A push by the Hallidays Point Skate Park committee to establish a facility in the Black Head or Diamond Beach communities has received overwhelming support.
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Just a handful of residents have given the project – which also has been supported by MidCoast Council – the thumbs down.
Close to 60 supporters of the project posted their positive comments on Facebook.
There was just one opponent.
The biggest opponent also forced council to put up signs at Black Head Beach telling surfers to respect the dunes, Michael O’Rafferty wrote.
“Stupid fool doesn't realise that surfers respect the dunes and beaches more than any other user.
“Also opposed buses using a safer path through town because a few buses a day would affect her wellbeing and banjo playing.”
“I love dodging the kids after school on bikes and skateboards as I drive to the local shop,” Scott Burns said.
“Very kiddy safe and user friendly roads.
“Maybe the skate committee could re-market the park as an electric scooter and Zimmer frame testing zone.
“May get wider appeal.
“As for people suggesting it would be attracting drug users into the area; what planet do these people live on?
“What data or studies have been reviewed to support such a statement.”
Jo Berry wrote: “Respect is earned, not a right, it runs both ways.
“The youth of our society learn disrespect from those that demand respect, who are not willing to give any in return.
“I urge those that have complained to come out of their glass house and have a conversation with the youth of our community, you might be pleasantly surprised at the respect, empathy and intelligence that they possess.
“We have a beautiful beach and expansive parkland that is under utilised surely we can live in harmony with the addition of a skate park.”
Forty-two-year-old Greg Wright, who was a regular at Tuncurry, Nabiac and the basketball court at Diamond Beach, said he would used the Black Head park.
“People who complain about supporting facilities such as this simply fail to see reality, preferring to presume it based on what their myopic view of the world appears like to them.
“Newcastle council faced a skilled and well l financed group objecting to the Bar Beach skate park.
“They applied logic, and the park was built.
“We now have several sponsored young skateboarders, a strong 'old boys' scene and world class competitions bringing in skateboarders like Tony Hawk or our very own ex-world champion Renton Miller.
“Council caving into noisy minorities potentially reflects poorly on the council.
“One hopes the decision was based on logic and not to appease those with distorted view of what skateboarding is.”
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
