Community Christmas Party 2013

Capertee Community 

Christmas Party!

Friday 20th of December 2013

Capertee War Memorial Hall

6-9 pm

BBQ

Chrissy Chocolate Wheel

Raffles

Special Appearance by Santa!

Come and Enjoy

All Welcome!

New signs!

Lithgow city council have recently installed new signage at Clarence Pirie Park and Pearsons Lookout!


Thanks to Ally 
Sheldon, Mathew 
Brewster, Kellie 
Barrow and the staff of Lithgow 
City Council.

Paul Toole " Wallerawang power station closure is just a rumour"

ABC RADIO:

The Member for Bathurst says he has been told by Energy Australia claims the Wallerawang power station is closing are just rumours.

The Australian Workers Union says employees at the facility have been told the plant will be mothballed by March.

Energy Australia bought the power plant along with a facility at Mount Piper from the state government in July for $160m.

Energy Australia have indicated that they are reviewing their operations and what they are hearing at the moment is rumour.

The Nationals' Paul Toole, says he has spoken to the company about the concerns.

"I'm hearing lots of different rumours, lots of speculation at the moment by the unions, in relation to the power stations at Wallerawang," he said.

The full story is here:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-08/toole-wallerawang/5077980

Alan Jones apologies to Kate McFarlane

Some thing a little interesting!


Alan Jones – 7.42am. Friday 8 November 2013
......just on Brad Hazzard, a week ago you might have missed it because it was early in the programme, I had a bit of an altercation with Brad Hazzard on my programme.
He’s a very decent man Brad Hazzard, over whether or not his Chief of Staff, a woman by the name of Kate McFarlane was at meetings with the coalmining outfit Coalpac, who in fact had lost an application to mine in the Lithgow area.
She had been mentioned in a newspaper article as having been present at meetings with the mining company and hadn’t declared an interest in that she allegedly owned a property adjacent to the mine or overlooking the mine.
Let me just say this in the light of quite a bit of material that’s been sent to me. It appears to me that everything that’s been said about this woman, Kate McFarlane, including suggestions by me in that interview with her boss, or I questioned Brad Hazzard, that all of that is wrong. In so far as her property in the area is adjacent or overlooking the mine, I now understand it’s 8kms away.
So I think the Premier in answering questions in the Parliament got it right when he said, if you think Redfern is near or adjacent to or overlooks The Rocks, you probably have a problem. And that’s as adjacent as Kate McFarlane’s property is to the mine.
However the most important point is that these things were answered comprehensively in the Parliament by Brad Hazzard and the Premier and it’s now quite clear that there were three meetings at different times with this Coalpac coal company and its personnel and on no occasion was Kate McFarlane present. As simple as that.
And in a letter from Sam Haddad, the Director General of the Department of Planning & Infrastructure, he makes the point, quote, Ms McFarlane has never sought in any conversation or otherwise to influence the Department’s rigorous and independent merit based recommendation in regard to the Coalpac mine, unquote.
Now we, but if something is done which is wrong in relation to a particular person, it’s very important to let you know about that. And I think much of what was said- all of what was said, I’m sorry, not much [but all] about Ms McFarlane was wrong.
So Ms McFarlane, head high, get on with your work. I think those who’ve had a stab, including in that very rather heated exchange I had with Brad Hazzard, were on the wrong tram. We’ve got off that tram, and hopefully you can continue with your reputation intact.....

2GB [DAB] 2013-11-08 07-43-21.Jones on planning
551K   Download  

Another Coalpac update.

ANOTHER 'COALPAC' UPDATE: Daily Telegraph: 'Robyn Parker's office was told of Coalpac coal mine conflict'.

Todays Daily Telegraph is reporting that, "THE office of Environment Minister Robyn Parker - whose department opposed the Coalpac coal mine -was told by the Planning Minister Brad Hazzard's chief of staff Kath McFarlane that she owned property near the mine.

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner, Treasurer Mike Baird and Resources Minister Chris Hartcher - who were all backing the project - were never told by Ms McFarlane that she owned four lots nearby.

