Over the last few months there has been enormous talk of the aspects of the Town Centre Renewal Plan (TCRP) which most community members are opposed to for financial, practical or safety reasons.
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I am appalled that after Concerned Inverell Ratepayers Association (CIRA) presents a petition of over 2600 signatures showing a lack of support and discontent towards two aspects of the TCRP, that most councillors have refused to accept community opinions and it has been arrogantly ignored.
Councillors are elected to represent the community and as stated on the Inverell Shire Council website they "should reflect the views of the community" not necessarily their own opinion.
I believe that their decisions on important matters should be made after much consultation with community members, not only a forum to explain the aspects of the TCRP.
Councillors should also have interaction with community groups and community members, separate from their usual social circles, and they would have a better understanding of community concerns.
It is a credit to the members of the Concerned Inverell Ratepayers Association (CIRA) for gathering signatures and providing an opportunity for the public to have a say.
I would have thought that council have an obligation to accept the petition in goodwill. With 2600 signatures from community members and a Survey from the business owners showing disapproval of the TCRP in its current form, it should be an eye-opener for Council.
CIRA was unfairly accused of not wanting change in the CBD. The speakers at the Council meeting last week clearly stated that some aspects were accepted and needed. It has never been denied that there are good aspects to the TCRP and the community are pleased with council's initiative.
It is the unnecessary expense and the ruination of a currently well-presented CBD that is so concerning. I think most community members would agree, we would rather see council funds spent on maintaining or improving other town infrastructure and our rural roads.
As a new resident 5 years ago, our family were drawn to this area because of the presentation of the CBD, mainly the beautiful plane trees in the main streets providing shade and the ease of parking.
It would be appalling if council ruined what encouraged us to this town and what captivates tourists to our CBD. Obviously if it is not easy for people to park, they will not shop in the main streets.
This would be very unfair to Inverell business houses who do rely on local shoppers and tourists. My heart goes out to them and their livelihood.
For ISC to accept the TCRP in the current form, a cost analysis should have been done already. With the talk of broadening the shire and the backlog of infrastructure needs, the economics should be considered for the sustainability of the council.
Ratepayers do not want their rates to increase to justify the development of this huge project.
I only hope that the councillors think seriously about the future of our town and that their decisions will be a sincere reflection on our community outlook with grave consideration given to the best financial, practical and safety aspects of the CBD.
Karen Weller
Swan Vale