DEAR News Of The Area,
OUR local MP Kate Washington said her government is “committed to keeping Tomaree Lodge in public ownership” (‘ICONIC FUTURE”, NOTA, 10/9/26). Good on her.
But how can she guarantee this after the next State election in six months? What if there’s a change of government?
Ms Washington’s a well-respected representative, yet there are stirrings of discontent across the world against incumbent governments.
Angry voters are favouring anti-establishment, populist parties.
Federal and State governments, of both colours, have put iconic sites up for sale to boost treasury coffers in financially stressful times, forever lost to the community.
Transferring Tomaree Lodge into a Community Trust makes sense. It would make it harder for any government to flog off in future.
There is nothing new about the model, including former Military sites at Middle Head via Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, plus the former hospital at Callan Park via Greater Sydney Parklands Trust, plus NSW Health and Inner West Council.
Locally Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit manages the Inner Light via Nelson Head Lighthouse Rescue Station Reserve Trust.
It’s done for the Department of Primary Industries (Land), looking after the commercial lease of Inner Light Tearooms to help cover costs of maintaining the buildings and area.
It’s a win-win-win for our community (especially boaters), visitors plus the environment.
What’s stopping this model at historic Tomaree Lodge on our beloved Tomaree Headland?
Regards,
Kassia Klinger,
Salamander Bay.
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