Ms Parker's office declined to comment yesterday but it is understood Ms McFarlane told Ms Parker's chief of staff about the conflict.

Coalpac were never told.

Mr Hazzard has referred himself to ICAC after Daily Telegraph revelations on the issue. He has also been accused of misleading parliament by Coalpac chief executive Ian Follington who says he met Ms McFarlane and spoke to her by telephone several times and she never mentioned she owned 42ha of land near the mine site. Mr Hazzard claimed in parliament on Thursday that she had never met Coalpac."

The full media report is here: http://www.dailytelegraph.com. au/news/nsw/robyn-parkers-office-was-told-of-coalpac-coal-mine-conflict/story-fni0cx12-1226752394095

Thanks to the Lithgow Rate Payers for the information.

Update on Coalpac scandal

Daily Telegraph: 'Lithgow mine scandal - NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard's chief of staff Kath McFarlane has property near rejected mine.'

Here are some online links to the many media reports that followed up on this issue yesterday:

Radio 2GB's Alan Jones talking to Planning Minister Brad Hazzard: http://www.2gb.com/audioplayer /20376#.UnJIhb64Zy0

Radio 2GB's Ray Hadley talking about the Daily Telegraph's story: http://www.2gb.com/audioplayer /20391#.UnJI_764Zy0

The follow up story in the Daily Telegraph: http://www.dailytelegraph.com. au/news/nsw/nsw-planning-minister-brad-hazzard-refers-himself-to-icac-as-more-claims-emerge/story-fni0cx12-1226750888799#mm-breached

The Daily Telegraph has reported that:

"Mr Hazzard has also tabled (in State Parliament) notes of three meetings in 2012 he had with Coalpac where his chief of staff, Kath McFarlane, was not present to prove claims she met Coalpac over the matter were wrong.

The chief executive of the company, Ian Follington, had told The Daily Telegraph he held meetings with the minister and his chief of staff "early" in their lobbying for the mine extension.

ABC Central West Radio News: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-31/minister-brad-hazzard-refers-himself-to-icac/5062020?&section=news

Here is yesterday's State Parliament Hansard record on the controversial Coalpac issue (on pages 33,36,39 and 42): http://www.parliament.nsw.gov. au/Prod/Parlment/hanstrans.nsf /V3ByKey/LA20131031/$File/LA20 131031.pdf

Coalpac mining scandal!

Daily Telegraph: 'Lithgow mine scandal -NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard's chief of staff Kath McFarlane has property near rejected mine.'

"A COAL mine extension proposed near Blue Mountains properties owned by the state Planning Minister's chief of staff was knocked back by the planning department, despite NSW Treasury warnings a rejection would drive power prices up 4 to 12 per cent and cost 500 jobs.

Neither Planning Minister Brad Hazzard nor his chief of staff Kath McFarlane ever declared her interest - four properties on 42ha she and her husband bought in 2007 overlooking the site - to Coalpac during meetings between the company, the minister and Ms McFarlane.

Coalpac's chief executive Ian Follington said yesterday he held several meetings with Mr Hazzard with Ms McFarlane present and there had been no mention she had property that overlooked the site or was near the site.

"Some of the early meetings we had with the minister she sat in on," Mr Follington said. "She's been in the process ... because everything that goes through the minister's department would go through the chief of staff."

Full details
The Daily Telegraph
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/lithgow-mine-scandal-nsw-planning-minister-brad-hazzards-chief-of-staff-kath-mcfarlane-has-property-near-rejected-mine/story-fni0cx12-1226750039974

Wang power station to close?

The decline of base-load electricity: Is solar about to claim it's biggest victim - Wallerawang Power Station? With more than 100 job losses.

Following our initial gmail below sent out early last month, it looks very much assured now that the decline of base-load electricity due to solar power is going to close the Wallerawang Power Station with the loss of more than 100 jobs.

A number of employees and contractors have now confirmed reports that whilst not yet publicly official, they have been advised that their Wallerawang Power Station is now set to be closed down in March next year, 2014.

