"Commonwealth and NSW Government Out to Destroy Malabar Headland in Sydney"
- Details
- Category: Uncategorised
- Created: Saturday, 10 December 2011 10:51
- Written by Fixing Flaws
Commonwealth and NSW government have done a secret deal to close down one of Australia's best tourist attractions and keep us - the public - out of our own land. From next Monday, 31 October, Malabar Headland will be off limits to all of us - patrolled by security guards and surrounded by massive cyclone fences topped with barbed wire.
Malabar Headland in Sydney is not only one of the most beautiful and 'wild' areas on our coastline. It is unique in being so close to our largest city and yet providing open space for bushwalking, fishing, horse riding and other activities which help to keep humans, horses (and dogs!) healthy and happy. The Malabar Riding School is the only chance many children - and adults - living in Sydney have to experience the joys of being around horses and riding trails.
Over 28 years of operation, Malabar Riding School has encouraged children from disadvantaged backgrounds to make something of their lives - and it's worked. There are many success stories whose heroes will tell you that without the care of the riding school owners Frank and Gail, and the chance to learn about horses - their lives would have been a mess.
The Riding School has helped a huge range of people including autistic children, adults who have suffered trauma or mental illness - Vietnam vets, homeless men and women, and 'kids off the streets" - to live better. It has allowed locals and visitors to enjoy the sort of freedom and open natural space that is lacking in many lives. The beauty of the Headland itself has been a tonic for hundreds who want to walk or fish or sit in a peaceful place surrounded by glorious nature.
Frank is the last caretaker of commonwealth land in Australia. Over the years, his role has saved the taxpayer about $22 million which would otherwise have been paid to security firms. All this is being taken from us because the Commonwealth government alleges that asbestos is a health hazard despite two recent air quality assessments (one done by the government) showing no airborne particles. What is the underlying motive for this seizure of our land and destruction of the long history of our beloved Riding School?
50,000 people have signed petitions to the state and Commonwealth government. What has happened to these petitions? Have they been tabled in either parliament? This is an appalling, underhand and unaccountable process which is far more detrimental to our health as individuals and as a democracy than any toxic chemical. Save our horses! Save our space! Speak up NOW! Contact: Ariel 02 9326 2960 or 0411 852 45
