COUNCILLOR Kitchener has the right to vote any way he pleases but we do wonder whether he was listening to the presentations made by the Heart of Huskisson coalition of business, tourism and residents’ groups at the various council and tourism advisory meetings he was present for.
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Tourism is the lifeblood of the Shoalhaven and the destination of Jervis Bay, whether you like it or not, is one of the principle magnets for people to our entire region.
The block of land in Owen Street has, for more than 20 years, been designated as the “town focal point” and Huskisson has been designated the gateway to Jervis Bay for almost as long. While we agree that the Huskisson population is approximately 1000 residents (who live here all year round), we have become a conurbation with Vincentia and the several large towns on the northern shores of St Georges Basin – all of which use Huskisson as a hub. The combined Bay and Basin population is almost one third of the Shoalhaven and straddles wards 2 and 3.
Huskisson has almost become a sustainable “year-round” destination thanks to its unique character, boutique shopping, access to the bay and choice of al fresco cafes with a view. Many people who live elsewhere in the Shoalhaven, South Coast and Southern Highlands come here for their days off or to show to visitors. Residents from Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Nowra, Sussex Inlet, Milton and (even) Ulladulla have been very supportive of our campaign. They know how important it is to maintain the heart-stopping views, light and space from the centre of town. The residents of Milton fought very hard to try and do the same thing.
Building a park/amphitheatre in Huskisson on this site and preserving the view will bring benefits not only to the residents of Huskisson. An active focal point could be a focus for many of the sports and cultural events that we already host. Open air cinema, night markets, food festivals etc., music festivals would benefit the whole region.
As we have been saying since December 2013, council should be able to raise enough money to buy this block by selling redundant land assets around the Jervis Bay region alone. The timely receipt of the Comberton Grange mortgage repayment can only help. The buying of the land in Huskisson simply does not equate with funds that need to be spent on roads and crucial infrastructure in the Shoalhaven. This is not an either/or scenario.
Shoalhaven is a huge local government area and all councillors must guard against any tendency to slip into parochialism. Our campaign has revealed to us that many of the Shoalhaven’s residents view the entire region much like they would a “city” – with a variety of diverse suburbs to access. They may live in one area, but they work, play, shop, relax and visit friends in all of the others. Their loyalty and passion is for the entire “shire” and not just their own little patch.
This is the “inclusive vision” Cr Kitchener would do well to adopt.
K. Broadhurst,
Spokesperson,
Save the Heart of Huskisson.