MANY thanks to Jan Page of Napoleon Reef for her excellent letter (McPhillamy Neglect Reflects Council's Attitude, July 25) in regards to council's decision to allow the construction of a go-kart track on Mount Panorama.
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The decision to make use of almost half of a public area generously donated by the McPhillamy family to the people of Bathurst for use by a small special interest group is disturbing in itself.
Equally disturbing is the failure of council to acknowledge the cultural significance of Mount Panorama/Wahluu to the Wiradyuri people of the region; something denied by some members of council.
IN OTHER NEWS:
This is despite the recognition of this by council on its own website, where the previous existence of three bora rings (with the likelihood of some of the stones from these in the McPhillamy stone cottage) and of the use of the area for culturally important events is documented.
Bathurst Regional Council has shown itself well-capable of developing public areas with considerable thought and sympathetic acknowledgement of the history of the region, both pre and post European settlement.
The beautiful areas along the Macquarie River are testament to this.
Why will council not take the opportunity to develop the potential of the magnificent McPhillamy Park into something truly spectacular for the enjoyment of local residents and as a tourist attraction?
The go-kart track could be more sensibly and economically placed within/by the second racetrack, where facilities could be shared and where noise pollution would be minimised - and the top of the Mount could remain for the enjoyment of many.
Take a drive up there if you haven't been recently and see what beauty we are in danger of losing.