THE fight to save Boomerang Park from developers is not over yet.
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The community celebrated Council’s vote on to stop development of a seniors housing development on the historic parklands earlier this month.
However, it appears that the fight to stop the development on the park which has been in existence since 1837 is not over yet.
At the meeting where Council voted for the development not to proceed, two Councillors were absent.
A rescission motion has now been lodged for the next meeting on 26 February.
Councillor Giacomo Arnott said, “I’m really disappointed that the people of Raymond Terrace, having just saved their park, are now having to fight again for the right decision to be made again.
“I stand with the Raymond Terrace community in opposing the rezoning, reclassification and sale of a parcel of land in Boomerang Park.
“It’s so important that we preserve and maintain public land in a growing area like Raymond Terrace.
“I will not be supporting the rescission motion.
“I voted in favour of scrapping the process last meeting and still believe this was the best decision for the park, the community, and for Council,” he said.
Port Stephens Councillor Jaimie Abbott told News Of The Area, “I will not be changing my vote.
“I support Boomerang Park.
“We need to do everything we can to protect the park for the sake of the environment.
“I don’t want to see the park opened up to developers,” she said.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington who has also been opposing the development told News Of The Area, “Boomerang Park is of great significance to the families of Raymond Terrace, and the former Council’s plans to sell it off were never welcomed.
“Council’s decision two weeks ago was a long-overdue victory for the community.
“I’ve stood alongside local residents since 2014 to make sure this park is protected; it’s hard to believe that the fight is not over.
“Obviously we still have a certain element in Council hell-bent on selling off public land for private development.
“The move to undo the community’s victory just weeks after it was won, is an enormous betrayal.
“The community is fed up with having to fight to keep land in public hands.
“I have stood alongside the community during the threats to the Mambo Wetlands, Fisherman’s Bay and Boomerang Park.
“I hope the Councillors finally put an end to the Boomerang Park sell off by voting against this appalling rescission motion,” she said.
If the development on Boomerang Park proceeds 4.5 hectares of public land in the 22 hectare park will be lost.
The park has recently undergone some revitalisation with a new skate park, shared pathways and some high tech waste disposal.
The Park is set on the former site of a local quarry which furnished the sandstone for many of the early buildings in Raymond Terrace.
By Marian SAMPSON
