It is a real pity that those that wish Nobbys sold off to the highest bidder have chosen the Christmas season of goodwill to your fellow man and woman as the time to launch a vitriolic attack through the Herald on Doug Lithgow, President of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement and Freeman of the City of Newcastle.
The people of Newcastle are being held to ransom to accept the privatisation of Nobbys as the only means of gaining access our iconic heart. This is untrue. Remove the Nazi concentration style fence and allow people up there to see the beautiful view for free. The vested interests don't want that to happen. Why?
Contrary to the assertion by the developer that they consulted widely on the matter, the fact is that this development was never adequately discussed by our elected democratic Council. It was referred back to the Port Corporation, the very people responsible for the public/private partnership in the first place. (see NCC Minutes for the Development Application Committee 11 July 2006 - DA 05/0468 – 41) How transparent and fair is that?
Nobbys lighthouse and headland should stand open and free to the public 24/7. No strings attached.
While we bicker and argue, and display complete ignorant arrogance of our history, Newcastle is being written out of the National story. And these people say, why care? Heritage is not important. I beg to differ. Our heritage is very important as it enables us to understand who we were, who we are, and who we intend to be. That is supremely important, much more important than selling your soul for a few pieces of silver.
Yours sincerely and Merry Christmas to all,
