“Expressions of Interest” for the Heritage Precinct signs removed on the 31 May.
“In relation to the council-owned buildings on the site, Cr Shaw said an expression of interest process had recently concluded and a number of submissions had been reviewed. “A report to council is expected this month,” Cr Shaw said, noting that this was likely to be tabled in a closed council meeting due to confidentiality.” New Norfolk News 09.06.2018
More and more decisions are being made behind closed doors in the Derwent Valley Council and the above is yet another case. Willow Court is a Heritage location worthy of National Heritage listing (Currently being approved) and the Derwent Valley Council are the Custodians of our heritage and to see these important decisions being made without public consultation is of concern.
With closed doors again there is a concern that exiting Councillor’s will go along with decisions that are made by Councillors who are looking for a “quick fix” for their own re-election campaign due in October this year.
The Mayor was recorded as stating;
“Willow Court had been a millstone around the council’s neck for 18 years, costing ratepayers “a couple of hundred thousand dollars” a year” New Norfolk News 09.06.2018
Closed doors and attitudes towards Tasmania’s Heritage such as this is a concern for people interested in Tasmanian history and a seriously call to State and Federal Government to intervene is needed. There hasn’t been any entrepreneurial skills shown by the owners of the Heritage Precinct known as the Willow Court Barracks area and only a small number of groups have had access over the years.
Last month’s secret decisions were:
Australian Paranormal Investigation Unit – tours of Willow Court and Frescati House: Approved.
Tasmania’s Most Haunted – paranormal tours of Willow Court precinct: Approved.
Documentary film at Willow Court: Deferred for further information.
We will have to wait and see who has applied to use or buy the area and for what purpose.
2 Comments
Where does that leave the original opportunities that were touted, for Willow Court to create work for the unemployed of New Norfolk?
Ex Councillor Damian Bester stated that the Friends of Willow Court had put in an expression of interest and wanted them to revel the details. This is in contradiction to the EOI process which asked for a signed confidentiality agreement. He was part of the decision when on Council I assume and I don’t understand the turn around request? I have had it confirmed that the FoWC have got an active EOI in place and although I have no details I would assume there is employment opportunities within that. It’s a case of watch this space.
Cheers
Mark