Minutes

The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce Meeting

Tuesday 4th March, 2003
Raya Thai Restaurant, Helensburgh
Meeting commenced: 7.45pm

PRESENT
Bob Proudfoot, Grayam Page, John Greenwood, Peter Jarrett, Caroline Austin, Mike and Gail Tribe, Leila Visser, Shelley and Steve Melchior, Pia Angelucci, Bob and Fran Grover, Barry and Colleen Ahern, Bryan Miller, Peter and Fiona Hunt, Lynda Arrowsmith, Scott Smith, Tony Armstrong, John and Frances Vander, Paul and Kay Taylor, Wendy Lepre, Gail and Ken Green.

APOLOGIES
Darryl Bromley (president), Mike(vice pres.) and Gail Brennan, Di and Humphrey, Gina and Malcolm Taylor, JoAnne Fahey, Robyn and John Venn, Janice Kelly and Lorraine Morgan.

Guest speaker

Nick (Galvin Associates).
Interested in including the northern Illawarra in the booklet he and his wife Meg publish, promoting Bundeena/Maianbar and surrounds.

Distribution of booklet: Letterboxed in Bundeena and Maianbar, distributed by local businesses and further afield.

Example of costs for 2003: Half page, spot colour, $300 to $350 including design work.
See booklet and introductory offer.

Nick and Meg will follow up by phoning individual members

Minutes of last meeting (4th Feb.) perused and accepted.

Treasurer
Nothing specific to report.


Paul Taylor reported on progress of funding application:
According to Graeme Gulloch, application is ready to be submitted pending receipt of Auditor’s Report (to be forwarded with application).

P.T. also reported on his attempts to push RTA to rethink its current policy on closure of Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Clifton:
Meeting with Carl Scully (Minister Roads and Transport) and announcing of Public Meeting on Wed. 5th March resulted in RTA newsletter to residents "Community Update".
Public Meeting very necessary to force some sort of resolution before any further significant falls of rain. Local businesses along LHD affected by closures leading to loss of business, loss of employment of local people, loss and wastage of perishable stock. Problem for transport of school children.
Strong indication of many local people’s preference to take their chances using LHD rather than F6, especially in rain and particularly fog.

Read out a proposed motion to present at Public Meeting:

"That the RTA revert to road closure criteria in place prior to July 2002 until such time as the independent assessment is completed."

"That the RTA carry out regular on site inspections during inclement weather in order to ascertain safety factors around the cliffs."

"That the existing wording of the signs be changed to advise road users that business remains open in Thirroul, Austinmer, Coledale, Wombarra, Scarborough and Stanwell Park."

"That the Minister give assurances that full community consultation be undertaken prior to further determinations being undertaken."

Bob Proudfoot responded in support of proposed motion; commended PT for his efforts and for organizing public meeting; highly critical of State Govt. and RTA. Suggested lots of noise from community in lead-up to election.


Scott Smith – Art of the State:

Update on websites for Helensburgh, Stanwell Park, Darkes Forest etc.
Check out local website : www.artofthestate.com.au/NiO/index.html
Also developing Chamber website: www.artofthestate.com.au/nicc/index.html


Paul Taylor reported a call from RTA for interest in standing on a working/consultative committee in discussions on LHD closure policy.
Responses from: Bob Proudfoot, Paul Taylor, John Vander, Linda Arrowsmith, Wendy Lepre.


Meeting concluded officially at 9.30pm.