And our local bearer of photo opportunities Mayor Maree Statham, has confirmed this on ABC Radio this morning: 'Union meeting Wednesday over Wallerawang power station shutdown rumours'.

It looks like this Editorial in the Lithgow Mercury last year was very much on the money going out of Greater Lithgow: 'Paul Toole supports power generator sell off'

However we're not sure if another closure of one of our major employers in Greater Lithgow will bring about many more similar photo opportunities for our local Nationals State Member for Bathurst like this: Paul Toole MP - Facebook , particularly with the next State Election due just twelve months after the Wallerawang Power Station is closed.

If the Unions were not happy before - 'ETU slams power station sale' - they won't be very happy now?

And what will the knock-on effects be on local employment following the closure of the Wallerawang Power Station, particularly after the recently announced job losses of 120 employees by Centennial Coal in our local Coal Mines; and when there's now going to be no need to mine the millions of tonnes of coal each year that goes towards running a soon to be closed, 1000MW Coal Fired Power Station n NSW?

Details obtained from Lithgow Ratepayers.

Halloween Lithgow 13

• 
  Plenty of fun for the whole family at Halloween '13

WITH a free trick or treat trail, themed street entertainment, and spectacular light shows, Lithgow’s Halloween 13 event will be great fun for the local community.

Activities get under way from 6 pm with the costume parade in Marjorie Jackson Plaza followed by the zombie wedding at seven then the full range of activities along the business area.

Portland is also planning promotional activities beginning with a Halloween themes Portland central School fete tomorrow.

Full Portland details will be in Thursday’s Mercury.

“Everyone is invited, young or old, to the Halloween 13 event on the evening of Thursday October 31,” mayor Maree Statham said yesterday.

“The inaugural Halloween 13 Lithgow event will be a chance for everyone to have some fun as well as showing our commitment to supporting our Main Street businesses.

“Council has been working closely with many Main Street businesses in Lithgow and Portland to integrate the free street entertainment and attractions with shop promotions such as trick or treat offerings, special scary Halloween cuisine in cafes and restaurants along with a range of specially discounted products and services,” Cr Statham said.

“The response from our main street businesses has been incredible with so many jumping on board and getting involved in the event by staying open late on the Thursday as part of Halloween 13 Lithgow,” Council’s Economic Development Officer Matt Brewster said.

“It’s really important that the Lithgow community increase their support for local businesses and I would urge everyone to think twice before leaving the Lithgow area to do their shopping or undertake their purchases right now.

“By participating in Halloween 13 Lithgow you can show your support by walking the trick or treat trail along Main Street, enjoying the free entertainment and indulging in some special shopping and eating experiences.”

You can also get your copy of the trick or treat trail map and list of participating businesses in last Saturday’s edition of the Lithgow Mercury.For more information about Halloween 13 Lithgow visit Council’s facebook age www.facebook.com/LithgowCityCouncil.

Sad news for Capertee

DEATH & FUNERAL NOTICE
ENGLISH: Ronald Kevin (Ron) 
22 October, 2013 peacefully at Lithgow District Hospital. Of Capertee. Dearly loved son of Wesley & Lillian (both dec), loved father of Ronald and Stephen (dec), much loved Pop of his grand children & great grandchildren, dear brother of June and uncle of her family.
Aged 79 years.
"Always Remembered"
Funeral & committal services for RON will be held in St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Capertee ON WEDNESDAY AT 11.30AM. At the conclusion of the services a private cremation will take place.
Members of the Lithgow Workmen's Club are invited to attend.

Job Losses in the Mining Sector

As the flames die down and unrest settles in local communities, families have again been hit with another blow with over 90 mine employees told not to come into work and their positions no longer viable.

Three mining companies in the Lithgow Region have laid off staff with RGN Mining Services releasing more than 60 employees.

Centennial Coal have restructured their operations resulting in more job losses along with Coalpac who have gone into voluntary receivership.

The cost to the community will be steep as the ripple effect takes place.

