It was disturbing to read of the DRC council meeting of 22nd February which "welcomed" the proposal to develop 10 ha of public Regand Park land to a select religious group who obviously have the financial means to influence councilors and to purchase what rightfully belongs to the residents of Dubbo.

To progress this development, the mayor issued a mayoral minute.

The NSW local government code of practice states :"A mayoral minute must not be used to put without notice matters that are routine and not urgent, or matters for which proper notice should be given because of their complexity. For the purpose of this clause, a matter will be urgent where it requires a decision by the council before the next scheduled ordinary meeting of the council."

It appears the mayor is trying to push his project through without other councilors or the community being notified.

The motion was carried 5-3 with 2 absent.In 2013 DCC commissioned a creative design for this 62ha river area.

There was extensive community consultation from Mayor Dickerson. The design can be viewed on the DRC website under Natural Environment/ Parks, Gardens and Green Space/ Regand Park.In 2018, DRC moved a motion to safeguard the area for environmental green space.

This motion will need to be rescinded for St Johns to purchase its 10ha for football fields at the March 22nd council meeting and this was requested in the mayoral minute.

Where is our community representation, Mr Mayor?

Margaret McDonald

Dubbo

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