community should be known and a phone tree implemented where one person in the community is in touch with the local brigade.
• Chris advised that Killcare brigade is having an open day barbeque on Saturday 16 September 10am – 2pm at the waterfront in Hardys Bay.
• Volunteers needed not only to fight fires but to help out with administration and fund raising. 
• A reminder of the cake stall on the first Saturday of the month.  The running costs of the Cat. 9 tanker is funded by the community. 

Business Arising from Minutes – Updates

Traffic Issues:  As a result of Council attending our previous meeting and our submission of our wish list this has elevated Hardys Bay problems to the top of Council’s list. Surveyors currently progressing.  Other groups also putting similar ideas forward.  A plan will be available for public viewing.  Getting good feedback and consistency from all groups.

Sewerage Odour: Make sure any odour is reported to Council.  Any problems mention Pam McCann and make sure the concern is registered.

mosquitoes: Significant progress with considerable support from various Councillors who know the report is favourable.  Going to Council in the next few weeks.  A lot of movement to get it done this year.

Sedimentation: Now an official release on the Brisbane Water Flood Study and questionnaires available for people in low areas.  Interested in historical flood events, dates etc. Will display details in the corner store and real estate offices.   Executive committee to meet and report at next meeting.

Gosford Council reluctant with foreshore works until the December BW Estuary Study is released.  At that stage we will make our issues high on the agenda.  In the meantime will focus on one off issues with erosion around drains.

Oysters:  Fences have now been removed between Extension wharf and the northern private wharf in Hardys Bay Parade.  On the southern side of the Extension wharf a couple of lines have been removed and the remainder will be removed before Christmas.  Good feedback on the funding to remove the rest of the tiles and debris from foreshore.

Pumpout:  Mick Sparks from Killcare Marina advised that expressions of interest have at last been sent out to all marinas.  22 Sep meeting to decide.

Correspondence:

• Newsletter - Tremendous overwhelming positive response, 10 or so emails.
• Printing Grant - Whilst the newsletter is self funding a small amount should come our way from Council at their next meeting.
• Two positive letters from Council – experts involved accept what we say is correct in regard to mosquito spraying.
• John Lee – thank you letter for the HBRG signs.

New/General Business:

Newsletter: First quarterly issue has been distributed.  Fully self funded by local advertising.

Website Advertising: Local Tradespeople link and phone numbers.  Send Bill an email with details and its only $25.00 for the year’s listing. bill@hardysbay.com.  Let all your friends know about this.

Killcare Marina: To have 5 x 14’ boats/motors and 10 canoes for hire at the end of the wharf.

Police presence in the area: Recently called out due large group of 350 teenagers in Putty Beach Road.  By ringing and writing to Chris Hartcher it raises our profile for ongoing crime prevention.

Next meeting: 7.30 pm Tuesday 10 October, 2006 at Hardys Bay Church Hall.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.