message for your information

Dear friends

This is to invite you all to participate in the annual Koori Flagraising Ceremony at nin garang thurree currobung (The Place Between the Rocks) near Cherry Tree rest area in Gibbergunyah Reserve, to commemorate that this land is and forever will be the spiritual home of the traditional owners, the Gundungurra people.

Friends of Gibbergunyah, your families and friends, are invited to attend the ceremony which will take place around 3.00pm on Saturday 12th April 2008 at the designated place.

Refreshments and cold drinks will be provided, but please bring your own eats and drinks if you wish. From here there are short trails to the 90 Acre Hill Lookout with extensive views of the Gundungurra lands.

We will once again attempt the mirror flash experiment with Katoomba. This year we have our own volunteer who will be flashing from Katoomba (weather permitting)

We extend a welcome to Gundungurra and other Koori people w ho wish to be a part of this event.

Please pass this information on throughout your networks to make this a special event.

Please contact me if you have any queries, suggestions or contributions to make.

recission defeated

friends, the recission motion to stop reclassification of public land until at least after the poll at the next election was soundly defeated at the last council meeting. clr jim mauger went against his previous support for our original motion to vote against the recission. myself, clr clark and clr sara murray were the only ones to support the recission. from this it would appear that other councillors are not really concerned about peoples concerns about losing their land. it is a great concern that they are so fixated on teh leisure centre, right ot wrong. i will bring a motion back again in three months time, which is the soonest i can do so. it seems that the council electrion on the 13th of september is our last chance to correct the imbalance and really make sure the community's concerns are heard.

we cannot let our land be sold for an election promise

hi all.
well i will give it one more go tomorrow night. i will be moving a motion of recission on the amended motion that was carried at last weeks meeting. i thought we would have more lead time, but it has been listed for wednesday the 5th of march. if we loose it, we will not get another chance to move a motion ofn the subject for 3 months. if i am successful in getting support for a recission i will be moving the following motion. we cannot stand by and watch our precious land be flogged off to fund an election promise! i will fight to the end on this one.

WINGECARRIBEE SHIRE COUNCIL


Notice of Motion No: __________Date: ___


NOTICE OF MOTION

1. THAT a Council poll be held at the next election to determine public support for the construction of a Leisure Centre and the funding model.

2. THAT the wording of the question be determined by Council prior to 31 May
2008.

3. THAT the LEP process continues but the reclassification of all community land be suspended until after the results of the poll are determined by the incoming Council.

4. THAT two tender prices be obtained, for the construction of the leisure Centre; one for a July 2008 Commencement and one for a commencement date in November 2008

5. THAT Council determines a financial model for the construction of the Leisure Centre prior to 31 May 2008 including possible grant funding for consideration by a future Council after the 2008 Council election poll on this matter.

This will give us some certainty that land will not be reclassified before the election and that a new council make the determination based on the results of the poll.

i am hoping that some councillors are reading the community voice and will reconsider their stand. lobbying will again get the message through as will asking questions at question time.

thanks to all those who are passionate about our inheritance for the future and who want to protect our " breathing spaces".
regards,
larry

The continuing saga of...

Hi All,

Please see a letter that I sent over a week ago to the editor. It seems that the SHN these days is somewhat selective with the letters they print. Not like the good old days when peoples opinions were really valued. I continue to try, but it is difficult getting the message out there. The word on the grapevine is also that the Chambers of commerce and land sales interest groups have the ear of the manager of the paper. It has even been suggested that a minority of the Chambers are dictating what should appear on the front page of the paper. Not having the resources or contacts of the intersts groups is a real hurdle.

Given the serious nature of things to come, it would be good if somebody knows of a like minded person who would be interested in talking about a campaign manager for the community action team for the upcoming elections. It is also a good time to be getting an idea if anybody would eb interested in standing on a Community Action Ticket.If you have any ideas, please drop me a line.

