these magpies can't vote

Not surprisingly the first two public hearings on the possible sale of land to fund the leisure centre, produced a very strong message. "Leave our land alone". These meetings have been held in Bowral Memorial Hall. The first night was attended about 130 people, last night about 120 attended. I was at last nights meeting along with a number of other Councillors.

The vast majority from teh community spoke about the fact we had a moral obligation to maintain this land for future generations. They also acknowledged the vision of those who have provided these gifts in the past for future generations. "What right do we have to sell the future?" "Were will the birds and animals live", stories of a family of magpies in Westwood Park that would be displaced, by teh sale and certain removal of trees to provide medium density housing."It's a shame, these magpies can't vote, maybe then someone would listen?". My feeling is that those Councillors intent on the sale, would not even listen then.

There was the message also, to counter some Councillors claims that the land was doing nothing. "The land is serving an enormous social and environmental benefit, by just being there". there was a story about a parcel of land in Soma street which is being considered for sale, and teh susequent refusal of building permission due to land slip. This same land is being considered by Council for sale as a building block?

The meetings will continue over the next couple of weeks. Hopefully those who see the quick sale of land as an answer to fulfill an elelection promise, will see beyond their own wants and listen to the message that thsi is not theirs to sell. It is in sacred trust for future generations and that wes hould be providing more breathing spaces and not less!