Margot Giblin
In the course of debate, during which Aldermen Hayes and Christie also supported the motion, it was suggested that the words ‘That Council ask for a report on’ the BPSCCA in relation to the matters covered in the motion be added. That done Valentine found himself not only able to support the motion but to speak in an uncharacteristically definite manner, ensuring the success of the motion.
‘No way’, thought Hobart Lord Mayor Rob Valentine when first confronted with Alderman Freeman’s motion in relation to the Battery Point Community Association presented at Council’s public meeting last Monday night.
‘They’re innocent til proven guilty’, he felt and was sure he would not be supporting the motion, which read that:
1.The Council cease its recognition of the Battery Point and Sullivans’ Cove Community Association(BPSCCA) representative to the Battery Point Advisory Committee until a properly elected BPSCCA committee is elected. and
2. Prior to recommencing that recognition, Council be satisfied that an election has been held which properly reflects a community organization.
In the ensuing debate he heard Aldermen Freeman, Briscoe and Sexton put moderately stated cases for the motion to be supported, clarifying the fact that the BPSCCA is unusual in that its representative does have a say at Council planning level.
Sexton, (a member of the Association) gave an illuminating and entertaining reading of parts of the newly written application for membership to it — which details the receiver’s current valid membership status — down to receipt number for their $5 subscription before advising that application for membership, nomination and vetting by the committee is still ahead. The applicant must also sign up for upholding the ‘óbjects’ of the Association, failing which their money will be returned and their name obliterated. ‘I’m puzzled and bamboozled.’said Sexton. ‘Do I have to re-invent myself?’
Well at least you’re being offered the opportunity Mr. Sexton. As of Wednesday 25thth October, there were still no application forms in the Battery Point Post Office, as promised by the public officer, David Edwards, for Monday 16th October.
Valentine also listened to a seemingly disconnected complaint about a recent public rally in relation to the foreshore, at which Alderman Haigh , ‘surrounded by people she didn’t know’ felt she was witnessing ‘people being kicked when they were down’’. She would not be supporting the motion, saying ‘This does not sit well with me.’
Deputy Lord Mayor Ruzicka expressed concern for media coverage of a successful passing of the motion, conjuring the headline in advance — ‘Council Cuts Ties With Battery Point’ and suggesting ‘a little set of rules’ is needed for all community associations.
This soft and harmless view of the BPSCCA was picked up by Alderman Cocker who suggested that it, like all local associations, carries on valiantly and with little local support, its constitution gathering dust in a bottom drawer. I can assure Mr. Cocker that at the first sign of real interest from the community the BPSCCA constitution became dust free, its many clauses polished up to prevent what was seen by its president David Edwards as a ‘hostile take-over bid’ (ABC radio Tues. 24th Oct).
Alderman Burnett felt the motion was paternalistic and that the people of Battery Point should be left to sort themselves out.
In the course of debate, during which Aldermen Hayes and Christie also supported the motion, it was suggested that the words ‘That Council ask for a report on’ the BPSCCA in relation to the matters covered in the motion be added. That done Valentine found himself not only able to support the motion but to speak in an uncharacteristically definite manner, ensuring the success of the motion.
“This,’ he said, ‘will give an opportunity’ for the BPSCCA to talk with our officers and if they have acted reasonably this will be borne out. If not, we need to be concerned because of the BPAC connection. That is the reason for my concern. I think it is a very important thing to be doing — a chance for the facts to come out and not act on innuendo.’
Positively statesman-like Mr. Valentine.
