The citizens of Wollongong are clearly divided on the suggestion of using public funds to construct a restaurant in a public park in the suburb of Towradgi.
Those in favour see it as a means of augmenting council funds. The restaurant would return rent to the council and at the same time provide a service to the public and improve a public facility.
Those opposed see it as an encroachment on space available for public use and the first step in commerce entering the public arena on a widening basis.
There is already a precedent. The Lagoon restaurant in Stuart park is on council owned land and was controversial because it was initially run by the family of this city's then Lord Mayor. It has seen a disastrous fire - remained a blackened shell for ages before being rebuilt - and was again mired in controversy when questions were raised about the appropriate level of rent charged.
The Towradgi site is well patronised by the public - and is served by the Towradgi Bowling and Recreational club. This licensed club welcomes visitors and has excellent dining facilities and is adjacent to a council owned car park servicing the beach area. It is hard to see the need for a duplication just a few metres away.
The decision to proceed will rest with administrators now that the council has been dismissed, and - hopefully - that decision will be made at arm's length from the machinations of local politics.
Council finances are a matter for accountants to decide - but the most important factor is that decisions express the will of the residents involved !
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