This week the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved Shoalhaven City Council’s application to lift rates over the next three years. Council says the increases are necessary to keep its assets maintained and renewed. Without doubt, hard-pressed ratepayers will be watching closely to see council upholds its end of the bargain.

Residents ought to be alert to a report from police about a spate of thefts from homes and cars in the past three months. Despite some arrests, the thefts are continuing so the message is: lock up your valuables and be vigilant.

This week we farewelled veteran teacher Barry Christiansen, who retired after 34 years at Ulladulla High School. Generations of students have benefited from his tutelage and, with us, wish him the best for the next chapter in his life.

We also exposed the trials of local university students locked in a battle with Centrelink to have their Youth Allowance claims processed. Our intervention helped loosen the logjam that should have never happened in the first place.

Local politics caught national attention again, with the future of Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis cast into doubt by a preselection challenge from Milton businessman Grant Schultz. This prompted the intervention of Treasurer Scott Morrison, who threw his support behind Mrs Sudmalis. Interesting times indeed.

Catch you next week.