To read what Centennial have to say about the situation pick up Saturday's Lithgow Mercury

Lithgow Mercury Sat 26th October 2013

Airly Coal Second Information Session

From: Gregory Brown [mailto:Gregory.Brown@centennialcoal.com.au]
Sent: Friday, 25 October 2013 6:45 PM
To:
Subject: Airly Mine Community Information Session 2

Airly Mine is currently undertaking a range of specialist studies that will form an Environmental Impact Statement to support the proposed Airly Mine Extension Project.  As part of this Project, Airly Mine is holding community information sessions to share the findings of the independent specialist consultants. 
Airly Mine would like to invite the SMC to the second information session which will present information relating to the flora and fauna, aquatic ecology and cultural heritage studies for the Project.

It will be held on Sunday, 10 November (10am – 1pm) at the Glen Alice Community Hall, Glen Alice Road, Glen Alice.

Administrators appointed to companies of Coalpac Consolidation Project in Cullen Bullen

Company Administrators Matthew Wayne Caddy and Shaun Robert Fraser were appointed on the 18 October 2013 for the following companies associated with controversial Coalpac Consolidation Project:

Company: CET Resources Pty Ltd

Company: Coalpac Pty Ltd

Company: Portland Road Pastoral Co Pty Ltd in its own capacity and as trustee for Portland Road Unit Trust

Company: Lithgow Coal Company Pty Limited

Notice is given that a first meeting of the creditors of the Company, or a first meeting for each of the Companies, (for multiple companies), will be held:

Location:     Cliftons, Level 13, 60 Margaret Street, Sydney

Meeting Date:     30 October 2013

Meeting Time:     11am

ASIC Link:  https://insolvencynotices.asic.gov.au/browsesearch-notices/notice-details/CET-Resources-Pty-Ltd-119909214/ed5072c3-77fe-4456-aba2-6e3045590cf6?appointment=All&noticepurpose=All&noticestate=All&companyname=coalpac

The Story of Capertee

Are you interested in The Story of Capertee?

The Story of Capertee- written by Bruce Jefferies

78 pages of history and photos

Together with stories of:

Ben Bullen

Crown Ridge

Kangaroo Flat

Round Swamp

 Palmer's Oakey

Excelsior

Torbane

Airly 

Glen Davis

If you are interested in purchasing this book please email caperteeprogress@gmail.com 

or

Call Benita on 02 63590066.

Cost $15 + postage

October Progress Meeting

As our planned meeting date fell on a public holiday we have moved the meeting to Monday 14th of October 2013, at the Capertee and District War Memorial Hall from 7pm

All Welcome!

The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has recommended that the Coalpac should not be approved in its current form.

Friday, 4 October 2013

Coalpac Coal Project recommended for refusal due to significant rock formation and biodiversity impacts 

The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has recommended that the Coalpac Consolidation Project near Lithgow should not be approved in its current form.

A final decision will now be made by the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC),made up of different panel members to those who conducted a review of the project last year.
The department’s assessment found that the open cut mining operations as currently proposed would be incompatible with the natural setting which includes unique rock formations and sensitive and important biodiversity areas.

The mine site is located just two kilometres from the Gardens of Stone National Park which forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage listing. The area has significant biodiversity and geological values, particularly due to its rock formations known as “pagodas”.

The department found that, within this setting, the narrow elongated nature of the mine plan would cause a significantly greater impact on the surrounding area compared to more conventional mines of a similar size.

The rock pagodas, in particular, are open rock faces estimated to be around 250 million years old which the independent PAC has previously found to be worthy of total protection from mining.
The proposed expansion involves mining as close as 50m from these pagodas, carving into the rocky slopes and conservation areas which form their base, heavily impacting on their setting.

The department concluded that, while the project would generate economic benefits, its substantial environmental impacts would outweigh those benefits.

The department’s conclusion is consistent with an independent review of the project undertaken by the PAC last year, which included public hearings.

The proposed mine, located 25km northwest of Lithgow, was proposed to produce up to 3.5 million tonnes of coal a year over 21 years.

