President's Report

President's Report for 2010

Annual General Meeting - Sunday, 27th February 2011

The year 2010 has proved fairly 'low key' for NVCA. Meeting attendances have remained stable, and our membership continues to grow steadily. Appreciation goes to our continuing members, and welcome to our newer members.

This year the results of NVCA's Court case against Nambucca Shire Council were reported, with mixed responses. Predictably, Council presented our organisation as having 'cost the ratepayers' dearly, by way of costs charged to them, by the Court. The case was won on the grounds of Council's undue process, in considering and determining the Development Application (DA) on East West Road, Valla. The elements of the case concerning destruction of core koala habitat were not upheld, and this enabled the developer to lodge a slightly amended DA. This key issue remains ongoing.

During this year, my role as NVCA President has continued to involve organisation and despatch of correspondence, submissions and meeting arrangements. Our wonderful executive committee members continue to provide much valued support. However, we all acknowledge the need for a 're-think', of what needs to be done, who is in a position to do what, and how. I am not in a position to continue with the current work-load, into the future, beyond the standard role of President, if I am re-elected.

I believe wholeheartedly that each of our executive committee and support members will continue to passionately 'Keep the Faith' in defence of our fellow species, and protection of our vulnerable Valley, river system and coastline. I also believe it is time to 'think outside the square' regarding our ongoing conservation efforts. To this end, we are holding a Planning Day on Sunday 6 March, at Bowraville. Members are sincerely requested to join us, on this day. (Venue will be confirmed, depending upon weather. Please check NVCA's website – www.nvca.org.au.)

During this year, the following submissions were despatched from NVCA:
   Draft submissions, EIS off-river storage system – February and April 2010
   To Coffs Harbour City Council, on Proposed town, Bonville – March 2010
   To NSC, on Rural Residential subdivision, East West Road DA
      – August 2010
   To DECCW, on Draft Ecological Harvesting Plan (EHP) and Endangered
      Ecological Communities (EEC's) - August 2010

My deep appreciation goes to those who contributed so much to the formulation of all those comprehensive documents.

Once again, I acknowledge with deep gratitude the work done by Carol Margolis as our patient and thorough Treasurer – Thank you Carol. Along with appreciation to Carol, goes appreciation to Dave McCormack, who has once again, conducted our financial audit. Thank you Dave!

A huge 'Thank you' also, to our stalwart member Maureen, who allows us to meet in her lovely welcoming home, and always brings a stable and wise perspective to our discussions. Maureen has also been our Minutes Secretary, and mail collector - a much appreciated contribution.

Wendy continues to emerge from her non-electrical, no-phone home, and oversees NVCA's website, membership, and produces our regular NVCA News, from her computer base at the Bowraville Technology Centre. Wendy, you are amazing, and very much appreciated, by us all.

My continued appreciation goes to you, Phil Margolis, for continuing as our Vice President, and for being available at all times. There is also, of course, our quiet achiever, Lyn Orrego, whose perspective, and long experience in conservation campaigns, provides NVCA with an unfailing strength and wisdom.

Our member, Sal has also provided valuable support by having our information stall combined with her stall at local Community Markets. These markets provide a friendly and open atmosphere, at which I and other members are able to discuss the work and aspirations of NVCA. Thank you. Sal!

Our meetings have been consistently enhanced by the presence (whenever possible) of guest Councillors, Paula Flack, and Anne Smyth. These Councillors' comprehensive Council reports have been most helpful in providing enlightening information on current projects of Council, etc. Your attendance at our meetings is greatly appreciated.

I thank you all, each and every member of our 'band', for your support, expertise and energy, throughout this last year. I look forward to engaging with you all, in whatever format we develop, at our Planning Day, in March.

Thank you, one and all.

Georgette Allen, President, NVCA.

President's Report for 2009 - Click here to download

President's Report for 2008 - Click here to download