The press release dropped into in-boxes like a bomb on Wednesday morning. “Council shafts basketball to deliver for the Yarts” – yes, he wrote “Yarts” – it thundered, going on to suggest Shoalhaven City Council had delivered a “win for the elites”.
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In language that echoed the orange rage of Donald Trump in full flight, Cr Andrew Guile ripped into council for deciding to apply for federal funding for an expansion of Bundanon over the long-awaited new basketball stadium at Bomaderry.
The release gave the distinct impression the decision left the stadium unfunded. Under scrutiny, however, this was revealed as an “alternative fact” – in other words, a falsehood.
The construction of the stadium is funded by a mix of section 94 contributions and money previously set aside for the now abandoned North Nowra Link Road. The only aspect of the stadium yet to be funded is the fit-out but work has been under way on that for some time.
Cr Guile’s bombshell sparked a good deal of anguish, particularly among the people who have fought for so long to have their old asbestos clad stadium replaced with an international standard venue.
It forced council to issue a statement confirming construction of the stadium is on track to begin by early May.
If it shook the confidence of the local basketball community, Cr Guile’s commentary probably did more damage to himself. What he doubtless saw as a political opportunity by day’s end had blown up in his face.
Couched in the us-and-them language of populist politics, his statement effectively cried wolf. There was never a choice being made between one project or the other, as Cr Guile suggested when he wrote: “Council should have its eyes on meeting the local needs of families and young people rather than gazing in awe at the national arts stage.”
The reality is too many politicians are gazing in awe at the electoral success of Donald Trump and borrowing from his divisive play book. Instead of trafficking in the language of envy they should be presenting reasoned argument backed up by fact.
They should also be mindful that Donald Trump appears to be fast tracked to becoming one of the least successful presidents the US has ever seen.
Cr Guile is a capable and knowledgeable councillor whose energy, if it were only tuned more constructively, would be an asset to the community.
