New committee structure
Bonaira Public Hearing
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Crafting haul from The Royal
Harbourside work complete p3
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6 MAY 2023
Jamberoo Milk blow Dairying in the Jamberoo Valley has been dealt another blow with the news that Picton milk processor Country Valley, the promoter of Jamberoo Valley Milk, has gone into administration. Steven Downes, one of the Jamberoo farmers who originally signed up to supply milk to Country Valley, became concerned with the situation earlier in the year. He made the decision to stop milking rather than take on the expenses required for the coming year, and is now working off-farm to bring in income.
“Several farmers tell me they have had $50-$70k worth of milk not paid for, and as that was a month ago it might be more now,” says Steven, noting there isn’t a lot of margin in that income. The farmers, who prefer not to comment, are understood to be trying to recover their money, but Stephen says while the amount he is owed is significant it isn’t worth the legal costs and headaches. Country Valley declined to comment. Country Valley’s John Fairley was keen to leverage off the goodwill for local
farmers, launching Jamberoo Valley Milk last June. However this branding strategy was developed without the involvement of the local farmers, despite giving that impression. Jamberoo farmers weren’t paid extra for the premium price charged for their milk, but continued receiving the contracted amount. “It was never a cooperative of local farmers, it was a marketing opportunity,” says Steven, who was annoyed from the start by the promotion which had people congratulating him on the
initiative. “This was an initiative that was supposed to support local dairy farmers, and it is gut wrenching that it has ended up doing the opposite, with one farming stopping milking for the interim and perhaps forever,” says local food champion Alan Smith. “However, I will continue to support these types of initiatives to encourage the local farming community otherwise our green hills will be gone.” A new brand, Sydney Milk, was launched by Country Valley as recently as February.
As the region regroups after three years on a business and tourism roller coaster, a South Coast family’s strong vision for the future of tourism is injecting a big vote of confidence into Kiama and Gerringong. In addition to recently completing a multi-million dollar renovation of the old Kiama Shores Motel in Collins St which they bought a couple of years ago, the Bartlett family – best known as the owners of the Huskisson Pub – bought the Mercure Hotel in Gerringong last November with plans to take it upmarket and increase the number of rooms. “As a family we are heavily invested – financially and emotionally – in the Kiama Council region,” says Rob Bartlett, GM of the Bar Hos-
pitality Group (pictured). “Kiama Shores is now 3.5 to 4-star and we feel it hits that market quite well. Property managers Pauline (Pea) and Gus Garner do a great job looking after the 52 rooms and they tell me that most people who stay here just want to get across the street to spend. “The Kiama Shores is in a great location across the road from the park and cafes. People think you need to be directly across from the beach. But I believe the beauty of Kiama is in the Harbour and the main streets.” After a recent tour of the revitalised facility, Kiama Council’s Tourism and Events Manager Sally Bursell gives the offering a big thumbs up. “The new owner’s eye for detail was clear as was the
deliberate intent away from the family market, focusing more on couples and corporate,” she says. A collaboration with Kierrin McKnight – formerly of Sailor’s Thai and Darley Street Thai in Sydney – saw an offshoot of his Huskisson Wildginger restaurant open on the Collins St streetfront last August, and his new fish and chip bar, Single Fin Kiosk, has now opened at the entrance to the motel. “Wildginger has been a welcomed addition to the Kiama area’s growing classy culinary experiences, and we think it is extremely clever to have branched out to offer another food option with Single Fin Kiosk – who can go past fish and chips by the seaside?” says Ms Bursell. Mr Bartlett, a former con-
sultant with Ernst and Young, also has some exciting plans for Gerringong. “We purchased the Mercure in Gerringong in November 2022,” he says.
Bartlett family’s tourism investment
Phone: 4232 2757
21B Barney Street, KIAMA
After Hours Towing 0438 424 574
Fax: 4232 2676 ksmr@bigpond.com
“We’ve been watching it for many years and loved it when it was Bellachara.” He has brought in new head chef Steve Meredith who is redoing the winter
menu. “Steve has worked with us for a long time and is a great chef and person,” says Mr Bartlett.
continued on page 10
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