IT is time for a new vision for the development of the Willow Court historic site, Federal MP Dick Adams has told the New Norfolk News. Addressing speculation that the Derwent Valley Council had abandoned its legal action against the Federal Government, Mr Adams said it was time to review the council's approach to the heritage site which holds so much promise."If the council is withdrawing the action (and I have not been informed of that) then they should review the whole thing, with all the delays and difficulties to see what happened," Mr Adams said. "It has been five years and nothing has happened."
"People need to step back and look again at this project with new eyes. We need to clean up the past and start with a clean slate and with a new vision. It is time now for some to move on. Let the Derwent Valley go forward."
Mr Adams's comments coincide with another scathing review of the council's heritage record in last Saturday's issue of the Mercury newspaper where columnist Leo Schofield concluded: "The local council should hang its head in shame."
With comments such as these, it remains to be seen how much longer the Derwent Valley Council can keep its head in the sand.
I can't believe how much interest there has been in Willow Court since Xmas, it has really taken off, and believe me I know.
ReplyDeleteI think all this is very promising, I'm pleased that people in the community and MP's are talking about Willow Court, and how disgraceful it is that it has been left to rot. I would love to be a part a Willow Court Project.
Nick J
I think there has always been a lot of interest in Willow Court (and the former RDH site) especially by the locals who have trusted their Council to progress the sites in a value added to the community approach. Unfortunately it has become apparent, and admitted by some Councillors, that they cannot manage and the scope is beyond them. Selling the bits off in tiny little pieces is not the answer. Good on you royal derwent for wanting to be part of it, sadly a few handpicked incompetents have presided over the hotch potch for 3 years now - maybe it is time for the State Government to give their $1 sale price back and resume control?
ReplyDeleteJeff H
I think its horrible that they are demolishing the Royal Derwent Hospital wards. It's apart of Willow Court and the history of Tasmania dating back to the 1820's. Its also connected to the Port Arthur History - who also had buldings demolished and what a big mistake that was! It is sad that the council hasnt tried to preseve these buildings but they should be ashamed that they have just given up demolished a huge part of our heritage, especially the Ha-Ha Wall. I love going to New Norfolk and exploring these buildings and finding out information about the wards and the history behind them but unfortunately this wont be happening anymore. Shame on you.
ReplyDelete