I ATTENDED the Planning Assessment Commission public meeting on Wednesday, August 13 and gave a presentation opposing the Shaolin Foundation proposed development at Comberton Grange. One of the issues I raised was misinformation concerning the proposal, particularly in relation to the number of jobs that would be created.
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For years various mayors of Shoalhaven have spouted this as a “jobs bonanza”. In November 2012 the proponent claimed there would be jobs for about 1000 people in construction and 1300 when fully operational.
However the state government’s final report on the project tells us there will be 50 jobs in construction and 200 in operation – nothing like the previously quoted figures. Misinformation abounds, and it doesn’t stop there.
The South Coast Register has previously reported that all the presentations at the PAC meeting were opposed to the development. On August 20, the Register reported on comments of the Shaolin’s representative in Nowra, Phil Balding, who said “… that was because only people who put in submissions with objections to the temple were allowed to speak”. This is absolute nonsense and Mr Balding should know it. When I registered to give a presentation I was not asked whether I was for or against the proposal. More misinformation.
Also in the Register of August 20, and on local radio the day before, Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis continued spruiking the jobs line. Disappointingly, she also referred to “narrow minded resistance” and “prejudice” along with people who “oppose the temple on religious and other grounds”. At the PAC meeting there was no mention of religion. The only concerns over this development on religious grounds that I am aware of came from former mayor Paul Green. More misinformation, this time from a federal Member of Parliament, who should know better.
When will it stop?
G. Gibson,
Huskisson.
