Submitted by Shirley Knight, 2013.07.27

See also “Penneshaw sewage dam location: why did the CEO omit an important document? — QoN Cr Liu 2013.08.14”

Transparency and respect for community by Kangaroo Island council are at low ebb

Dear friends,

Two very important issues are being considered by Kangaroo Island Council for which we need urgent ratepayer consultation:

The ongoing discussion of the upgrade of the Kingscote airport.  Councillor Graham Walkom’s research into the fundamental considerations in making or not that decision can be read at

“Upgrade or downgrade of Kangaroo Island airport? A reality check and a letter to Min. Albanese — Cr Walkom, 2013.07.13”

Then there is the current state of affairs for the reduced Penneshaw community sewerage system:

I note in The Islander this week comments by the CEO Andrew Boardman indicating that the council will not be arranging for a Public consultation at least before September 1^st.  He blames everyone concerned except him and he has been telling us that since May last year.

1. At the July meeting of council the CEO recommended and the elected members voted for the CEO’s revised scheme with the Wastewater Treatment Plant & storage dam located on the hillside land in Cheopsis Street of which I mentioned in my earlier emails.  However, Cr Liu moved a motion to allow community affected by the Scheme to have their say on all optional sites outlined in the CEO’s report.  This motion seconded by Cr Walkom was defeated.  I attended the meeting and the discussion which took place included many councillors suggesting they personally have the knowledge to make these important decisions for the whole community/ratepayers without consultation!   In contrast the LGA committee’s recommended option which will cost $506,061 ratepayer’s less money to construct was rejected by Council.   The Engineer also referred to the community concerns about that site.
2.  The LGA’s Engineer’s comments as to the reasoning of the Cheopsis Street site and other comments can be read here: “CWMS Management Committee meeting 2013.06.17“.  Additionally, the report of the CEO Andrew Boardman can be found on the council website at www.kangarooisland.gov.sa.com
3. The issue with the Cheopsis Street site in regard to the storage dam is still current as to:

• Lives of people or property below the dam site will be at risk should the dam fail due to earthquake or other events,
• Properties along the paths of spillway overflow will potentially be washed away by effluent water,
• Properties near or below the dam and affected by the spillway will be devalued and difficult to sell,
• The dam wall is high enough to be seen clearly from the ferry and surrounding higher land which will become an eyesore and a blight on the appearance of the Bay, see prospective view of Penneshaw from ferry:

• The noise from the treatment plant will be a sleep disturbance and the smell of raw sewerage hanging around when there is no wind,
• The listed, endangered glossy black cockatoo will very likely disappear unless the EPBC rejects this kind of development in this area.

This list is not exhaustive and there is an additional cost of $ 506’061 all of which will be paid by the ratepayers if the CEO and some councillors have their way.

Please do not allow this to happen because the community has a moral and fundamental right to have their rejection or otherwise acknowledged before any further decisions which will impact on the community are made to this project and particularly before the project is reviewed by an independent expert Prudential Reviewer. See CEO’s update on council website  www.kangarooisland.gov.sa.au

If you want any further information please email me or my phone number is 08 8553 1115

Additionally, please pass this information on to others of whom I do not have their email.

Regards to all,

Shirley Knight