I have a notice of motion going up to the meeting of the 27th February. IF SUCCESSFUL, IT WILL ALLOW cOUNCIL TO GO TO A REFERENDUM ON THE LEISURE CENTRE AND LAND SALES. It will be difficult. NCJ also ahs a motion which in itself is a claytons motion. Theya re obviously feeling teh heat and want to put up a smoke screen. I still think the numbers are against us. I would suggest that you encourage friends and family to lobby Clr Gordon Lewis, Jim Mauger and Duncan Gair heavily. This may be our only chance to put the brakes on the sale of public land.

More to come later.

Larry


Dear Sir,

Having been along to a number of Public Hearings in relation to the proposed sale of Public Land, I am only more convinced that this is a totally unacceptable action on Councils part. The message is loud and clear "leave our land alone". This is the legacy that not only previous Councils have put in place for future generations, it is also a legacy bequeathed by private and also developer gifts.

I stand strong on my commitment to fight to the end, the sale of public land. I will not give up or devalue the
Ideals of our community by ignoring their plea for caution and restraint on this matter.

We need to listen, not just give the appearance of listening. We need to actively process the message and
act accordingly. This is the reason why I believe that the only way to show sincerity to the community on this matter, is to go to the people. If any Councillors believes they can act from this point in defiance against the growing voice and calls for caution within the community on the Leisure Centre, then let them continue at their own peril.

Given our current financial dilemma, I am convinced we need to stop, take a breath and consult with the Community on their current thinking on the Leisure Centre. I am also convinced that we need to go to the community and test the feeling on the sale of public land. Although, it is beyond doubt in my mind that the majority of the community are totally opposed to the "flogging off" of our children's inheritance, I am also equally convinced (frighteningly so), that there are those Councillors who will in some strange way justify their own agenda's and ignore the majority.

Therefore the only way to test the theories of those Councillors who remain in denial is to go to a referendum. I believe anything other is deceptive and nothing more than a smoke screen. If those Councillors who feel they are right and the majority really do want to move forward with land sales and a Leisure Centre, then the referendum that I propose will do nothing more than support their arguments, if not, then surely they need to be mature enough to accept that they are wrong. I certainly am!

If the exercise of providing a facility that is indeed for everyone. Lets make sure that everyone actually wants it and agrees that now is the time to do so.

Faithfully yours,
Clr Larry Whipper

This appears to be just another off load it now strategy

Media Release
.
Clr Larry Whipper putting his support behind Clr Duncan Gair’s call for a more considered approach to the future of the Bowral Golf Course said “ It would be highly irresponsible to just hand over the Community’s most valuable asset to a private enterprise without at least considering other options and or ways of maintaining the Golf Course for public use”.

There have been claims that Councillors who have adopted this stand are trying to kill Golf in the Highlands. “This is preposterous! The current proposal does very little more than allow the land to be tied up for around 21 years, possibly for private and personal financial gain. It does not absolve Council and therefore the Community from liability and maintenance responsibilities however”.

“This appears to be just another off load it now strategy, by some Councillors. Like the proposed land sales, there has not been a lot of thought about future consequences.
It is knee-jerk stuff and does not resemble an entrepreneurial attitude in the least. The public meeting in Bowral Hall certainly did have a strong position for retention of the Golf course and there may be alternate ways of meeting everybody’s needs. The important thing is that we need to look at the big picture, not just jump to the dictates of self-interest. Council needs to look in detail at the potential impacts of their decisions and listen to the whole community, not just as some Coucillors have pointed out, those who make the loudest noise”.

Council, not necessarily by any fault, is now in a very uncomfortable financial position. “ The Grange experience, if nothing else, should have taught us that rushing in to decisions may not always be the most appropriate thing to do, even if there are promises of gold attached to sales pitch of those who stand to gain personal profit, above the collective good”.

“Like the call to flog off our community land, I believe that the rush to hand over a valuable community asset, with minimal consideration to the potential future consequences is very dangerous. Calls to just get on with it, may be expedient and suit the platform of some, but what remains is the still unanswered question; is it in the community’s overall best interest. It is my hope that the working group, formed by resolution of Council, will be allowed to do it’s job without any vested pressure being bought to bear”.

“It is my hunch however, that we will see a recession motion come forward to echo the rumblings of at least one private developer in the shire on this matter. In the interests of the ratepayer of the shire, I do hope I am wrong

word on the street

With the Steiner School up for sale, it was always likely that a certain developer with many business interests in the shire would be interested. This is particularly so given that he has a number of development investments in very close proximity. He has also shown a very keen interest in acquiring a 21 year lease of the Bowral Golf Course, it is interesting to note what Councillors are pushing this line as well. I have also heard on the grapevine that teh said developer is putting in a tender to build a medical centre on the Bowral Hospital site? If these rumours are at all true and , it continues the fine tradition of a certain developer feeding off existing community and public infrastructure. I for one have a problem with a developer(no matter who) winning private advantage and profit at a public cost. What do you think?

two blocks in Hampden Park are surplus and expendable

Tonight I attended the Public Hearing re:possible sale of 2 lots in Hampden park and also the Kangaloon Fire Shed. There were about 50 people in attendance. Quite a significant turn out for a small village the size of Robertson.Presentation again echoed other community concerns.Acknowledgement of our forebears who had vision to preserve the land.Anger at Councils arrogance. Concern that Council had empowered a Hampden Park Committee and a consultant, but have ignored all recommendations relating to these two blocks of land. concerns that no money from a land sale would go to Robertson.

Further concerns that in fact 91% of income from the land sales would be spent in Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale. 9% in Bundanoon and none in any of our villages. concerns about the lack of acknowledgement that sport (eg) soccer is increasing " We need more space for young people, not less". There is " also a lack of acknowledgement of volunteer efforts.

Councils claim that land to be sold "presupposes that this is truly the case". IT IS A DONE DEAL! Concerns raised about " the elephant in the room". " The land sales are all about the leisure centre. How will this benefit Robertson or any of the villages"? The concept is not environmentally sound and " ignores greenhouse/global warming problems. Any concept that forces people to travel to a central point is not realistic or environmentally acceptable". A 25 klm trip each way to swim for Robertsom residents is unrealistic.

There was, like Bowral on Tuesday night, only one speaker who supported the sales to fund a lesiure centre. In Bowral it was a representative of the Junior water Polo Team. In Robertson it was Cristine Campbell-Jones. Clr Campbell-Jones wife. A resident of Yerrinbool, but " a teacher at Avoca, who is tired of having to put children into cold water pools" She believes that these two blocks in Hampden Park are surplus and expendable. The sale of public land is after all " for the replacement of one asset for another" whats the problem? This line sounding very much like Clr Nick Campbell-Jones words. I wonder how much she knows about land use and needs in Robertson to be able to make the claim that this land is surplus to our needs? Nick wasn't there only myself and Clr Tuddenham. Hopefully Paul is listening. To date he is supportive of land sales and the leisure centre. I was a little concerned that Mrs Campbell-Jones spoke,particularly echoing Nicks position as all Councillors have been asked not to speak at public meetings. Am I out of order, in holding this concern??

Public objection to sale of Kangaloon shed, pointed out that there is no other community land in Kangaloon. The land was probably donated by adjoining farmer. Council proposes to sell land back to an adjoining neighbour as it is too small for any building etc.

The message is still clear. "Leave our land alone".

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!

Council denies claim of public mockery. 21.1.08

21 January 2008 - 2:36PM View all news | Send to a friend | Print


Council denies claim of public mockery
By Jacqui Knox


Council has denied claims it is making a mockery of public consultation by calling for tenders to build the $23 million leisure centre before the public finishes commenting on plans.

Eyebrows were raised after an advertisement calling for "expressions of interest" appeared in the Southern Highland News on Wednesday, even though submissions have not closed on the initial concept plan.


Councillor Larry Whipper quickly described the advertisement as "an insult" and said it "reeks of arrogance".


