COUNCIL needs to catch up when it comes to making decisions on the city’s future social and cultural needs, one councillor says.
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Tamworth councillor Juanita Wilson said local government was on track when it came to fostering the city’s commercial and industrial needs but was down on pace when it came to social and cultural matters.
Cr Wilson said preserving the West Tamworth train station was about catering for the future needs of the city, as much as it was about conserving local history.
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She said the possibilities could endless when it came to restoring the station, suggesting it could be used by a variety of groups, including arts, music, youth or men’s groups.
Council recently nixed a proposal to tear down the 140-year-old building claiming the ongoing neglect of the site was not justification for demolition of the historic station.
Cr Wilson said council had a strong focus on “commercial, financial and industrial development” in its decisions, which had been proven in its work opening up the Glen Artney industrial area and the push to develop the airport for international freight capacity.
But she said it had been slow in considering the “cultural, heritage and social” needs of the region.
“We have to look at the bigger picture,” Cr Wilson told The Leader.
“We have to be aware of the impacts and implications of our decisions not only in our own time, but what those decisions mean for the future.
“Right now, the train station is an old building in an industrial area with no value to anyone.
“But it won’t always be surrounded industry, West Tamworth will evolve and change and that area will need green space.
“That building would be an useful addition to a space like that.”
She said decisions were often “justified in financial terms”.
“We need to cater to the total needs of individuals and families in the community,” she said.
It could be needs pertaining to “mental well-being” which could be met with green spaces and shared community spaces, the councillor said.