It’s time NSW Lands Minister Tony Kelly butted out of any more talks or decisions about the future of the Wollongong Harbour and allows the group he has appointed to come to terms about the whole situation.

Kelly says too many people down this way have misrepresented his government’s stance on the matter, but in reality the failure of the Minister to make available to the public and his special committee all the proposals put to him, particularly by would–be developers and the like, is one of the major concerns.

Surely there has been sufficient public comment in one form or another that clearly indicates most people want the harbour area, and particularly Flagstaff Hill, left as they are.

And let’s face, it surely this is a decision that should be made locally. It really isn’t for others to tell us what’s best for our city, even if we have been guilty – or some people have – of not being able to reach a decision on the question to this stage.

The boot’s on the other foot 

After years of successfully strutting the world cricket stage the Australians suddenly find themselves with the boot somewhat on the other foot in their current tour of India.

You can see it on their faces, and skipper Ricky Ponting seems to be chewing more gum than ever before.

What’s more, they are starting to moan about the in–your–face tactics of the Indians with Shane Watson upset that opener Gambhir gave him a whack on the chest when going for a second run.

Well Shane, if it had been me and you moved into my running path I’d have run straight over the top of you.

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the fourth and final test of the series.
Come on Aussie, come on!

You were right Noreen 

Our local State Member Noreen Hay wasn’t all that happy that last week when
I suggested she would have to return to the witness box as ICAC resumes its hearings against some of our city councillors and local development people.

You are right Noreen when you say the initial ICAC hearings laid no charges against you and, what’s more, you have not yet been in a witness box.

And I have erred again by suggesting ICAC are resuming hearings against councillors and others. What is happening now is the charges ICAC found answerable will be heard and judgements made.

My humble apologies.

More West Dapto problems

The story has it that the continued delays in anyone in authority reaching a decision about the future of West Dapto has led to major changes to this State’s planning system.

Now we are being told that the NSW Planning Minister Kristina Kenneally wants to scrap the NSW Growths Centre Commission and have it absorbed within the NSW Planning Department.

Meanwhile the delay on any decision about West Dapto remains, although as I suggested last week a mid–December date might be a likely outcome.

Tips for the week   

I’m tipping Mad Rush for the Melbourne Cup and for the longest race the world gets to see every now and then Obama for the US Presidency.

More Progress

We’ll be hearing more officially about it in the near future but I believe Flagstaff  Print and Mail at Unanderra is about to upgrade with some of the very latest and most highly regarded equipment available world – wide to be introduced.

Management at this go ahead organisation are believed to be over the moon at the developments, which will place the print and mail company on a world ranking.