COUNCILLOR Gabi Harding’s move to allow some public consultation on the latest addition to HuntFest was narrowly passed by Eurobodalla Shire Council.
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The hunters’ original motion, if passed without amendment, would have allowed the sale of weapons and ammunition and a portable air rifle range to be added to the 2015 festival in a public building in the main street of Narooma.
HuntFest opponents need to rally all the support they can, both within and outside the shire, to oppose any changes to an event that was initially disguised as a photographic competition but in reality is all about selling guns and killing animals for fun.
It appears that anyone in Australia can make a submission on this matter to Eurobodalla Shire Council, but how much weight will be attached to submissions from shire residents and ratepayers compared with those from outside?
If submissions from residents are not afforded special weight, why should a shooter living in Dubbo decide what should take place at an event in the Sport and Recreation Centre in the heart of seaside Narooma?
The whole ugly and divisive issue could have been resolved at the outset if the community had been informed and consulted in the democratic manner Australians expect from their local elected body.
Transparency and accountability have been woefully neglected, along with a commitment to build strong communities, but residents must take this crumb of consultation as it is given to us and flood the council building in Moruya with submissions, in the hope that they will be given special consideration.
Submissions opposing the sale of guns and a shooting range at HuntFest, including the sender’s name and address, should be sent to council before October 8.
Email submissions can be made to council@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au and postal submissions to General Manager, PO Box 99, Moruya 2537.
Susan Cruttenden
Dalmeny