THE Derwent Valley Council last month launched a mystery court case against the Federal Government. The case is believed to relate to the government's decision to withdraw funding for the redevelopment of the Willow Court historic site after the money remained unspent after three years.The council and its lawyer James Crotty filed various documents with the Federal Court of Australia on March 6, but the purpose and cost of this action have not yet been shared with the people of the municipality.
If the council wishes to reveal the details of this legal action, it is welcome to email us at newnorfolknews@gmail.com
I'd heard the money had 'evaporated', so what happens if they lose in court? Does the council go broke again?
ReplyDeleteWhy all the secrecy? If Council strongly believes it can justify spending ratepayers monies on such action then please let us all know - come on any of the 9 of you elected representatives! What is the justification for the legal action? Was there a rider that the money was required to be used within a timeframe? If so, why wasn't it used? What was the result of the expensive and unfruitful reported trip to Canberra of the Mayor and a Council employee to 'beg for the monies'? Answers, answers please.
ReplyDeleteGaye D
Well I don't know the whole story, it was probably the council's own fault that the money was withdrawn in the first place, but I'm pleased that they are finally trying to do something to restore Willow Court.
ReplyDeleteIf the Council are lucky enough to get this funding back and use it correctly it will only mean more jobs for Tasmanian’s and at this time that’s a pretty precious thing. Not to mention the longer term benefits a restored Willow Court site could have for the community.
That’s my opinion.
Nick
I agree Nick it would be fantastic to see Willow Court restored but how come they haven't done it sooner? Valley Vision claimed some time back that they wouldn't bother with Willow Court because their 'survey' had indicated that no-one would come to see an old mental institution as it has too much stigma attached to it. What a crock of sh*t, I have people asking me all the time what it is & why is it in such a bad state. OUr council had no intention of doing anything to begin with & now they have spent the money. But on what???
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you also Megan, the Council should have utilised the money when they had it. As for this "survey", When was it done? Who did they survey? How many people were surveyed?
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to believe that no one (apart from locals) would come to an old mental institution; I have people contacting me through Facebook, youtube and live journal almost on a daily basis enquiring about Willow Court and even asking me to give them a tour. I have people even come down from the North of the state just so they can come down for a look.
Nick J
Well you won't get an answer now the legal action has been aborted Megan and Nick - how about you directly approach your elected representatives and ask them what's going on???
ReplyDeleteGaye D