Thursday, 28 January 2010

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Member for Burnett Rob Messenger has officially written to the Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor to request that she use all her political and legislative powers to put an immediate halt to the forthcoming construction of the Innes Park Skate Bowl.

Mr Messenger, who has assisted the residents of Innes Park construct a petition to overturn Bundaberg Regional Council’s decision to build a skate bowl at Innes Park Reserve, has asked the Mayor and Councillor Greg Barnes to officially disclose their opposition by signing the petition.

“Councillor Pyefinch and Councillor Barnes have expressed their opposition to the skate bowl at Innes Park Reserve in both public comments and officially voting against the proposal, but now they should make their opposition clear by signing the petition,” Mr Messenger said.

“Given their official public position on the matter, it shouldn't be a problem for Councillor Pyefinch and Barnes to put their names to the petition.

“The fact that every other councillor has ignored the wishes of the Mayor and Councillor Barnes and I believe the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Innes Park residents leaves the BRC as a whole appearing as though it is an arrogant, dysfunctional rabble.

“There is a lot of confusion around this issue, but there is only one fact for certain - this decision is tearing the community apart.

“Quick action to announce a halt to work on the Innes Park Skate Bowl will help restore public confidence in the BRC and show that when presented with the facts, the council is humble, compassionate and flexible enough to fix bad decisions,” Mr Messenger wrote in his letter to the Mayor.

Mr Messenger informed the Mayor in his letter that he is willing to work with council to raise additional funds to place the skate bowl in a more environmentally and socially appropriate location.

“I am going to advocate for a proper orderly community meeting to be held to address all residents’ concerns and to try to find a compromise, consensus and unifying solution to the recreational needs of the children and families of Coral Cove and Innes Park,” he said.