"What’s next - the sale of our public land before submissions end in the belief that we know what the community will say?" he asked.


However, council’s acting general manager Michael Brearley said council was not in fact calling for tenders; instead council was merely inviting builders to register interest.


"The selection of a builder is a two-stage process... the first stage is to invite expressions of interest from builders who may wish to be considered when tenders are invited," he said.


Full story SHN Monday, January 21


SHN.21.1.08

Notice from our friends at CanWin.

A public forum sponsored by
CANWin, Southern Highlands NPA
and the Bowral Uniting Church Eco-Justice Ministry,

A Simpler Way to Survive

A David-and-Goliath battle is on. On his side, Goliath has globalisation, marked in China and India by 1,000+ new automobiles a day and in the West by mountains of electronic consumer goods from Asia. Both sides are facing the prospect of peak oil. Against these odds, who can prevail?

-- One man who believes all of us can prevail is Ted Trainer. Ted argues that our consumer society is so grossly unsustainable that only a transition to a simpler way can solve our planet’s alarming global problems. His simpler way means we must achieve huge and radical change toward local economies using local resources and under local control, not driven by market forces. It means cooperative and participatory value systems that reject competitive acquisitiveness. It means zero economic growth.

Ted will suggest how we can make the necessary changes to survive the serious petroleum shortages that will impact rural areas such as the Southern Highlands especially hard.

Ted Trainer is a Visiting Fellow in the School of Social Work, UNSW. His interests are global problems, sustainability, radical critiques of the economy, and the transition to alternative social forms. He has written numerous books and articles, including his most recent book, Renewable Energy Cannot Sustain a Consumer Society. He is also developing an alternative lifestyle education site, Pigface Point, near Sydney.


Hear Ted Trainer 8.00 p.m. Tuesday 5 February,
Bowral Uniting Centre, cnr Bendooley & Boolwey, Bowral. Refreshments. Gold coin donation.

For more information:
Sandra Menteith 0403 790 777

GUNS BLAZE AT HILLTOP

After receiving documentation from the Hilltop No Gun Club Group, Clr Larry Whipper has come out in public support of the groups concerns. He will ask his fellow Councils to agree to a request from the Hill Top Residents Action group Inc’s request for a meeting to brief Councillors in more details on the matter.

“This appears to be just another example of the State Governments arrogance flying in the face of Community concern and Local Government autonomy,” Clr Whipper said. After reading the documentation from HTRAGI, Clr Whipper commented on a number of points relating to the transparency and credibility of a process that appears to be changing the rules on the run for the sake of little more than convenience.

“Given that such a proposal clearly falls outside of the regulation of our LEP and is not supported by the residents of the area is something that we need to consider, Clr Whipper said.

According to Clr Whipper, “It is a travesty that a clause which was introduced into legislation in July 2007, which prevented the Minister from approving a Part 3A application which was not zoned appropriately, was again amended in November 2007 to include a “transitional” provisional which would allow the Ministers intervention and probable approval under Part 3A of the Act”.

There have been rumours that the closure of the Malabar Anzac Rifle Range now imminent, that the State Government is possibly under more pressure, to repay electoral favours that have been bestowed upon them by the Shooters Party. This may possibly be the reasoning behind the concerted efforts of the Government to rezone Environmentally sensitive land to permit the use of gun sport.

“The fact that there have already been 1000 hectares of conservation area annexed from the Bargo State Conservation Area, even though no application has been submitted, is disturbing”. According to Clr Whipper. “This would appear to give a clear indication that the approval is indeed imminent and that the public exhibition process will be little more than a sham”.

The social impacts and the potential impost on the rates of local residents associated with the increased costs of infrastructure demands that will flow from the approval of such a facility will be enormous. The real environmental impacts of noise, habitat destruction, and threats to wildlife and to water from pollution and leeching from spent cartridges are also a very real consideration it appears that the Government are prepared to ignore along with Councils rights to consider the feelings and wishes of the local community in terms of planning for the people.

