What’s Happening
At the inaugural meeting of CCPA-Wooli, a number of teams were established to focus on specific areas of the campaign. These teams reported on progress and issues of interest to the January meeting.
Steering Committee
CCPA-Wooli is now an incorporated Association, and is working towards status as a charity.
A Planning Group has formed and joins the existing teams. They are developing a strategy for a major meeting to be held on February 26th. Part of the Planning Group ‘s work will be following up suggested strategies in a Campaign Memo which has been prepared by Ed Coper of KeyMsg.
Peter Dunn clarified the CVC ‘s draft plan review process and how we respond and assist this. Paul Coves, Legal team convenor, also outlined this process and the legislation governing it.
Peter also reported that after attending the December CCPA meeting, Clarence Valley Councillor Jim Simmons proposed 2 motions to Council (CVC): a relaunch of Wooli ‘s dune care program and renovation of the access ways and this has been supported by CVC and meetings are underway to implement this.
Engineering Group
Bruce Ward reported that a number of east coast universities have set up units which specifically research coastal erosion studies. Prof Andrew Short from the Sydney University coastal studies unit believes that a coordinated national approach to protective measures is vital if the consequences to communities are to be minimised.
In order to explore the potential for a well researched solution for Wooli, a firm with much experience in researching and delivering solutions for coastal erosion and other damage (ASR) will present at the CCPA-Wooli meeting on 26th February in Wooli
Finance
Fundraising so far by Social Community has covered our budget for ongoing expenses.
We are currently working on 2 separate plans to fund a realistic survey of the alternatives to solving the long-term issues of Wooli beach. We are confident that either one of a mix of both these plans will raise sufficient funds of between $100,000 to $150,000.If the survey report recommends that an amount in the vicinity of $400,000 is required each year for the protection of Wooli, then we have 3 separate plans that can raise this on an annual basis.
The main point is, if we can convince the Council that there should be a more thorough report on the alternatives for our village, we are confident the necessary funds can be generated to undertake the preferred programs. The most expensive option for Wooli is planned retreat. This costs in excess of $157million.
Government Relations
The team is currently drafting a paper which encapsulates the CCPA position and progress to date. It will be used as an “information pack†to assist CVC councilors and state and federal politicians to assess the merits of the CCPA approach and the limitations of the current Worley Parsons Draft Wooli Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Media Group
Convenor Janet Dunn outlined the extensive coverage given to the campaign by local and regional media. Janet also invited discussion on how to respond to negative criticism in the press, which has been mostly based on policies that promote retreat in response to climate change. It was agreed that inviting critics to learn more about CCPA was a good strategy, as was publishing positive stories.
Janet encouraged the group to write letters to editors, to use Facebook and website blogs as individuals, and to express their opposition to the Wooli “planned retreat†policy in no uncertain terms.
Social and Community Group
Leone Coper group coordinator encouraged everyone to register on www.protectwooli.com.au and to access the useful information on it.
She encouraged everyoneensure everyone they know who loves Wooli or just believe the approach to date has been under researched or plain unfair have signed the petition. Just collect one and drop it back to the Post Office. The petition will be delivered to CVC just before their decision about Wooli.
Wild About Wooli ArtShow Opens 7pm Easter Friday
Calling all artists inspired by Wooli! You are invited to enter up to 5 paintings in the ArtShow. Entry forms are available at www.protectwooli.com.au, Wooli Post Office or gayeshield@hotmail.com.
Everyone is invited to attend the Opening Night Cocktail Party from 7pm at the Wooli Hotel Motel. A drink and finger food will be provided with the $10 entry donation. Paintings, works on paper, sculpture and fabric art will be featured, so come and support the many artists who are inspired by Wooli.
The ArtShow continues on Saturday 23rd April, and will be accompanied on Saturday morning by a market by local craftspeople. You can obtain a table there for a $20 donation.
Wooli Artists Gathering
The WAG – people connected with Wooli who are artists, or have an interest in art – meets every Monday from 10am to 3pm in the Games Room at the Wooli Hotel to work, learn and have fun. If that ‘s you too, you are very welcome to join us. Workshops where members share their expertise are often part of these meetings. Further information: Leone 66497 860.
Wooli Quilt for Raffle
Own your own piece of paradise! Based on photographs taken by WAG members, the Wooli quilt is now being raffled.
Tickets are $5 and available at the Post Office.
All monies collected will be donated to CCPA to help protect Wooli.
Wooli History Group Calls for your stories
The History Group wants to publish some history of how we all ended up in paradise! One or two pages will do, but families with long connections are allowed more space!!
All co-ordinators of the group – Marlene 66642 6146; Maureen 66497377; Barry 0427092271 and Judy 66497099 along with Ruth 66497880 have offered to help you write up your family ‘s story.
Next meeting is at Waves Restaurant 16th February 10am.
Have your say!