Attendance numbers were slightly down on previous matches, so honorary Bitchies had to be nominated ahead of the game. At the toss, team captains for 2011, Patrick Houston (Bitchies) and Laird Stewart (Dirties), brushed up on the rules with game coordinator, George Barnett.

The pitch was in good condition after days of preparation by George Barnett who had spent hours mowing, grooming and rolling in the lead up to the big game. With the cool and damp weather throughout December the pitch was officially declared “dead” and the bounce effect, or lack of bounce, took a number of “batsmen” by surprise.

The Bitchies won the toss and elected to bat first with Charlie Chamouille as a stylish opener – Charlie being a honourary Bitchie. Wickets fell steadily throughout the 20 overs, with a magnificent catch taken by Tim Burley at the eighth wicket.

The Dirties made a great start to their innings with the first wicket falling at the 25 run mark. Bowled by Max Bove on the first ball of his over, this was immediately followed by another wicket with Max’s next ball. He completed his hat trick by taking a third wicket at the 32 run mark. In all Max took 3/7. For someone who is only 6 1/2 years old this was a tremendous result. Max’s proud mother told the Chronicle that he hadn’t really played cricket before so he was very excited to have been able to achieve such so much in one game. During proceedings at the end of the game, George Barnett declared Max as Man of the Match.

Another up and coming star was 5 year old Connor Hicks (as Charlie’s cousin he was also a honorary Bitchie). This was Connor’s first cricket match and when he arrived at the crease his Aunty Julie gave him a few instructions on how to hold the bat. Once he got the bat the right way around there was no stopping him. His keen eye saw him scoring runs almost immediately. In the next innings Connor took to bowling as quickly as he’d taken to batting. His only disappointment came when his mother had to explain to him why he couldn’t bat again. We wouldn’t be surprised if Connor gets a cricket bat for his next birthday.

The Canyonleigh cricket match follows a version of backyard cricket and the rules state that everyone gets to bat and to bowl. If you hit a 6, you’re out (you do get the runs for your team) and if you’re out on your first ball then you are allowed to play on. With 8 balls in an over, the limited over game saw a number of bowlers get multiple sessions.

Drinks can be taken on the field at any time a fielder manages to get the attention of spectator willing to run over with a beer. With the cooler weather there seemed to be a steady stream of take away coffee’s on the pitch along with beers. There is no limit to the number of dogs on the pitch at any one time and this year if you had a Border Collie in attendance you part of the fashionable crowd.

At the end of the game the scores had the Dirties win with 13/103 over the Bitchies 13/79.  Another win for the Dirties, following on from their success last New Year.
Since the revival of the Canyonleigh cricket match in 2008 there have been 3 matches with the Bitchies winning the inaugural Shirley Barnett Memorial Cricket Cup and the Dirties winning the next two matches. The cup is proudly on display again at the Canyonleigh Store.

Special thanks go to:
Ian & Jan Dalzell from Canyonleigh Store for the use of their grounds and the wonderful service they provided to patrons by ferrying food and drink orders,
Julie Chamouille for umpiring and also coaching the littlies,
Carolyn Chaplin for scoring, Team captains Patrick and Laird and to George Barnett for his passionate love of the Canyonleigh cricket match and taking the time and care to organise and run the match.

See you all at the game next year.

The Bannaby power station is proposed on a site about 1km west of the Wollondilly River, and west of the Bangadilly Rd – Old Coowong Rd area in Canyonleigh. The site is about 1.5 km north of the Tarlo River, and is east of the adjacent Transgrids’ Bannaby electrical substation. It’s about 4 km north of the site of the Kerrawary Power Station proposed by Origin Energy.  The 16 hectare (40 acre) Bannaby site is about 25 kilometres due west of Berrima.

The main elements of the Bannaby proposal are the gas turbine power station, a gas pipeline to connect the site to the Moomba to Sydney Gas pipeline, electricity transmission lines and associated equipment, water supply, storage and treatment works, and a site access road.  The project is proposing to use rainwater falling on site as the main source of water.

The route of the gas supply pipeline is yet to be determined but the gas pipeline investigation area includes parts of Canyonleigh west of Tugalong Rd, as well as Paddy’s River, Brayton, Big Hill, and Bannaby. The length of the pipeline would be between 23 -39 kilometres.

SnowyHydro  expect the proposed Bannaby power station to operate less than 10% of the year in times of peak load (high electricity demand) such as hot summer days or cold days or nights in winter.

The project documentation states that the power station would be a dual fuel power plant, with natural gas being the main fuel. Diesel is proposed as a backup fuel when gas is unavailable and diesel storage facilities would also be included.

