Not their problem
Councillors refuse to face residents they will evict
A MAJORITY of city councillors have snubbed an open invitation to visit the homes of residents they voted to kick out of a tourist park.
The embattled residents at Kirra Beach Tourist Park went on the charm offensive by inviting the city’s 15 councillors to visit their homes and “get a feel” for the lives they are affecting by the decision.
However, seven councillors declined the invitation, with many citing “busy schedules” as their excuse, despite no time frame given by the residents.
Only councillors Dawn Crichlow and Peter Young have accepted the invitation, while the remaining six councillors did not give a response at the time of publication.
Kirra Beach Tourist Park committee member Ray Bischoff said invites were sent so councillors could meet the residents whose lives they are affecting.
“How many councillors have come to this tourist park since it happened? None,” Mr Bischoff said.,
“If I were a councillor I’d want to visit the residents and get a feel for what is going on before I decided on their future.
“For the residents to be evicted – they’ve got nowhere to go – I want the councillors to walk around the park and talk to the residents.”
In the letter, councillors are asked to “get a feel of the lifestyle (the residents) wish to retain as elderly people.”
In March, council voted unanimously to remove the 73 permanent residents at the tourist GOING
Cr Peter Young, Division 5; Cr Dawn Crichlow, Division 6.
NOT GOING
Cr Donna Gates, Division 1; Cr William Owen-Jones, Division 2; Cr Cameron Caldwell, Division 3;
Cr Kristyn Boulton, Division 4; Cr Bob La Castra, Division 8; Cr Pauline Young, Division 12; Mayor Tom Tate.
NO REPLY
Cr Gary Baildon, Division 7; Cr Glenn Tozer, Division 9; Cr Paul Taylor, Division 10; Cr Hermann Vorster, Division 11; Cr Daphne McDonald, Division 13; Cr Gail O’Neill, Division 14.
park over a 10-year period.
Some residents are facing the prospect of paying to have their own homes demolished.
The only councillor to vote against the decision was area councillor Gail O’Neill.
Mr Bischoff said he “doesn’t know” how many councillors will take up his offer.
“We wanted all the councillors to come to the park to have a talk to the residents and get a feel of what is happening in their situations right now,” Mr Bischoff said.
“It’s not a demand or any form of intimidation. It’s an invitation for mediation.”
The Bulletin contacted all the councillors and mayor regarding the invites, with just two councillors, Dawn Crichlow and Peter Young, confirming they would attend the tourist park.
Eight councillors did not reply to the Bulletin’s question.