As the December 4 council elections approach, two local organisations have called on candidates to make commitments to specific projects and causes.
Firstly, the Blue Mountains Branch of the National Trust is asking candidates to endorse a statement of heritage priorities. In particular, the organisation is seeking funding for a purpose-built heritage storage facility for records and other items maintained by Blue Mountains heritage organisations.
The National Trust is also seeking the full implementation of the council's Heritage Strategy and the recommendations from the 2019 Independent Review of Community Involvement in Heritage.
"The conservation and enhancement of our cultural and built heritage is a key responsibility of councils and the National Trust is keen to ensure election candidates are committed to guaranteeing that the Blue Mountains City Council is implementing best practice heritage protection," said branch chair, Rod Stowe.
Updates on the Trust's campaign will be published at bluemountainsheritage.com.au, after November 27.
Also seeking a pledge from candidates is the Blue Mountains Cycling Safety Forum Inc (BMCSF), which is requesting a commitment towards three core projects. They are:
- Opening the Glenbrook Rail Tunnel for public recreation, and funding to complete the Lower Mountains cycling and walking network.
- Developing a cycling and walking network across the Mountains connecting town centres and schools with defined stages over 10 years.
- Identifying suitable open spaces with relevant plans of management for off-road trails to cater for all abilities of mountain biking.
"The BMCSF looks forward to a public commitment to the three project areas before election day and an opportunity to fully explore each of these key projects with [candidates] in more detail," the organisation said in a statement.
More information on the BMCSF's mission can be found at www.bmcsf.org.
