Solidarity on Killalea

JENNETTE LEES

SAVING Killalea was the main aim according to protesters last week when members of the Save Killalea Alliance, the South Coast Labour Council and the community joined together outside the Department of Lands office in Wollongong.to oppose the proposed development. While police and media almost outnumbered protesters organisers deemed the protest a success, saying they never expected a huge turnout as it was a weekday.

A number of prominent people in the campaign to "save Killalea" spoke including Greens parliamentarian Sylvia Hale, Fire Fighters Union member Mark Palo'ff and Save Killalea Alliance spokesperson Sonya McKay. A petition containing in excess of 2500 signatures was handed to Ms Hale to present in parliament.

Ms Hale described Killalea as "the thin edge of the wedge" saying the lease of sections of the park will open the floodgates for other areas of public land to be leased.

"This is the first of a series of similar attempts right down the coast," Ms Hale said.

"What we are seeing in the aftermath of the state election is a preparedness to sell off our parks.

"A place like Killalea is important because of the tourists it attracts, because of its history as a surf spot and because of the struggle put up by the community."

Ms Hale said she would continue to move in parliament that all documents relating to Killalea and the proposed development be made public and encouraged the community to get behind the fight to "save Killalea".

"It is incredibly important we keep up the pressure and the petitions so we can show the government that the public wants this park kept in public hands."

A delegation from the group of protesters, including Ms Hale and Mr Palo'ff attempted to speak to the Department of Lands.

The door to the building was locked however was opened long enough for the delegation to be successful in handing over the latest petitions to a Department of Lands employee.