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Minutes
The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce Meeting
MINUTES
Tuesday 6th May,2003
Minutes – NICC General Meeting
Leo’s Restaurant, Helensburgh Workmen’s Club
Meeting commenced: 7.30pm
Present: Frances and John Vander; Fiona and Peter Hunt; Shelley and Steve Melchior; Pia Angelucci; Coleen and Barry Ahern; Gail and Michael Brennan; Greg Binskin; Lorraine Morgan; Robert Bennett(NPWS); Paul and Kay Taylor; Gail and Ken Green; Angus and Jane(Davenport); Mike Tribe; Wendy Lepre; Janice Kelly; Scott Smith; Fran Grover
Apologies: Gina Taylor; Bob Proudfoot; Tony Armstrong; Di and Humphrey; Phil Boughton; Antoinette Dippenar; Bob Grover; Darryl Bromley.
Guests : Robert Bennett (NPWS – Manager, Illawarra); Greg Binskin (Tourism Wollongong).
Meeting opened by Vice-President Mike Brennan (President Darryl Bromley on leave) with welcome to all attending.
Treasurer’s Report: See at end of minutes. This led to discussion of payment for meals in the event of "no-shows".Suggested that official policy be adopted whereby any acceptance/booking cancelled within 24 hours prior to meeting will require payment for the meal by the person failing to attend.
Greg Binskin, Tourism Wollongong:
*Reiterated T.W.’s continuing work in promoting Tourist Drive 10; trying to have "Tourist Drive 10" added to green RTA Exit signs approaching H’burgh exits.
*Working with tour promoters from Hong Kong who were recently very impressed when brought up to northern Illawarra area and attractions, and are now interested in including area in itineraries for tours from Hong Kong, Taiwan and other Asian cities.
*Other groups visiting in near future include another group from Hong Kong, a Gourmet Travellers group, a group interested in high quality retreats (coming to Tumbling Waters).
*Passed around a file of press clippings from stories on Northern Illawarra being published in various parts of Australia.
Other issues addressed/mentioned:
*GB maintains he does not want LHD closures (though safety must be assured).
*Tourism has been affected by string of problems – "9/11" terrorist attacks, Bali bombings, SARS, AMP financial crisis etc. Hopefully will bounce back and Tourism Wollongong is persevering on that basis.
*Targeting international business which will bring weekday, rather than weekend business – something very desirable to complement domestic tourism patterns.
*Development plan for WIN Stadium, including Hotel development.
* Tourism NSW Forum on June 5th 2003.
Questions asked:
Paul Taylor: Commented that effects from big events- terrorist attacks, SARS etc.- will pass, but under present RTA policy, road closures will go on forever. A real need therefore to change policy.
GB: Cannot give an answer to this, though hopeful for a solution. Has requested copy of latest report (independent) from RTA, but not forthcoming as yet.
John Vander: Asked GB to retract comments made in press which did not represent certain Tourism Wollongong members very well ( i.e. northern businesses).
GB: Apologised if comments offended anyone-that was definitely not intended; felt his comments had been somewhat misrepresented in any case. Will continue to strive for satisfactory solution, and to promote the area and the coast road.
Executive Meeting matters (meeting Mon.28th April,2003):
Lorraine Morgan reported on letter to be sent to residents to promote public awareness re problems with road closures; help from Dave Martin in organizing same, to be sent out with W’Gong Council Environmental Levy notification. Residents requested to write in protest to various politicians. Also donations being sought to help defray costs associated with this exercise ( $330 printing, $118 mailout costs). There were some suggestions to start a fighting fund.
Paul Taylor reported on meeting of Community Working Group (re road closures) on Mon. 5th May,2003, without any RTA reps. Still waiting on independent consultant’s report. Some people really suffering.
(RTA paid for use of hall, provided facilitator + secretary to take notes).
Meeting agreed to ask Bob Proudfoot to be spokesperson/advocate for the Group, to allow for a stronger voice and more pressure. BP has agreed to do so.
More community consultation sought from RTA, more in line with Sydney Water’s current policy.
Paul reported problems experienced by Wayne Green (Green’s Buses) and their elderly passengers’ problems with shopping, along with local school principals’ difficulties with student transport during closures.
Next meeting of group in 2 weeks. More info should come from RTA in next few days.
Janice Kelly asked about prior warning policy of RTA. PT replied that RTA will now fax notice of closure ASAP to anyone needing such notice, as long as they have fax numbers. Phone Alex Dunstan to have fax.no. added to their list.
Guest Speaker – Robert Bennett –Manager – Illawarra, NPWS.
Spoke about various local issues.
*Same problems with Mt.Keira road as RTA has with LHD on coast, though remote station sensors register 300mm rainfall before closure occurs.
*Brief description of NPWS services: management of National Parks, Nature Reserves, Aboriginal Heritage areas, Wilderness areas, public use of these areas. Includes fire and weed control, walking tracks etc.
Illawarra area responsible for Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Dharawal Nature Conservation Area, Five Islands Nature Reserve and Berkeley Nature Reserve (last two significant for Aboriginal heritage). Illawarra has been comprehensively surveyed for flora and fauna (one of best surveyed in NSW); significant potential for eco-tourism. Planning to add lands to NPWS estate, incl. lands surrounding north and west Stanwell Park. Ultimate goal is a continuous walking track all the way to Victorian border. Proposed camping reserve at Bulli; asset protection zones being established where private properties adjoin NPWS land. Already on the ground new lookout ($100,000) at Mt.Keira(southern side)-very impressive; lookout and raised walkway at Maddens Plains/Darkes Forest (eventually a $130,000 facility).
Question: Janice Kelly. Are walking tracks listed anywhere on internet? RB: Not yet, but can phone local office for info.on status of walking tracks.
Kay Taylor: How does NPWS manage lantana problems ? RB: Encourage community participation in bush regeneration programs.
Information given on new Gateway Centre/Visitor Information at Bulli Tops (service station site). Proposed demolition of current building, plans for a $2.5 to 3 million facility, with iconic views; a "must stop" viewing centre. Land involved has now passed into Council’s ownership.
Scott Smith - Art of the State:
Interview on Mon 5th May 03 with Northern Leader; website to be launched and made available to the public in June. www.NiO.net.au
Minutes of last meeting (Tues. 1st May) moved and accepted.
General Business
Suggested wine tasting – simple social occasion. Need to look further at possible venue. Clifton School of Arts probably too expensive at $250 hire. Waiting on reply from Hillcrest House. To be discussed agein at next Committee meeting.
Request by Mike Tribe (Helensburgh Hardware) for letter to be sent to appropriate authorities re enforcing of parking restrictions in Walker Street; serious problems as result of building site activity.
NSW Cancer Council – Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Lorraine Morgan and Wendy Lepre holding event outside General Store and Ruby’s on Thursday 22nd May. Special 10th Anniversary event; buskers, raffle etc. Donation asked for drinks/food.
Noted that Hillcrest House also holding event on Mon.19th May.
Meeting officially concluded: 9.40pm.
Next meeting: 3rd June, Darkes Forest Woolshed.
Treasurer’s Report
No. 1 Account 31/12/02 16,017.09
No. 2 " " 1,197.85
Opening Balance at 31/12/02 17,214.94
Receipts to 30th April,2003
Membership 90.00
Meal contributions 2170.00 2260.00
19,474.94
Payments to 30th April,2003
Meals 2220.00
Advertising
(Engadine News) 473.00
P.O. Box Hire 52.00
RTA Meetings
& Stationery 393.60 (3138.60)
Balance at 30th April,2003 16,336.34
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