Presentation to SCC Extraordinary General Meeting 22 Jan 2015

Save the Heart of Huskisson Inc. is an alliance of Jervis Bay Tourism, Huskisson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and

Huskisson Woollamia Community Voice.

“Realising the full potential of these areas will be

dependent, in part, on the passion of local operators,

businesses and communities and the partnerships that can

be forged between localities, Council and the ShoalhavenTourism Board.” STMP

Planning History

• Scenic views have been noted planning documents since 1988: (Huskisson & Currambene

Creek Situation paper from 1988)

• “Huskisson town centre has one of the most scenic views on the coast with direct vistas from various locations to the north of white beaches and blue water of CurrambeneCreek…These features give Huskisson its character and identity and it is essential that they are preserved and enhanced.”

‘Views enhanced’ and ‘expanded open space’ has been prioritized in all draft DCPs and Development Guidelines for

the last 20 years.

Original DCP 54 from 1994 above

Plan for a ‘pedestrian plaza’ draft DCP 54 amendment 1. from October 2002

For many years this site was ‘subject to further investigation’ as the community lobbied to keep the space and views

Current DCP 54 adopted with 5 metre setback (was 12 metresinitially). In 2007.

SCC capacity to fund Shoalhaven City Council’s Debt Service Ratio is relatively low, that

means there is capacity to borrow the funds without jeopardisingoverall financial sustainability.

As of the latest published figures it’s Debt SR is 7.80% compared to a comparable Council Group average of 8.71%.

Department of Local Government considers 10% or under as ‘good’.

Unrestricted Current Ratio - The Council’s ability to satisfy all its financial obligations in the hypothetical event of a ‘wind up’ is a ratio of 2.35 (positive), is also considered ‘good’ by Department of local Government.

In general SCC is one of the few Coastal urban regional Council’s that is considered to be financially sustainable by both DLG and independent assessment.

http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/Shoalhaven-Council-Financial-Assessment-Report.pdf

• Change.org online petition is now up to 4, 600 signings.

• Breakdown of signatures by area/postcode

• Crowd funding initiative started after JB community kept asking how they could donate towards buying the block.

• More than 50 individuals, families and businesses have pledged $1000 or over –some up to $7,000

• Many heartfelt, passionate, and business savvy comments.

• Go into partnership with council or state

Crowd-funding as of today at 2pm

‘Community bid’ aim to raise $1 million

*Any partnership with Council, State or Federal government funding &/or grants means that RSL block has to become ‘job creating and revenue raising.’

* Therefore developing amphitheatre/park with shops/café/ VIC at wharf level.

* All building kept under Owen street level.

* Create ‘green–roof’ public space on top.

* Cutting-edge architecture creates destination in itself.

* Preserves the whole view.

* HoH has been working with top Australian

architects A J+C to come up innovative solutions:

Park/amphitheatre from Owen St

Amphitheatre/green-roof park with shops/café/VIC under as viewed from the sea

This is a ONCE ONLY chance. This decision will have massive impact on Huskisson and Jervis Bay forever.

Council finances are considered sound and sustainable. This block of land is priceless to the Shoalhaven.

We are a business community. We are active and passionate because we can’t afford to lose the space and the iconic view. This view is our brand. It is our ‘point of difference’; our identity.

Most important thing is to secure the block now. Please vote to make a competitive offer and negotiate directly with the

club – their tender allows for ‘best option’ and ‘sold prior’. You’re our elected representatives and we need you to succeed in

bringing the block into public ownership to preserve and enhance the Shoalhaven’s world class destination.

You have this one chance today to create a legacy for future generations and to show vision for the region.

Please talk to us about the alternative solution from AJ+C.