I have always been proud of Inverell’s town centre and always commended the council on the great job they do with this along with our parks. However, it concerns me at the direction that the Town Centre Renewal Plan debate is taking; I think it is getting far too personal.
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The debate should be about the relevant issues not about people. In saying this we are all entitled to our opinions, however we also have to respect the rights of others to their opinions and if a proposal is made that affects everyone, I believe these decisions need to be debated and given time for people to talk and decide what they want of our CBD.
I don’t believe enough time was given.
The council has been looking at this for three years, yet the ratepayers and other stakeholders have been given just a few months, why the hurry now?
Could it be to beat the groundswell of opposition? I would hate to think so.
My points are as follows:
I do not want a centre median strip in our main streets;
I do not want trees planted in the centre of the streets;
I do not want trees removed unnecessarily;
I believe the current street furniture should be retained and maintained;
I think the timing is incredibly bad, many businesses are barely hanging in now, with the drought and the current economic conditions.
We are supposed to live in a democratic society, we have the right to have our say, we have the right to be heard and I believe the councilors have the responsibility to listen. Perhaps the correct manner for such major expenditure and change as this to proceed, is to have a simple referendum at the next council election, at least the decision will be made by the majority not just a couple of handfuls of people.
Ann McCosker,
Inverell