Scarborough High Open Space Action Group
Bulletin July 2000
NEXT SHOSAG MEETING 31 JULY 7:30PM NEWBOROUGH PRIMARY LIBRARY
While Parliament is enjoying a winter recess SHOSAG is still working hard to keep the future of the Scarborough High School site on the political and public agenda!
Since our campaign to
KEEP THE SCARBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL SITE IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP FOR COMMUNITY USE began in October last year, we have met with 13 Members of Parliament including the Minister for Education Colin Barnett (who is responsible for closing the high school, the broken promise to keep the hall and the swimming pool and the proposal to sell the land); the Minister for Planning, Graham Kierath (who still can reject the proposal to rezone the land to urban) and the Deputy Premier, Hendy Cowan.We have received support for our campaign from:
Ed Dermer, MLC, Ken Travers MLC, Helen Hodgson MLC, Giz Watson MLC, Mark Nevill MLC and Alannah McTiernan, ALP Shadow Minister for Planning and John Quigley, the ALP Candidate for Innaloo.
The question of why our local elected representatives have refused to support their constituents remains unanswered. Why aren’t they listening to us?? George Strickland MP Member for Innaloo supported the closure of Scarborough High, the selling off of the land and the demolition of the gym and swimming pool. Our local Ward Councillors, Bill Stewart and Eion Martin, both voted for the Education Department's plan to subdivide the land when it came before the City of Stirling. We hear about decisions through the media. More broken promises and no public consultation. This is not good enough!!
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Continues to grow. We have written to a number of local community, sporting, and recreation groups seeking their ideas for the future of the site.
Many had used the high school buildings and facilities and are now supporting our efforts to retain the land for public use. A number have come up with ideas for the site such as a 50 metre swimming pool, which also seems to be a popular choice amongst residents.
SCARBOROUGH HIGH CENTENNIAL PARK
Our vision is for this land to provide a park and open space for people of all ages, that takes advantage of the natural features of the land including the magnificent ocean views that have been enjoyed by the public for over 40 years.
This land should not be enjoyed by a privileged few – it is a Crown Reserve, that is, OUR LAND. As our city grows the need for open space in our suburbs becomes more important for our physical and mental health. We have the opportunity to keep this land for this and future generations.
The Metropolitan Region Scheme Amendment still has to pass through Parliament which resumes in early August. We need to keep the pressure on our politicians. Write to the Premier, the Minister for Education and the Minister for Planning telling them you want this land kept in public ownership and that you want a say in its future.
SHOSAG SIGNS
Have you noticed our signs moving around the suburbs? (Donated by John Quigley). If you would like to help our campaign by displaying the sign in your front yard for a week or two, please call Christine on 9341 7222.
BUSY BEE
A successful busy bee was held on the site in June. We are prepared to make this a regular event to keep the site clean and tidy.
WEB SITE
www.tovegin.com.au/community/
Mail address: C/- 50 Northstead St, Scarborough 6019.
RESOURCE KIT
We have developed an Information and Resource Kit which is available at $5 a copy. Ring Chris on 9341 7222 to order.
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