Ends

Happy New Year May peace and Joy be with you all througout 2008

Media Release

Camping it up at Berrima.

Unfortunately the closure and excessive regulation of the use of the Berrima reserve is making our New Year less than pleasant.

After hearing increasing concerns and claims of excessive regulation from residents of Berrima about Councils decision to close the Berrima Reserve to Campers, Clr Larry Whipper has responded by giving an undertaking to raise the matter at the first meeting in January 2008.

“It looks like we got this one wrong” Clr Whipper said. When this matter came to Council, there were minimal representations from the community. The only representations were in the form of support for the closure”. He said.

“Given the mounting support for the continuation of camping at the reserve, I feel we need to revisit this as a matter of urgency. In hindsight we should have communicated with bodies like the Berrima Residents Association and Berrima Business Houses before making our decision. I am particularly concerned that sop keepers are saying that our decision is beginning to have financial implications upon a number of business houses in the Village”.

Many locals also believe that signs and fences erected by Council are causing not only embarrassment but also offense. According to Mr. Rob Parker, who is a long time resident of Berrima, a young mother who has been using the camping area along wit her family for years was most upset after her family were harassed for camping in the reserve over night. There have also been reports of fences and logs restricting access to the reserve for local resident walkers.

“ If such claims are true, then we need to redress this matter as quickly as possible. It is not in any ones interest for Council to be seen in this light. It just doesn’t make sense to alienate, or offend people in this manner. The Wingecarribee Shire prides itself on the promotion of quality Tourist experiences. In this instance it appears we are failing.” Clr Whipper said.

Although there have been some abuses of camping privileges at the reserve, I truly believe with the support of the Berrima community and the Department of Lands, we can put some measures in place that will protect the natural environment and serve the best interests of all involved while still providing access to the reserve, so that Berrima and those who appreciate the beauty of the reserve can continue to do so.

Homeless and Helpless

Media Release

Homeless and helpless.

Clr Larry Whipper responding to claims made by Ms Candy Raymond in an article in the SHN Monday, 17th December re: "Animals displaced by council work", certainly shares her concerns on this matter.

"This information was brought to my attention last week and at that time I spoke directly to the Council Officer who is overseeing the works at Lake Alexandra. At that point in time he had not been aware of the claims. He did however give an undertaking to investigate the matter.

Clr Whipper, who has been the Chairman of Councils Environment Committee since 2000 and long time advocate of the environment levy also stated “that he had been personally concerned about the displacement of our fauna as a result of land clearing, development and some works of restoration such as Lake Alexandra. There is no need for this to happen. It should be incumbent as a part of Council consent, that developers engage appropriate expertise to identify any vulnerable wildlife that may be at risk as a result of there proposals and with either Wires or national Parks make arrangements for the relocation of these before proceeding with any land clearing”.

"At a recent Environment Committee meeting it was resolved and later endorsed by Council, that we set up discussions with Wires in an attempt to see if there is a way that Council can use Wires considerable expertise to assess/relocate and /or provide any ideas on how Wingecarribee Shire Council and Wires could establish some type of MOU.

The idea would be for Councils Development Control Branch to be able to access this expertise when issues arose relating to development approvals which had the potential to harm or displace our precious wildlife". He said.

Through our Natural resources manager, we have started talking to the Local Wires and are now awaiting their ideas. I look forward to a meeting with Wires on this matter early in the New year to see if we can formulate a proposal to take to the Environment Committee and then to Council on the matter.

Ends:
.

McDonalds Moss Vale may face obstacles.

I have just heard that MacDonald's are meeting with Council officers soon to discuss their proposal for a restaurant on the old Peter Donnelly site in Moss Vale. The land in question is earmarked for rezoning to R3 under the New LEP. This is a Medium Density residential zoning, which, if Council sticks to its position may see McDonald's plans to locate at the site as non compliant. Further news when it comes to hand.

Are McDonald's coming to Moss Vale?

