Thu, 17 June 2004

City Vision dithering over great local result

Aaron Bhatnagar, Hobson Community Board member, and Parks and Reserves spokesman for Hobson Ward, today denounced the Eden-Albert City Vision members for dithering at the joint meeting of the Eden-Albert and Hobson Community Boards last night. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed options for the Eden-Epsom recreational precinct, including areas such as Nicholson Park, Melville Park and Windmill Park, and make recommendations to Council.

“I condemn City Vision for their political cowardice”, said Mr Bhatnagar. “The City Vision team abstained rather than bring themselves to vote for a proposal from ACRN that was supported by the packed room of over 120 people. This was a crowd that probably came to heckle the politicians, but left applauding and appreciating the considered approach to the decisions the joint board made”, said Mr Bhatnagar.

“It was a great moment when the results were passed and the room broke into applause for us”, said Mr Bhatnagar.

“The City Vision ticket were like possums in the headlights when they realized that the people wanted a decision from their elected members. Ratepayers are sick of local body politicians who lack the courage to make decisions. If City Vision ruled the city we would be facing political gridlock”, said Mr Bhatnagar.

“A great result was delivered for the people who live near the Eden-Epsom recreational precinct. They now have the certainty that the park they want is the park they will get. Citizens and Ratepayers Now can take credit for showing leadership and courage, while maintaining a dignified and considered approach to the issue”, said Mr Bhatnagar.

“This is a great victory for residents, and in particular, a great victory for Councillor Mark Donnelly, who has been pushing a balanced approach over this issue since its inception”, said Mr Bhatnagar.

“Endless consultation without decisions is bad governance and even worse politics. Let’s never go back to those days”, concluded Mr Bhatnagar.

ENDS

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