TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE BACK (MAYBE EVEN TWO) – In response to the overwhelming public reaction against commercial development, the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve Reference Group provided the Queenscliffe Council with a comprehensive list of works proposed for the site. The Reference Group also strongly recommended the Council adopt an ongoing community engagement approach to determine priorities for the site and implement the scope of works. For example, the Group requested suitably qualified or interested members of the community should be part of the Reserves Committee of Management and that the Council utilize local specialists and groups with expertise, especially environmental and heritage groups, to achieve greater community buy-in to site management. In an unpleasant jolt, the Council has now advised it will not acknowledge or accept any such recommendations about how the Lighthouse Reserve should be managed. This objectionable attitude comes despite the Council this week voting in its new Community Engagement Policy which promises the Council will Partner with the public in each aspect of decision making to incorporate feedback and advice, including the development of alternatives and identification of the preferred solution. The Councils position is extremely disappointing given the substantial work put in by community members to develop numerous well-considered options which have widespread support. We are left to wonder why the Council has seemingly gone against its own policy, and wonder what people will make of it.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 22:00:01 +0000
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