NEGLECTED DAM A FIRE HAZARD SAYS NEIGHBOR

A NEGLECTED Jerrara Dam has now become a fire hazard according to Jerrara resident Neil Hawkins.

Having developed the original Jerrara Dam environmental plan in 1987, Mr Hawkins believes the site has been neglected and is now a major threat to surrounding properties, if a fire were to break out.

"The original plan was that the area surrounding the dam would be used for grazing," said Mr Hawkins.

The area Mr Hawkins refers to is situated south of the dam and is adjacent to his property.

The ill use of the close to 28 hectares has further angered Mr Hawkins. He first raised the issue 10 years ago but believes it is now increasingly important with drought crippling the local farming industry.

"The reason for the large growth is that there is no cattle on the land and this has added to what is already a major fire hazard. Council's response is to mow it but that isn't the solution.

"In a long drought there is not enough feed for cattle and this shows that this council (Kiama) are not caring for rural communities and it is the farmers that are losing."

"? Neil Hawkins pictured removing some of the overgrown lantana that lines his 40 hectare property.

His solution comes after Jamberoo brothers Noel and Len King put their Jamberoo property on the market in January and the Harris family " also of Jamberoo " spoke of the endless battle to overcome the harrowing effect the drought is having on local farmers, in December of last year.

Mr Hawkins now wants Kiama Council to construct an access gate to the adjacent property, which is currently overgrown with lantana and thigh grass.

"If fire fighters get in there they will get trapped. I have left an access point for fire crews between trees that I planted some years ago.

"It takes three months to get council acting and to get a plan," Mr Hawkins said.

Director of Engineering and Works at Kiama Council Brian Whittaker informed the Kiama Independent on Monday that the work had since been carried out after a plan for Jerrara Dam was developed in consultation with the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Mr Whittaker commented that Kiama Council would be happy to comply with the RFS and implement any further recommendations they have for the Jerrara Dam site.