I have just heard on the grapevine (as yet unconfirmed)that the Old Peter Donnelly site on the Roundabout at Moss Vale Rd (Illawarra Highway and Robertson Rd) has been sold to McDonald's. Is any body else aware of these rumours? If it is proven true, the land would be zoned appropriately, however traffic would be an enormous issue and place even more pressure on our already stretched roads infrastructure. We have been taken for a ride by Big W in Mittagong and now it seems we are going to feel the brunt of Big Business in Moss Vale as well. Comments and feedback would be welcomed.

Copy of Speech at Global Human Rights Welcome Bowral 12.12.07

Global Human Rights Torch:
Corbett Gardens Bowral. 12th December 2007.

I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on Gundungarra land. Respect to all Elders past present and future.

The Mayor has sent his apologies for not being able to attend today and has asked me to represent Council on this occasion.

Therefore, on behalf of the Wingecarribee Shire Council I would like to welcome all those special guests who have come into Shire to be a part of this event and to also thank all the residents of the Wingecarribee for being here today.

A sincere thank you also goes to the “Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong” for organizing this global event, and a very special note of gratitude in particular to Gary Hastie and John Solomon who have worked hard to bring this event into the Shire.

In a Country like Australia, we tend to take our freedoms for granted. We live our lives largely forgetting that not every country experiences such egalitarian rights.

Although our Government have not yet issued an official apology, or come to terms with our own past and present treatment of Aboriginals, we do as a nation, support and value freedom of speech and the right to express our religious and cultural beliefs irrespective of what they are.

Although our previous government has attempted to corrupt and stifle some of those basic rights, we are still a free society and draw a great deal from our diverse and multicultural society.

As a nation we recently expressed that freedom and asserted our National rights again on the 24th of November and convincingly made a collective statement, which saw a new government swept to power. That same freedom could just as easily replace the government at the next election should we feel the need to do so.

These freedoms we take for granted. We forget that we owe a great deal to those founders who put them into place. We sometimes also conveniently forget that there are human rights atrocities occurring all over the world. Sadly the majority does not spend a great deal of time thinking about these things.

Whether it is exploitation of women and children who are sold into the sex or slave trade, children exploited in sweat shops or innocent people, victims of conscience who have been incarcerated and tortured for their belief, it is generally easier for us to turn a blind eye and not to ask questions. But if we continue to do this, in conscience, what right have we to call ourselves human?

How long can we look away, believing that ignorance is an excuse? How long can we offend the basic principles of humanity and allow human rights atrocities to continue. How much longer can we justify military and economic interventions, which kill and corrupt in the name of economic advantage? How long can we continue to live in economic ignorance and bliss at the expense of human dignity, compassion and environmental responsibility?

This event today focuses attention on some of the atrocities that still occur in the world. The treatment of people in China under the Communist Party’s rule continues to oppress and suppress many basic human rights. If claims about the treatment, persecution and torture of Falun Gong practitioners in China are proven to be true it is undoubtedly a horrendous indictment of political arrogance and a sinister abuse of power.

Along with the Olympic games come, the global family’s opportunity to put China’s human rights policies and track record under the microscope and to ask for answers to long standing questions relating to human rights abuses in Tibet, Myanmar and China itself. Not only is it an opportunity to seek answers, it is also an opportunity for China herself to take the slur away from her name.

If China indeed wishes to continue to prosper from global economies and be a part of our global family she must prove now, when the eyes of the world are upon her that she values and respects her brothers and sisters and cares about her reputation on matters such as human rights.

Never has there been such an ideal opportunity for China to prove to the world that she does indeed have and a social conscience and to allow freedom and dignity to evolve beyond persecution, fear and oppression. If China is to truly become the Great Economic beacon she wishes to become, she must reawaken her sense of justice and empathy.

It is my prayer that this Human Rights Torch may shine upon the hearts of the entire global community and light the way for a new path in China, based on the principles of freedom, beauty human dignity and compassion.

I would like to offer you a quote from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to take away with you.
"All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured . . . We must, therefore, insist on a global consensus, not only on the need to respect human rights worldwide, but also on the definition of these rights . . . for it is the inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have an equal right to achieve that." -- 14th Dalai Lama
Friends, it is my hope that this truth may begin to find its way into every heart and mind in the world.
Thank you.

No survey on leisure centre

At the Council meeting of 12th December, I made an attempt to move a motion to accept the offer from Mr Theo Onesfarou to pay for a random survey of 2000 people in the Shire to determine if there really is support for a leisure centre. There is considerable discussion in the community at the moment. I have had numerous people contact me saying that they have real concerns about the construction of the Centre, particularly given that the cost has already blown out to 16.7 million dollars. There are of course those of the opposing belief who say that they want a leisure centre. The basic question is however. Do the people of the Wingecarribee want a leisure centre at any cost?The motion was defeated 8 votes to 4. I believed it to be an excellent opportunity for the supporters of the project to prove for once and for all that there really still is support, even given our potential risk as a result of CDO investments with Grange, the fact that the project relies heavily on the sale of public land and that there is no certainty that the overall cost will not continue to grow! The challenge that I threw out was to test the waters! If the majority do want the centre, then let it proceed. Such an undertaking would once and for all silence the critics. The challenge was not accepted.

Human Rights Torch. Corbett Gardens Bowral. 12th December 2007

You are invited to the Global Human Rights Torch reception to be held in Corbett Gardens Bowral at 11am on the 12th of December 2007. The event is organised by the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of the Falun Gong . http://www.humanrightstorch.org/

Council Consider Land sales to fund Leisure Centre

Media Release: 11/11/07

Clr Larry Whipper who has long been on the record raising concerns about the proposed Leisure Centre concedes that the facility would probably bring a lot of joy to members of the Wingecarribee Community, but is concerned about the way we are proposing to finance it.

“To enter into an expenditure, which is conservatively estimated at around 16 million dollars, without the funds to do so, is in my opinion "dangerous financial planning". I think we can predict that this cost will blow out”!

“Relying on land sales is, I believe not only risky business, but also inappropriate, particularly when a number of these are classified as parcels of community land. We have heard the arguments that the sales will only add up to around 20 acres or so in total. We are also told that that there will not be any "complete sale of parks and reserves and that where sales do occur, the remaining parks and reserves will be upgraded thus adding value an amenity”.

Although this may appear good in theory, Clr Whipper said, “the fact is that our shire is growing considerably and if we do not maintain, enhance and increase our area of public space, there is a threat that our residential areas will” bleed together as they have in many other urban and suburban areas. I believe that this would go against the grain of community expectation”.

“We continue to hear many arguments supporting the construction of a Leisure Centre being promoted as the voice of the public. Calls from the public, questioning the sale of public land, or the watering down of Council services to pay for a Leisure centre have not been met with the same acceptance by Council!”

“The champions of this cause continue to sell the virtues of the leisure centre and, I bear them no ill will because of this, but I do feel it is only one side of the story. I am sure that when submissions are called for the sale of land, we will begin to hear a lot more on the proposed financial model we have earmarked to fund the leisure centre.”

We are continually told, that the sale of public land is a good thing and that it is merely the sale of an asset for the replacement of an asset (no sleight of hand). Surely we need to re- think this logic, as we are not talking “apples for apples” here!

I for one cannot understand the wisdom in selling of land, which is not only valuable socially, aesthetically and psychologically, but which will also appreciate significantly over the years as land became more scare and land prices soar, for a monolith, that will continue to depreciate and burden the whole community with maintenance cost that will cost us dearly.

The Leisure Centre is a great idea, but can we afford it and is it worth the financial and social cost that we will no doubt have to continue to pay and pay and pay for!

If you are interested in knowing more about Wingecarribee Shire Council go to http://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/ or for a list of properties proposed for sale go to www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/files/4392/File/Reclassification_of_Properties_List.pdf

Public hearings on these land sales will be conducted from 5th-20th February next year.