The last time I wrote an editorial about the Bega town clock, one of our elected councillors sent me a “not to be published” email asking me to justify my claim a majority of readers were against moving it.
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Putting aside the appropriateness, or otherwise, of questioning editorial decisions of the free press, I was happy enough to provide justification, as it was clear.
There were views expressed as to more suitable locations, but those opinion were well outnumbered by opposition to the memorial clock tower’s relocation, on the Bega District News website, BDN and ABC Radio Facebook pages – and even on the council’s own social media. There was even a call from the Bega Valley Historical Society for council to rescind its decision.
I threw it back to said councillor, asking that, as a respected representative of the community, how they came to the opinion the clock tower needs to be moved, without any prior public consultation, other than Spiire's independent study that specifically recommends it be kept in place and celebrated as a historic icon.
Response to that was more about preventing an “us and them” attitude between council and the community.
Well, take a look at the results of the council’s own formal engagement process following its resolution to relocate the memorial clock tower.
One-hundred per cent of written responses, 91 per cent of online survey respondents, and 90 per cent of listening post attendees urged the council not to move it.
If that’s not an indication of “most” I would be hard pressed to know what is.
I guess one could argue those figures are due to a verbal section of community and perhaps not statistically representative.
Then I would ask, if councillors aren’t listening to the verbalised opinions, what are they listening to?
If they have legitimate reasons for relocating the clock tower, let’s hear them. The argument over safety just doesn’t wash.
One fatal accident doesn’t a black spot make. Large trucks as well as regular traffic volumes have significantly decreased since the opening of the bypass. Pedestrian safety at the intersection is a definite issue – but it always has been, so why the urgency now?
Admissions from some councillors the whole issue has been a balls-up from the start are somewhat appeasing, as is the reprieve the clock sees now while repairs and further reports are sought. Ben Smyth