The department acknowledges that Coalpac has proposed to scale-back its initial proposal to limit impacts on significant rock pagodas, but even with these changes the mine will have an
unacceptable impact on the conservation significance of the area.

The department's assessment found it would difficult to rehabilitate this bushland back to its original state, given the steep slopes that would be created by the mine after it progressed along the valley floor.

Media release
In the end, this is not the right place for a major open cut coal mine. The department has undertaken a balanced assessment which has carefully considered the economic benefits of the
mine against the environmental impacts.

The department’s assessment report and recommendation can be found at:http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=4332

Media contact: Paul Searle (02) 9228 6295 or 0429 153 425

Capertee Valley Garden Group

Capertee Valley Garden Group Friday 11th October

Garden Group Meets

Thank you all so much for all the offers to host the next garden gp - very much appreciated.  Pam was first, so she's the lucky winner!   Looking forward to seeing everyone at her place at 10 Friday 11/10.

best wishes,

 As a bit of a "theme" maybe we could exchange info about watering systems? How does everyone water their garden?  What works? What doesn't?  What you recommend to people who are starting out? etc etc.   If you have a super fantastic sprinkler, maybe you can bring it so everyone can have a look?   If you can't make it to the garden group feel free to email any ideas you have on this topic and maybe we will try to compile all the info for a short article in the next Gazette...

Rick and Alex

rickstalex@gmail.com

Copied from Capertee Valley Alliance

Pearsons Lookout Signage

Pearsons Lookout sign by Lithgow Council

Portland Sewerage Plant

ABC News:  Lithgow City Council told no State Government

money for Portland Sewerage Plant upgrade.

 

 

"The State Government has told a Central West council there is no money to replace a local sewerage treatment plant.

 

The Lithgow City Council had asked for funding to upgrade Portland's plant under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program.

 

The cost of replacing the facility, and connecting the currently un-sewered village of Cullen Bullen, is expected to cost between $13m and $15m."

 

The full story is here:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-11/portland-sewerage/4949974?&section=news

 

Blog update

So, once again I have updated the blog template!
Let us know what you think!

Next Progress meeting is on the 09/09/2013, at the Royal Hotel, Capertee. 7pm.
All welcome

Airly Mine Community Consultation Sessions

Airly Mine Community Consultation Sessions

Session 1: September at Airly Mine
Contents: Subsidence and Groundwater.

Session 2: September at Glen Davis
Contents: Bio Diversity(Flora and Fauna), Cultural Heritage and Aquatic Ecology.

Session 3: October at Capertee Hall
Contents: Visual Assessments, Air Quality, Noise, Rehabilitation, Final Landform

Exact dates to be advised.

3 Day music Festival in the Valley approved

Also from the Capertee Valley Alliance Blog:

'Music festival approved for Lithgow.'

ABC Central West Radio News- 

The event to be held on a property at Glen Alice, is expected to attract around 2000 people and will have three stages featuring a range of DJs, live bands and markets."  "An application to run a three day music festival outside Lithgow has been given approval."

The full story is here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-01/lithgow-festival/4857814?&section=news

Here is the Development Application: http://archive.lithgow.nsw.gov.au/agendas/13/0729/ITEM10.pdf

Written by Donna Upton, Capertee Valley Alliance

A bit of history from 60 years ago-from CVA

I found this on the Capertee Valley Alliance website and thought it was quite interesting

A bit of history from 60 years ago

Sent to us by Bill Holleman, Capertee Valley Alliance member.

Top row right - Bill Holleman
Middle row second from left - Bill's twin sister Marg
Bill's Dad had the local bakery and the teacher is Mrs McCalkine

Can anyone recognise any of the other kids?

Further notes from Bill -

my time at that school was brief but with extended family (six sisters no brothers) things were always busy. only remember one other pupil Salim Shara the girls with horror swim in dam wear, not far from bake house leaches and slippery fish freaked them out.

