Georges River Council took steps to secure the immediate future of the historic waterfront Glenlee property at Lunarno with is subject to a development application for subdivision into 31 lots.
The council will write to NSW Government requesting an Interim Heritage Order which would stop an potential demolition for 12 months, supporting a Mayoral Minute by Cr Kevin Greene at last night's council meeting.
And the council will write to local MPs seeking State and Federal Government funding to purchase the site, supporting a motion put forward by Cr Colleen Symington.
The DA for the property at 80 Boronia Parade, Lugarno calls for the demolition of the existing cottage and associated outbuildings, a Torrens Title subdivision of the lot into 31 lots and the construction of new roads, drainage and tree removal.
The development application was recently appealed to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Cr Greene's Mayoral Minute called on the council to write to the Special Minister of State, Don Harwin and request that it be given the requisite authority under the Heritage Act to place an Interim Heritage Order over the property at 80 Boronia Parade, Lugarno.
He was unanimously supported by councillors.
Cr Symington's notice calling on the council to write to the Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman and the State Member for Oatley,Mark Coure to request their support in obtaining funding so that the owners of 80 Boronia Parade, Lugarno (Glenlee) can be approached by Council to seek to purchase the site for open space and community purposes was also unanimously supported.
"Glenlee plays a significant part of New South Wales early history. It is the last untouched piece of the original land grants that were made in 1856 by Governor William Thomas Denison to Thomas George Lee and it has been owned by the Matthei family since 1910," Cr Symington said.
"I don't think $15 million-$20 million is a big ask considering in recent times we have read about $600 million dollars allocated to car parks, $252 million dollars to stronger communities and over $100 million dollars for sports grants," Cr Symington said.
"David Coleman has always taken an active interest in our local government area, and I am sure he will not let the community down at a time when they most need his support and advocacy.
"Mark Coure has already publicly made a commitment to saving Glenlee in his Private Members Statement in State Parliament; 'This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to increase public green space in Lugarno for the benefit of the entire St George Community and it is one that we cannot miss out on.'.
"Once the State and Federal Governments commit to providing the necessary funding Council can then approach the owners with the offer for a private treaty sale with the sale being conditional on discontinuing the Land and Environment Appeal," Cr Symington said..
"This would not be a Compulsory Acquisition, so Council would not need to provide strategic justification for purchasing Glenlee if the funding is given to Council.
"I have recently read comments saying Council has washed their hands of Glenlee - that's just not true.
"The fact is that Georges River Council just does not have millions and millions of dollars of unrestricted funds available- that's why I am asking for Council to seek financial support," Cr Symington said.
"Glenlee can be saved for perpetuity and future generations will not be denied the opportunity to appreciate its significant natural environment and local cultural history."
