MEDIA RELEASE - COUNCIL SUMMIT WITH BULLI SHIRE SECESSION GROUP
Cr Kerrie Christian, Wollongong City Councillor today confirmed that Council had recently invited the advocates for Bring Back Bulli Shire to meet with Council and air their grievances.
"I approached both the Lord Mayor and General Manager about a summit in January because of my concerns about the anger in the north," explained Cr Christian, "and at last week's council meeting I received the unanimous support of my fellow councillors when I moved that this meeting be held."
Representatives of Neighbourhood Committees 1, 2 3 & 4 have also been invited to participate, as have all available councillors.
Cr Christian believed that it was essential for the council to listen to its aggrieved citizens, and that there was a need for all parties to approach the discussion looking for solutions, as well as debating the problems.
"I made this request as the concerned Ward Councillor for Ward 1, who was concerned at the deep, deep chasm that was occurring and the incredible strength of feelings being generated in the community in the North," stated Cr Christian, "I warned that I was very worried that the situation was going to escalate if the concerns of the community weren't addressed very, very soon."
Cr Christian's fears were realised when last week's Council meeting was invaded and shut down for 45 minutes, by angry residents. Council was dealing with a number of controversial development proposals that night, many of them from the northern suburbs.
"There are some people who are repeating the mantra that the minister would not entertain a secession," agreed Cr Christian , "but I have insisted that it is necessary for a responsible council to listen to its residents who were so aggrieved that they were driven to not only entertain a secession, but to actively campaign for it."
Cr Christian agreed that the Bring Back Bulli Shire Group do have a number of challenges ahead as they have been advised of the requirement to not only gather a large petition of signatures, but to prepare a solid case showing that the Shire would be financially and economically feasible. There is also a requirement that it's creation would not adversely impact on the remainder of the city that would be left behind.
"No matter which route this debate takes, it is vital that Council listen and consult with its residents," insisted Cr Christian.
Authorised : Cr Christian
March 1 2001
Phone ; 0408 115 099
Authorised Cr Kerrie Christian - 24/9/1999 - contact ph 0408 115099
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