IN WHAT could signal the end of one of the longest running local issues for the Tweed, a decision over whether to approve the Pottsville District Men’s Shed at Black Rocks Sport Field – but the stalemate may soon be over.
Tweed Shire Councillor Reece Byrnes earlier today announced to The Weekly that he will “vote for a Men’s Shed at Black Rocks” ending a stand off between Mayor Milne and the club that’s lasted more than a year.
In addition, Councillor Byrnes said he has lodged a formal motion calling for a vote on the Men’s Shed to be brought back by Tweed Shire Council.
“Labor’s decisive action resolves this long standing community issue and delivers the Men’s Shed for the Pottsville community,” he wrote in the email.
“The Men’s Shed needs a better location and at this current time Black Rocks is the only and best option,” he said.
“It is also vitally important that our precious Koalas are protected and we have to work together to ensure that our local Koala habitat is preserved.
“Tweed Council and the Pottsville community have repeatedly called on State MP Geoff Provest and his Government to act and provide appropriate public land for the Men’s Shed.
“To date, Geoff Provest has failed, he has been unwilling and unable to fix this issue.
“For far too long this issue has dragged on causing concern and distress throughout the community.
“The uncertainty ends today. Labor will step in and fix this, delivering a Men’s Shed for Pottsville.”
READ THE MOTION (provided by Mr Byrnes):
1 – Council rescind its motion dated 17 November 2016 deferring the determination of a licence for the Pottsville & District Men’s Shed.
2 – Council immediately grant a temporary licence to the Pottsville & District Men’s Shed at the Black Rocks Sports Field for the period of 5 years; noting:
a) the community support of a Men’s shed at the Black Rocks site.
b) the division and uncertainty this issue has caused in the Pottsville Community over a long period of time.
c) the now evident lack of available or cost-effective alternative sites.
3 – Council ensure that the vital Koala corridor at the Black Rocks site is monitored by Council environment officers to ensure the protection of this endangered species.
Meanwhile Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, has welcomed the announcement by Cr Reece Byrnes that he has “changed his mind” on the Mens Shed licence for the Black Rocks site.
“It is great to see Cr Byrnes finally listening to the community on this issue,” Mr Provest said.
“The NSW Government has committed over $70,000 in community grants towards the construction of the shed and I look forward to seeing the benefits flow to its members and the wider community.
“I would also like to commend the Pottsville Mens Shed members, particularly the president, Michael Ryan for his tireless efforts in raising both funds and awareness of this project.
Pottsville & District Men’s Shed President Michael Ryan released a statement yesterday (Wednesday, February 8) praising more than 200 residents who atteneded a rally in support of the Black Rocks Sports Field site.
His statement is below and please note this was sent prior to Cr Brynes announcement:
“It is great to see Cr Byrnes finally listening to the community on this issue,” Mr Provest said.
“The NSW Government has committed over $70,000 in community grants towards the construction of the shed and I look forward to seeing the benefits flow to its members and the wider community.
“I would also like to commend the Pottsville Mens Shed members, particularly the president, Michael Ryan for his tireless efforts in raising both funds and awareness of this project.