Mr Mcalpine headmaster would bring wireles into class to update us on RED X round Australia trial, Peugeot car always won.

And they were dismantling shale mining plant down in valley. Anyway as with us all, first impression of school time is always the best, keep up the enormous job you people do there, Pearsons Look out looks great

                                                                                                                                                                      Regards Billy   

Power Station Sale

Energy Australia announced this morning that had entered a purchase agreement for the acquisition of Mt Piper and Wallerawang power stations. The managing director Richard McIndoe said that Delta employees transferring to the new ownership will do so on current terms and conditions and with important guarantees and benefits.The sale price was announced at just $160 million considerably less than what the NSW Government had previously indicated as a likely return on the sale. source - Lithgow Mercury 25 July 2013
Thanks Bruce Upton

Last meeting

Unfortunately our June meeting wasn't a success as we only had three members turned up.

Must've meeting will be held on Monday 8th of July 2013, 7pm at the Capertee Royal Hotel.
We hope to see you there!

Defib training

A group of 9 locals attended a St.Johns CPR and Defibrillator training morning at Capertee Public School on Friday 21st of June 2013.

Thanks to Centennial Coal who have donated a defibrillator to the Capertee Community as well as this training.

We will let you know when the defibrillator is in its final resting place!

Thanks again to Centennial Coal and Capertee Public School.

June Meeting

Our June meeting will be held on
Monday 17th of June 2013
7pm
At the Capertee Royal Hotel
All welcome!

Apologies for the incorrect date being listed last week

Defibrillator for Capertee

When Airly Coal Mine /Centennial Coal were looking to be involved in our community a couple of years back, they offered Capertee a defibrillator for community use.
After much to-ing and fro-ing this is finally coming to fruition!

Training for community members will be held at Capertee Public School on Friday 21st June from 9am.
RSVP- Benita 63590066 by 10th June 2013.

The defibrillator will be placed on wall of the fire station for easy access to all should the need arise for use of this life saving technology.

Capertee and District Progress Association would like to thank Centennial Coal for their support.

Capertee Public School

Ever wondered about what goes on in our lovely little school?

Have a look at their website

http://www.capertee-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/home

Meetings in winter

Just a short reminder that the Capertee and District Progress Association Inc holds its winter meetings at the Royal Hotel. 
This starts after ANZAC day and concludes after the October long weekend.
All still welcome in the warmer environment!

Pearsons Lookout Upgrade to commence

Great to see things progressing!

Roads and Maritime Services have advised that weather permitting they will be carrying out works on Pearsons Lookout commencing 7 May.  Excavation and pavement works will commence on 7 May with sealing of the parking area and widened shoulder to be undertaken on 10 May.  Access to the lookout and parking area will be restricted and minor delays to traffic on the Castlereagh Highway may be experienced during this period.

Regards

Deborah McGrath | Corporate Strategy and Communications OfficerPolicy and Planning | LITHGOW CITY COUNCIL

PH (02) 6354 9999 | FAX (02) 6351 4259

Glen Alice Community Assn Inc Meeting

02 May, 2013

Glen Alice Community Assn Inc Meeting

Glen Alice Community Assn Inc
General Meeting
Monday 6th May 2013 at 7.oopm
Glen Alice Community Hall
For further information contact Secretary;

Warren Owen Tel 6379 7261

Glen Davis Community Assn Inc

GLEN DAVIS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC.

A.B.N. 77 131 760 996

Postal Address: 3253 Glen Davis Road, Glen Davis. NSW 2846.

President: Lissanne Spackman. 

Phone: 02 6379 7247. 

Email: goollooinboin@bluemaxx.com.au   

 Secretary: Laraine Simpson.

 Phone: 02 6379 7203

 Email: jolara@westnet.com.au

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING

To be held at the Glen Davis Community Centre on Saturday 11^th May, 2013

Meeting will commence at 7.30 PM

AGENDA

Ø      Matters arising from the Previous Minutes.

Ø      Treasurer’s Report.

Ø      General Business.

Light supper after the meeting.

No Alcohol Please.