Park Funding – Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir

I write in response to David Mills’ editorial of the Wentworth Courier on 28 November 2012 on p.48.

I apologise if my remarks in the Wentworth Courier dated 21 November 2012 have caused any confusion. It is the clear position of the Board of Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust that the State Government has a responsibility to continue funding Centennial Parklands.

From a personal perspective, I can see that growth in the Trust’s property and event related income means the Trust has the financial ability to become completely self-funding from an operational perspective within the next 2 to 3 years.

Having said that, there will always be a role and a clear responsibility for the State Government to fund major capital works and upgrades to the Parklands.

While the State Government has reduced its financial support for the operational costs relating to the ongoing care and maintenance of the Parklands, in return the State Government has generously supported major capital upgrades to ES Marks Athletics Track, the upgrade to the roof of the Equestrian Centre and more recently the refurbishment of the Paddington Gates. These capital contributions far outweigh the reduction in the operational budget of the Trust.

My comments reported in the Wentworth Courier on 21 November were in response to an article relating to the Centennial Park Foundation’s idea, supported by the Lord Mayor of Sydney and the new Member for Sydney, to set up a $20 million future fund for the benefit of Centennial Parklands. While it is confusing, the Centennial Park Foundation is a separate independent body to the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, with its own Governors. I am concerned that the editorial in the Wentworth Courier does not make a distinction between the two entities.

From my experience, when a person of power and authority, who has access to substantial capital, such as the Lord Mayor of Sydney, is an advocate for an idea. It is important that they follow up their words with deeds.

It is all very well for the Lord Mayor to call on the State Government to contribute to the so-called future fund, however, ultimately, the Lord Mayor has the ability, particularly through s94 development levies, to contribute to necessary and desirable capital upgrades to Centennial Parklands, (without the need to call on ratepayers funds). To do otherwise, undermines her call to the State Government to contribute much needed additional funds.

Is anyone seriously suggesting that people who are fortunate enough to live in close proximity to Centennial Parklands, and their political leaders such as the Lord Mayor, have no responsibility to contribute to Centennial Parklands’ ongoing financial needs? After all, it is the people who live nearest the Parklands who are the main users and beneficiaries of any proposed upgrade to the ‘People’s Park’.

Lesli Berger

Trustee

Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust