You could be forgiven for not knowing what Manly Council's Manly 2015 Plan currently entails - even the Councillors don't seem to know! The Plan, which at its core involves the construction of a car park under Manly Oval, seems to change regularly, without any reference to the Councillors. What is the latest plan for the LIbrary - does it stay or does it go? Does the sale of the Whistler Street car park include the area in front where disabled parking currently is? Does the Council own the oval under which the car park is to be built or are they selling a major asset to pay for another asset under Crown Land? The Combined Precinct Group (representing the 8 active resident precinct groups in Manly) has worked hard to obtain answers from Council and this has been progressing. However at a recent meeting of the Group it became clear that many important questions still had not been answered (see copy of questions below) and therefore the Combined Precinct Group are still unable to support the Oval car park concept. In the meantime the Council has been busy running further 'information sessions' in the newly named Manly Plaza. The display and concept video were excellent although feedback has been that on many occasions staff present were not able to answer questions. In addition, a Manly2015 Bulletin has also been issued (see copy below) which provides more technical detail. While the concept of pedestrianising Manly and revitalising the laneways is popular, the real question of whether the high risk components of the oval car park project have been accurately assessed remains a concern. And the question still remains: will locals continue to come to Manly if the parking is less convenient and further away? You can follow the Manly 2015 Plan issue here
5 Comments
Stuart
18/7/2014 01:17:26 am
You should really also write how your political party has taken control and politicised the precincts. Most of us can't get a different view point across. Candy you are Good at knocking this but it's in your interest as you promised to stop it.
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Candy Bingham
18/7/2014 10:54:21 am
Thanks for your comment Stuart, that's what this blog is all about. Yes, I stood on the platform being against the Oval Car Park and now that I'm on Council I'm even more concerned that this project is high-risk. The independent experts have clearly shown it has been under-costed. Throughout my blogs I have always included reports and bulletins provided by Council and encourged people to visit the Council's website. The Precincts have access to information available on the 2015 Plan and make up their own minds.
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Lisle
18/7/2014 01:07:18 pm
Stuart , would you please outline why you support the car park under Manly Oval. A letter to the Manly Daily the other day reminded us how there was to be light rail to get the people from Manly Oval to the CBD. Over time, this has disappeared!.
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Julie Dawson
18/7/2014 09:26:09 am
Candy, thank you for stating the situation so clearly. Having been to council meetings for the first time in recent years I was horrified by the the "gagging" of open debate and the distain to which we ratepayers were subjected.
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Mike Gonlag
25/9/2014 05:27:20 am
Hi,
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AuthorCandy Bingham, Deputy Mayor & Manly Ward Councillor on Northern Beaches Council. Background in marketing, public relations and community engagement. Author of five business books. Former Lady Mayoress of Sydney. Aka Candy Tymson. ........................................
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