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It's time to move forward, together |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 23 November 2006 |
(Reply from Carolyn Male Member for State seat of GLASSHOUSE)
I WOULD like to comment on last week's article “$1.5M youth centre at risk” and the ongoing backand- forth articles regarding the Maleny Community Precinct which incorporates the land that comprises Armstrongs and Porters Farms.
I understand that different sectors of the community have their own interests and infrastructure plans which they want to see progressed. But I would call on the community to look reasonably at what can be achieved and the best process for doing so.
| Carolyn Male: I am
concerned that amongst
various proponents there
seems to be a ‘winner
takes all’ approach to
the exclusion of other
groups.
|
I find the ongoing verbal attacks in the paper and at various meetings quite draining. I would like to see everyone take a step back from the personality issues so that proper planning and consultation can move forward – otherwise we will continue to see a divided Maleny community and no clear way forward for major initiatives.
The state government has allocated $1.5 million towards a combined youth and community development facility. Specifically it will provide a permanent home for the young people who attend the Flexi-School and for the Neighbourhood Centre. Additionally, it is envisioned to provide training rooms and art development opportunities – and this will be a major asset to our young people and our arts community. I want to see this facility built within the two year timeframe that the Deputy Premier outlined.
Currently the Flexi-School students are working in premises which are not optimal due to their size and lack of integration. I believe it is necessary to locate the Flexi-School in the central part of town so that they have every opportunity to finish their education in premises which cater for extended learning opportunities and which allows them to be close to the hub of our community – with the many work, service and social integration opportunities that are present.
Department of Communities will have carriage of this project and community consultation about possible locations will take place after Caloundra City Council identifies possible locations. Council is to be commended for coming on board with this project along with the many community members and groups who were able together to create such a strong concept and then provide the detailed background planning to inform the process. I have worked hard to obtain the funding from state government, and I am keen to ensure this centre is built as soon as possible. Council has already devised a cultural precinct plan for Maleny and I would hope that the new youth centre project would fit into this vision with whatever Council land they allocate to the project.
There appears to be a cascading effect with allocating land parcels for projects which flows on from the youth centre project. In relation to Barung moving to the proposed community precinct, I am aware that for many years it has been mooted that Barung should move. Indeed I have arranged for deputations from Barung to meet with government ministers to discuss their needs.
Barung is a very important Landcare organisation for Maleny and for the wider catchment areas and I am supportive of them moving to premises and land that would accommodate their growing organisation and enable them to effectively implement their environmental and educational programs.
I understand that Barung currently has a resolution on their books to move to the Armstrongs Farm land and that is supported by their Members and the Executive. As the land is designated rural and their activities would be consistent with this designation, it may be feasible to progress this matter expeditiously. I would hope that the Maleny community would be supportive of re-establishing them as soon as practicable.
The possibilities for the proposed Community Precinct seem wide and varied. It is now time to allow Council to start the process of planning for the site utilising the work that was done by the previous Taskforce and taking into consideration the various changes that have taken place to land use designations, ownership and recreational infrastructure planning.
There is a lot of speculation around about what should or should not be on the site – including: relocating the Pool, Bowls Club, Maleny Players, Barung and Gym, as well as building a new Golf Course, Botanical Gardens, housing, clubhouse, etc.
All of these appear to me to be dependent on external funding to finance them. From a state perspective, most requests for funding for recreational infrastructure are initiated by Council. In that way the state government can assess the requests, provide Council with matched-funding grants and Council can deliver the work on the ground. All of the groups outlined above are going to have to be a part of that process otherwise they could not possibly fund the move themselves.
I would therefore urge community groups to be working with Council as part of the wider Social Infrastructure planning that Council has under way and for their specific needs as well. I attended a meeting of the Maleny Pool Committee this week, and like Barung and the proposed youth centre, their need for a new site has certain time constraints which need to be seriously considered.
In a report prepared for Council in 2004, it was stated that the pool has a limited life span – approximately three years. That means that a new site has to be found quickly. The pool issues are compounded by the fact that the pool and the tennis court on the Maleny State School site need to be moved so that a bus turnaround and parent drop-off zone can be established off-road to facilitate the safety of the young students.
It would seem that these two issues consolidate the need to find a suitable site quickly, and also enable an application to be made to Council to allocate funding in upcoming Budgets as well as applying to the state government for grants. The pool could cost in the vicinity of $2.5 to $3 million, which is substantial funding and needs to be budgeted for. Once again, I would urge this group to consider all possibilities that are available, and be clear about achievable outcomes.
I am told that Council has a Structure Planning Process which needs to be undertaken for the Community Precinct site, and this process could take up to 18 months and possibly much longer. The Structure Planning Process will indicate the range of activities which might be suitable for the precinct site and outline what changes are required for the Council’s City Plan. Detailed
consultation can then begin to inform a Master Planning process.
I am concerned that amongst various proponents there seems to be a ‘winner takes all’ approach to the exclusion of other groups.
The Community Precinct is a very large area of land which will hopefully be able to accommodate a variety of uses to the benefit of the Maleny community – if funding can be obtained. I am hopeful that everyone can suspend past differences and issues, and now work together with Council to get the planning done.
The town of Maleny has a unique opportunity to plan for its future growth and its future infrastructure requirements, and we should all embrace the opportunities and look for the best outcomes we can.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 November 2006 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
