Wyralla move’s about profit
The information provided by Macedon Ranges council to residents about the proposed sale of parkland in Wyralla Crescent, Gisborne, was minimal and selective, concentrating on an out-of-date open space strategy document from
1999.
My inquiries to council produced nothing of any substance. It was only through a freedom of information application that the councillor briefing was obtained, which revealed the sad and less than full picture.
The title of the councillor briefing document is Asset Conversion Opportunities.
This stated, without any justification, that parklands “have been identified as surplus to council needs”.
The first eight pages of the 10-page document detailed properties and how much money could be made from
their sale.
In a table at the back were brief comments from various council departments.
The planning department produced a ‘cut and paste’ from the 1999 strategy. The recreation department’s effort comprised “no comment”.
It would seem the council has overlooked the needs of residents. The whole episode is a nasty grab for cash, supported by the majority of ill-informed councillors.
Ian Turner, Gisborne
Everyone can have a say on the Rock
The Hanging Rock debate continues unabated in the local papers and on social media, in spite of the council’s unanimous decision in February to undertake a full consultation process with the community.
The council is listening and consulting with the community, as it has done in the past with the many user groups that make up the Hanging Rock development advisory committee.
We all want to “save the rock” and, as with everything in life, it has a cost.
Whether the solution is a proposed private investment concept plan, an increase in our council rates or other alternatives, these decisions are not taken lightly.
It was heartening to see so many people recently make their first visit to this national icon. It has been in our backyard for an estimated 6 million years so we have a responsibility to maintain it and its surrounds.
I’m certain that all have now seen the state of disrepair of the tennis courts, Hanging Rock Racing Club, the 80-year-old barbecues, dilapidated picnic tables, inadequate public conveniences and other facilities in urgent need of upgrade.
Additionally, the ongoing eradication programs required for weed and pest control are to the benefit of all current and future user groups.
Are the decaying facilities in the precinct what we are willing to showcase to the rest of Australia, or indeed the world? I think not.
To maintain any asset, let alone improve it due to increasing demands, is not dissimilar to managing a growing family’s budget.
Supplying daily needs and services is a challenge in itself considering the increase in costs of living, but ongoing maintenance and planning is a far greater challenge.
I, like most, value the Rock. It’s sustainability is the key issue for the present and future generations.
Scurrilous behaviour, non-factual statements and misleading remarks are counterproductive, particularly when no alternative solution is offered.
Personally, I find it far more satisfying to be part of a team willing to be constructive with its comments and contributions to find a solution, knowing the good of all is being taken into account.
This initiative gives all stakeholders a number of months to lodge constructive comments and solutions for the future financial and environmental sustainability of Hanging Rock and the surrounding precinct.
To do nothing for this treasured icon is unacceptable.
Cr Russell Mowatt, Macedon Ranges council
