letter to the editor.

Dear Sir,

Re: Can we afford leisure centre? (SHN. 11.4.08). The simple answer is no ! The honest answer is no! And the responsible answer is of course no! Why then are we persisting?

I don't really think that any one would object to a leisure centre if we could in fact afford it. But given we can't why do some Councillors ignore this fact? Maybe the answer can be found in the election jargon of the "time for a change" team at the last election. What cannot be found in that jargon however, is the promise to sell your land or close public pools.

What can be found there in that election blurb, is a promise to listen to the people, not ignore the fact that around 90% of submissions to the LEP have been relating to and opposing the reclassification and sale of public land.

I think Mr Brewster in his letter to the editor makes some very pertinent Points and asks some very relevant questions. There will be an enormous maintenance cost accompanying this proposal as well. Nobody has spoken about that yet. How will we be able to pay for it? Even though no fault of our own, some Council investments have gone sour. Until recouped, we have to acknowledge the fact that there is an uncertainty surrounding council finances.

Don't be seduced into thinking your local pools will be safe from the eyes of our current Council Entrepreneurs (particularly if the same mind set prevails on your new council). It seems that anything that isn't tied down may be seen as collateral to fund pet projects.

It is still my belief that the construction of a leisure centre at this point in time, is an investment in financial loss. In the current economic climate of council, this will remain a drain on the resources and rates of the residents of this shire.

I believe that Councillors should to listen to the people who have entrusted them with their civic role, all the time, not just at election time! Remember there were a number of promises made at the last election. The sale of community, land was not one of them. The closure of public pools, was not one of them, nor was ignoring the community.

So it may now " Really be time for Change". Change back to a form of representation that favours the mums and dads, children, retirees and families of this shire. Time to focus on the bigger picture and Community over the personal pursuits and narrow vision of some whose actions do more to prop up the big end of town, than cater for the rest of us!

I for one have heard the message and will continue to fight not only to save your land, but to empower and save your future.

Faithfully yours.
Clr Larry Whipper.