Families who are trying to save historic cottages on an island in Lake Conjola have a lot more hope than they did yesterday.
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On Thursday, October 24, Michelle Innes, backed by South Coast MP Shelley Hancock and Shoalhaven City Councillor Patricia White, presented the families' case of saving the cottages on Chinaman's Island to Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey at Parliament House, Sydney.
The last ditch plea has given Mrs Innes renewed hope.
"We have a lot more hope now than we did going into this meeting, we half-expected her to turn around and say no."
In June, the owners were notified there were trespass orders on all the properties and locks were changed on the buildings. The families want Minister Pavey to overturn the demolition orders and Council to jointly manage the cottages.
While Ms Pavey would not say whether she would remove the demolition orders, she was receptive and empathetic to their plight.
"It's certainly not a done deal yet, but with ongoing support of the council we have a red-hot chance of being able to save the cottages," Mrs Innes said.
"At this stage there is options on the table, and things will be getting looked at with the view of hopefully having council come on board and take over the management of the properties."
Cr White will be taking the matter to council and the families bated breath.
"Shelley Hancock and Patricia White have been wonderful, their determination and support is just overwhelming," Mrs Innes said.
"We look forward to hearing from [Cr White] in the future. It certainly won't be a quick decision or an easy process, but, hopefully we do still have a chance to save these cottages."