The Bannaby power station proposal is being assessed under the new State Significant assessment provisions of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.  To view the documents associated with this project go to http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Bannaby’ or go to www.snowyhydro.com.au for information on the SnowyHydro website, including the first project newsletter.  Snowy Hydro presently operates two gas fired power stations in Victoria, as well as the hydro electric Snowy Mountains scheme.

Like the proposals for the power station at Hanging Rock, the two TRUEnergy Marulan power stations and the Kerrawary power station proposal, this latest proposal cites proximity to the Moomba to Sydney gas pipeline and proximity to high voltage transmission networks as factors in the selection of the site.

A recent upgrade of part of the NSW electricity transmission network, known as the Western 500 project and the largest project ever undertaken by Transgrid, involved work on the high voltage ring of transmission lines from Hunter Valley power stations, through western power stations (via Mt Piper substation near Lithgow) to the newly upgraded Bannaby substation, then into southern Sydney. That ring of transmission lines is now operating at 500Kv and has become the backbone of the NSW transmission system.  The upgraded transmission system capacity provides scope for more power generation in the region – meaning even more power stations and wind farms could be proposed.

The cumulative impacts of the power station proposals potentially include air quality impacts locally, sub-regionally and regionally; construction and operational noise on existing and approved residences for power station proposals located near each other; biodiversity impacts on sites and along pipeline routes in particular considering biodiversity corridors; light spill; impacts on water quality in rivers;  impacts on water supplies including the Highlands Source; and visual amenity impacts.

A spokesperson from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure told the Chronicle “there are requirements for cumulative impact assessment in the Kerrawary Director-Generals’ Requirements, and the department will consider the Bannaby proposal in its assessment.”

In reply to a question about the possibility of Kerrawary and Bannaby having two separate gas pipelines and the consequential impacts, the spokesperson said “It is a matter for the proponents to determine the content of their projects. As no environmental assessment has been lodged for either of these projects, the department is unaware of whether there will be any shared infrastructure. However, a shared pipeline, if feasible, would be the department’s preference.”

The southern tablelands is experiencing considerable development pressure and there are a number of major projects that have been approved or are proposed in the region under the previous Part 3A provisions or the replacement State Significant assessment provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. The Chronicle has compiled a list of major projects in the Wingecarribee, Goulburn Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan Council area.  (See separate article “Power Station Update” for details).

Excluding coal mining or coal seam gas extraction proposals, there are seven quarries approved or proposed, six power stations approved or proposed, the Highlands Source water pipeline now operating, and there are nearly 800 wind turbines operating, approved or proposed.

The issue of community contributions by major projects is a matter being debated in the press. Unlike developments assessed by Councils, there is no compulsory monetary contribution from projects to benefit the community.  The Department of Planning and Infrastructure told the Chronicle that “the need for contributions is assessed on the basis of potential impacts. In general, contributions will be required where the proposal is likely to increase the demands on community services and infrastructure.”
However it’s hard to see how demand can increase on services that often don’t exist in rural areas, nor how services or infrastructure can be improved without funding.  People living near these major projects will have to live with the impacts of these developments, when often they have come to rural localities to avoid the very things that these developments bring – such as noise and air pollution.  Residents in rural areas expect scenic rural outlooks and not an industrial power station or a rising plume of exhaust gases, or the spill of lights at night.

There is also no apparent ceiling on the number of proposals this area could ultimately face, or even what are acceptable limits in terms of impacts, a prospect that rightly has locals seriously concerned.   A Department of Planning and Infrastructure spokesperson told us “Each proposal will be assessed on its merits in consultation with agencies and councils, also taking into account any community issues raised during the exhibition of the proposals. When required, the department will assess the cumulative impacts of proposals. Available mitigation measures will be considered in determining whether a project is acceptable, whether on cumulative grounds or otherwise.”

The Chronicle will continue to keep up to date on power station developments in the area.

Documents on the TRUEnergy website confirm its intention to connect the power stations to the Highlands Source water pipeline. The Environmental Assessment for the projects gave a potential combined water use of up to 76ML per annum.  For more information go to www.truenergy.com.au  and search for ‘Marulan.’

Kerrawary Power Station update:   Origin Energy held a Community Information Forum on 19 November 2011 at Greenwich Park.  Sound specialists held an outdoor field demonstration of expected power station noise levels.  Details of preliminary studies into biodiversity, cultural heritage, bushfire safety, as well as air quality, noise and visual assessments were provided by the project team. If approved, the project would likely be built in two stages, including a gas compressor station and buried gas pipeline.  Origin would require its own pipeline however they aim to minimise impacts on the local community and landholders.

