Suddenly, he is claiming to be strongly advocating community use of the former Batemans Bay Bowling Club by way of his own expressions of interest process, announcement of an open day and recommending that community groups enter into short-term leases (a worrying term for volunteer organizations), before the council elections two months away.

What gives the mayor the right to offer this, when his own staff have just completed the legitimate EOI process, which closed on June 10? Did that count for nothing? Fortunately, other councillors at last week’s council meeting included an amendment to his motion: to exclude a further EOI, although the open day will go ahead and lease arrangements are sought.

The mayor’s sudden community-minded flurry is surprising, because until recently, he has been the single biggest impediment to arts’ and cultural groups using the club, either before it is re-developed or afterwards. What has changed his tune? A cynic might suggest the upcoming elections! 

PerfEx proposals, including a community driven one, show we are supported by 41 organizations and businesses, so I suggest he realized he had better pretend to show support.

As far as I am aware, he made no attempt to talk with community groups (except the swimming pool people) about the use of the club and was negative when approached.

It is disheartening and disempowering for community volunteers who play by the rules, when the very person whom we should be looking up to, can ignore procedures, deadlines, rules and fairness. Does he even realize what a slap in the face he gave to all organizations who submitted to the EOI by the deadline?

Regarding the proposed plans of the ‘Muddy Puddles’ to build in this unique neighborhood park: I hereby strongly support to keep ‘Melaleuca Park’ building free and for Muddy puddles to find an alternative location.  

The area around the park is already busy and used to drop off students and with parked cars from students attending the high school.

If the Muddy puddle complex is build at the relative small location, this area will become extra dangerous and are accidents bound to happen.

Besides, there are plenty of sites that the council can offer that are more suitable.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the people who supported the group Save Albert Ryan Park especially those who did the research of this land.

In a short period of time, the group was able to secure signatures of 1800+ people and I thank all of the people who help distribute the petition and those that signed the petition.

On Tuesday the, June 28, councillors voted unanimously not to rezone and reclassify Lots 10 and Lots 11 Beach Road, Albert Ryan Park.

It was encouraging to see Rosemary Weeks, Terese Ladmore and Narelle Theodore, direct descendants of Albert Ryan, attend the council meeting last Tuesday.

There will be a picnic and celebration at Albert Ryan Park on Sunday, July 10 at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome. Bring a picnic basket, blanket or a chair. 

Should the weather be inclement, the picnic will be reconvened and it will be advertised on the Facebook page Save Albert Ryan Park.