THE Derwent Valley Council has resumed direct control of the future development of Willow Court. Newly-elected councillor Damian Bester made Willow Court one of the key elements of his first council meeting and was able to gain enough support from his fellow councillors to see economic development group Valley Vision lose its long-held responsibility for the historic site.
Cr Bester moved (seconded by deputy mayor Craig Farrell) that the council resume direct authority for Willow Court and its redevelopment and that the project officer provide a written update at each monthly council meeting, in open session. In discussion, Cr Bester said it was time to make a move. He said Valley Vision had been dealing with Willow Court for about 10 years and had failed dismally. He said it was time to make a move. "It appears that the Valley Vision project officer is also the council’s economic development officer, so there will be no loss of momentum or corporate memory," he said.
Cr Bester also spoke of the importance of working with the community. "We need to formalise the status of the Willow Court working party and open it to the public as was originally promised," he said. Crs Jim Elliott and Barry Lathey asked what impact the move would have on the Willow Court working party. Cr Lathey said he was a member of the working party and would not like to see it disbanded. Cr Bester explained that the motion sought to formalise the working party, not disband it.
Cr James Graham said he liked the intent of the motion, and deputy mayor Farrell said he would like to see experts from the Tasmanian Heritage Council brought in as advisors.
Very Interesting news
ReplyDeleteI feel that this is a step in the right direction; things are starting to look positive for Willow Court.
As a working party member I would hate to see it disbanded, but open too formalising.
Do not allow the Tasmanian Heritage Council anywhere near the project
ReplyDeleteJust out of interest why not let Tasmanian Heritage Council be involved?
ReplyDeleteProbably because they do more harm than good...they don't make it very easy for people to work with them - its either do it their way or they don't want to know about you.
ReplyDeleteOk but isn't that a good thing, don't we want to protect these buildings and make sure they are looked after for the future??
ReplyDeleteNo Nick I don't think Heritage are necessary always looking out for the best interests of all parties. As an owner of a heritage listed property I can tell you that they provide many obstacles whenever you want to do anything to your property, often without justification. The financial rebates they offer have you jumping through more hoops than a circus performer with no guarantees that you will get it. National Trust would be more appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI personally don’t care who, but I think some form of Heritage or Trust type organisation should be involved in Willow Court. Without some official body having an interest and monitoring these buildings I fear prospected owners could significantly alter the cultural integrity of these buildings, or some buildings being demolished.
ReplyDeleteI agree entirely, my fear is the whole lot will fall into the hands of private ownership & go the way of Royal Derwent, ha-ha enclosures & all. We need someone with a lot of money & an understanding of the need to preserve what's left. What's Dick Smith doing with himself these days - there's a man with money!
ReplyDelete