Origin expect to submit an Environmental Assessment to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in late 2011 or early 2012, which would be placed on public exhibition around mid 2012. The third newsletter on the Kerrawary Power Station project is available on the Chronicle website, or see www.originenergy.com.au  and search for ‘Kerrawary.’

Hanging Rock Power Station update:  The application for this project was lodged in 2008. The Chronicle sought comment from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure on the present status of this proposal.  A spokesperson said “The department has not received an environmental assessment and this is a matter for the proponent. The Director-General Requirements, which set out the issues to be addressed in the environmental assessment will expire in October 2013 in accordance with Part 3A transitional provisions. However, the department has advised the proponent that it should consult with the department should it wish to proceed, and the department will consider whether there is a need for additional requirements at this time.”

The stall was run in conjunction with the Big Garage Sale in November. It was a glorious day that brought people out and about and looking for a bargain.

It was the first cake stall I’d ever held and I really had no idea what to expect. Would we get many donations? Would we raise much money? Would people buy if they did turn up? Well the answer to all the questions was in the affirmative.

Canyonleigh has a wonderful ability to come together when there’s a good cause. The donations we received were magnificent and meant that we were so busy I didn’t get to take any photos of these delicious goodies. The range of sweet delights included cakes, pies, slices and biscuits. They actually sold in that order too. First to go were the all the large cakes and by mid afternoon with only a couple of items remaining we packed up.
These last items were kindly sold for us at the Store.

The final tally came to $350 – I was thrilled by the result. The funds have been given to SES Wingecarribee as a thank you from the Canyonleigh community for their support and efforts in establishing the Canyonleigh CFR unit. We hope that these funds will, in a small way, go towards providing some needed equipment that doesn’t fit under government funding.

Running a call stall isn’t all about sweet treats and there are many people to thank. To all those who donated the delicious results of their baking and also to those who came along and bought from our stall – a very big thank you. In particular I’d like to thank Louise Brazenor, Julie Chamouille, Wendy Quigg and Katrina Hill for their help on the day. A special mention goes to Jan and Ian Dalzell from Canyonleigh Store – Ian dashed up early in the morning and bought two cakes for the shop and Jan kindly sold the last of our stock for us.

Carolyn Chaplin

Foot note:  Our efforts are very much appreciated as was indicated in the letter we received from the Controller of Wingecarribee SES, Anthony Kasoulis in thanks for our donation.

At the moment, the bus commences and terminates at the Canyonleigh Store but once residents become aware of and use the bus, pick ups at other more convenient locations will be arranged.

At the moment, the travel run is from Canyonleigh to Aldi in Bowral and then across to Oxley Mall and return to Canyonleigh after shopping.   The bus can also take people up to Mittagong for shopping – the actual travel route can be decided upon by mutual agreement of all passengers.

The cost is $7.00 per person return  -certainly a lot cheaper than petrol costs and takes away the problem of parking.   As well as providing a driver, there is another person to assist people boarding and alighting from the bus with packages.   There is a hoist for wheelchairs, and other mobility aids are affixed inside the bus.

This service is NOT ONLY FOR the older residents, or those with disabilities, but for EVERYONE residing in Canyonleigh as the area is transport-isolated.   It is funded under the Home & Community Care Programme and the Community Transport Programme to provide a service to all areas which are isolated and have no public transport.

Everyone, however, must register with the service by telephoning 4872 3722 when your details will be taken and arrangements made for an assessment.     This assessment takes about 20 minutes to complete by telephone to assess eligibility for service and to conform with Government insurance regulations.   Once approval is granted, an information booklet will be posted to you.   Registration is a one-off process.

The shopping bus is not the only service available once you have registered.    Should you or any member of your family require transport to medical or other appointments, a car will pick you up from your home and bring you back afterwards.    The cost of this service is $18.00 return to Moss Vale and $24.00 return to Bowral – certainly a lot cheaper than a taxi.

SO COME ABOARD THE BUS – it is a great service for all Canyonleigh residents.   Just ring 4872 3722 for more information and to arrange registration.

Called The Shed Online, this is an online social community for men, founded by beyondblue: the national depression initiative, The Movember Foundation and the Australian Men’s Shed Association.

Like the original Men’s Sheds, The Shed Online is a place for men to socialise, network, make friends and share skills. It aims to recreate the atmosphere of “real life” Men Sheds – a safe space where men can feel confident to discuss and exchange information. The Shed Online aims to foster a sense of community and build men’s social networks.
In addition to being a place for men to interact with other men The Shed Online also provides men with information on health and well-being. Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive and valuable to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of The Shed Online gives men a safe environment where they can find many of these things in the spirit of “old-fashioned mateship”.

