Australia Day honours
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Frank is the best Blues singer
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Col begins his long ride
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11 FEB 2023
Breakthrough on odours at Bombo
In what will be good news for many residents, Sydney Water has announced it is embarking on a three year project to fix the smell coming from its Bombo sewage treatment plant. “Sydney Water is working to reduce odour around the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility by covering all drains around the plant and sealing all vents,” a spokesperson has told The Bugle in response to enquiries. “An upgrade to the facility, which will further reduce odour issues, has been approved and will be completed in stages over the next three years. “Sydney Water has briefed the Minister of Lands and Water office regarding these
odour concerns.” No detail was given about the investment that is to be made in the project, or when it will start, with a spokesperson saying, “Sydney Water is in the process of determining the cost and upgrade details for the Facility over the next three years.” Murray Griffith has been campaigning for something to be done for some time, including recently gaining the support of Gareth Ward MP who made representations to the Minister. When the Griffiths bought their house above the Boneyard 28 years ago, the odour from the sewage treatment plant was occasional and mild. Many live much closer to it
than they do. “When we first moved here only we got it 3-4 times in a year, when a strong south-easter blew, and it might last 24-48 hours. “Now it happens weekly and lasts for 48 hours.” In the last two years Mr Griffiths says the odour has got much stronger. “During holiday season, it is there every day as the increased volume is clearly too much pressure for the system.” Having heard excuses before, he is very pleased to finally hear of an upgrade. “Way too many people are now affected by the odour – they had to do something about it,” says the engineer. He’d like confirmation it is
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Ward runs as independent
Just seven weeks out from the State Election day, the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has announced his candidacy as an independent. “I am standing for two reasons,” he said in a statement making the announcement. “First to continue to work hard and get things done for our community. Second, to stand up for the principles continued page 12 and values that are worth fighting for.” In acknowledging the charges that are against him, Mr Ward said, “I passionately believe in fairness and due process. Whilst some commentators believe the presumption of innocence is an optional extra, it isn’t. It’s a human right and fundamental to our system of justice. “Some in the media have shifted the balance too far. I’m determined to correct this imbalance and I know my experience will eventually serve as a reminder of why a person is innocent until proven otherwise.”
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In answering The Bugle’s questions, Mr Ward says, “I am very grateful for the literally thousands of emails, messages, letters and phone calls from locals encouraging me to continue to work hard and get things done for our local community. “I’ll be campaigning on my record of action and delivery and continuing to get things done for Kiama. “At this election, I’m not running to be the Liberal Member or the Labor Member – I’m running to be the
At the Albion Park Show
local Member.” He says that since he became the Member for Kiama 12 years ago he has secured more than $3 billion for projects across the community, including the Government’s $700 million commitment to a new Shellharbour Hospital. He is committed to fighting for reform to return planning powers back to local communities. “Too many planning and development decisions are
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