Save the Aerodrome jumps

The big problem with the idea of writing to people is that there is no one to write to as the majority of the councillors are leaving within two months and the few who are staying are the ones pushing the land sale through. Also they are lower mountains where the money from the land sale is going so lower mountains people will be supporting the land sale proposal. They don't have to care about upper mountains opinions as it doesn't affect their electoral chances at all.

This DJ issue is just a small peripheral issue compared to the overiding issue of the landsale that divides peoples opinions and is essential funding for the council for there largest project in years. So this is not a deal on a DJ track its land sale.

Also the DJ issue is being used as a wedge by the land sale protestors from Blackheath for their cause which limits a few things in the arguement on how it can be used as an issue.

The only possible hope is delays on the land sale project which is being stormed through and influencing the incoming council before they are elected.

So a petition won't change the world in anyway but can be used as another tool. It represents a solid objection that can measured and raises people's awareness off the issue such that when we have a lobbying option where we can write to someone people will be more across what is going on. Also a petition is what gains another story in the local media, that makes better press than "some people have written emails".

Beyond this there is a lot of stuff going on in the background... also hopefully several groups can get together and come up with a suitable solution to the whole land sale issue (which is a pretty poor and dangerous decision by council in its current form) and also develop a good solution for the DJs on the back of this.

OK, that's useful information.

Maybe the way would be to do both - emails and petition - and in your emails push the point "don;t let this be your legacy".

As much as it may surprise, people who are civic minded enough to stand for Council do often care about such things. Sounds like indecent haste all round. And, being a buyer's market, as one Councillor pointed out there's not much to be lost by waiting another couple of months.

How many new housing developments keep the vibe of an area Mog? Rarely will someone build a modest house that fits in with the surrounding environment. It's pillage the block, remove every tree, build a massive energy hungry house, and plant bloody agapanthus and maple trees everywhere. Even if you wanted to keep trees, the RFS will soon put an end to that.

When our cul de sac was opened up for more housing blocks here in Winmalee, 2 blocks were apparently meant to be kept as green corridors. The developer "forgot", and by the time his bullshit was called there was nothing that could be done (apparently).

As far as serving one section of the mountains over another part- this debate has been going on for years. Wherever will return the greatest yeild in income cops the funding. It used to be Katoomba and Leura because that's where the tourist dollars went, but I think council have some big plans for attracting businesses to Springwood, and a fancy facelift of the town centre would be like a fresh,steaming turd to a swarm of flies.

Hawkeye, some people who stand for council truly believe they can make a difference for their community. But they still have to tow the party line. It takes a special kind of person to tell the party to shove it and do what they know is right.

What the hell is happening to the mountains?

After the Blue Mountains Gazette article last week, about the kids that ride the track we were encouraged to be contacted by Nathan Summers- Recreational Officers of the Blue Mountains City Council BMCC. They have been instructed to arrange public meetings regarding the jump track and dog walking area, and their alternative location. He tells me that it is his job to have meetings to gather information, form a steering committee who will then submit recommendations to council- I guess you have seen it all before at Knapsack.

Public meeting @ Blackheath RSL on Wed 15th of Aug.
6:30pm for Bike Track
8:00pm for Dogs
He will also meet riders on site on Sunday afternoon, we were thinking the19th of August , but state down hill is on in lithgow so will try for the following weekend. I will confirm this as soon as I know. Nathan Summers will put notices in gazette, schools, and at the jump park. Hopefully this will be enough, but he is prepared to hold other meetings if required.

We would love anyone who is local and interested in this issue to attend either of these meetings. If people are keen on the Sunday I am still happy to spend a hr or two showing off some old and new single track around blackheath for couple of hrs after the meeting- just to keep everything in perspective!