The website can be found at:
www.theshedonline.org.au and is well worth a visit. There is a text only version available for those with low broadband or on dialup – see the top left hand corner of the webpage for the link. There are loads of topics and include videos made under the title of Shed TV.

For additional information about the Men’s Shed organization use their website:
www.mensshed.org.

In the period 1996 to 2006 the number of people aged over 55 years  in our Shire rose an astonishing 58%, while those between the ages of 0 to 54 years rose only 2%. Looked at another way, the percentage of those over 55 years of age rose in just 10 years from 22% of the total to 32%! And it will have increased further in the latest 5 years.

One factor which jumps out of the above is that our Shire does not have a Hospice.

A Hospice is a centre specifically designed to cater for those whose illness is terminal and nothing more can be done in terms of cure. The emphasis is on providing holistic care to ensure the patient is able to die with dignity and free of charge.

Recently a group was formed in our Shire to start the process of raising the awareness of the need, as well as to raise funds, for a community Hospice in our area. (The nearest palliative care facilities are at Berry, Camden and Canberra.)Certainly not a short term process and not inexpensive, but a start has been made.

In late February 2012,Wingecarribee will be host to Hospice Week. And the first event, on Friday February 24, will be the INAUGURAL TWILIGHT WALK (RUN) across Bong Bong Common. It will start and finish at Oxley College, with a barbecue to be held in the school grounds at the conclusion of the event. Walkers can choose their own distance, with markers on the path indicating the turning point for a 1 kilometre outing, 2 kilometres and so on. The whole trip across to the other side and back is 9 kilometres. The walk will start at 6 pm, with a 9 kilometre run to start at 5 pm.

More details will be advertised later in January or visit our office, upstairs in Springett’s Arcade.

Before the questions began judging of the best decorated table took place so that room could be made for the food, drink and some concentration. The prize was awarded to the group of comprising the Searles, George Barnett, Mel Dolezal, Wendy Quigg, Monika Fox and friends. Louise Searle looked very warm in her Ugg boots.

This year’s trivia was in support of the Canyonleigh Circle of Friends, to assist them with funding for outings, equipment and establish a general fund. Once again the community showed how generous they can be and over $1600 was raised. One of our best efforts yet.

Julie Harris and Jacqueline Wilson from the Community Association arranged an enormous raffle and coordinated bookings for Trivia 2011. Without their help on the night and colossal efforts in the weeks prior, the evening certainly wouldn’t have been the success it was. Judges were Julie Chamouille and Cathy Attreed with Ken and Julie C running the rounds. Their help allowed me to sit in a corner and take it easy, as my voice had all but disappeared earlier that day.

A big thank you too to our sponsors:

• Alonga Waterfont Cottages at Sussex Inlet
• Winter Hill Tree Farm
• Mel Dolezal
• Julie Chamouille
• George Barnett
• Canyonleigh General Store
• Brondale Park Olive Grove
• Raine & Horne Moss Vale
• Julie Harris
• IGA Moss Vale
• Maytree Vineyard
• Glenfion Estate
• Rosa Antonio Valley
• Video Ezy

Let’s do it all again next year!
Carolyn

See photos below…

Slice

We are so lucky in this community to have a hall of this caliber, to be able to dress it up and have a night like we did. We, the committee, had a ball doing so and we hope you all did as well. We believe the final profit on the night to be about $1100 -$1200 but we shall let you all know when all the costings have been finalized. This is a great contribution to our storeroom fund which we are hoping to build in 2012.
Thank you Canyonleigh for a wonderful response and a great night.
Jenny Stewart

PS – The entire event was designed by Jenny in conjunction with musician Chris Mearns from the band Slice. The Hall Committee would like to thank Jenny for her creativity, attention to detail, enthusiasm and inexhaustible effort, making it an exceptional evening. – Ed.   PHOTO GALLERY BELOW…

Within minutes of my call two of the Canyonleigh First Responders arrived, Fran and Paul. They were brilliant, checking vital signs, getting information, calming Aria and the family while we waited for the Ambulance. Next Hayley arrived to help (another CFR) followed closely by Fiona and Nigel who were on duty but further away than Fran, Paul and Hayley.

It was an enormous comfort to have such fast professional help from friends, neighbours and community.

The work that the CFR volunteer’s do is invaluable in this semi isolated community.

Thank you Fran, Paul, Hayley, Fiona and Nigel, you are all heroes – The Henderson family from Foxgrove Road.