Supporters Say It Is Fair To Pay

Newcastle Herald

Friday May 4, 2007

By BEN SMEE

BLACKBUTT Reserve's animal exhibits would be saved but visitors would have to pay to see them under a community plan to make the reserve self-sufficient.

Members of the Blackbutt Support Group addressed Newcastle City Council last night, outlining the group's plan for the reserve.

The council's draft management plan proposed cutting expenses at Blackbutt by about $300,000.

The council has since ruled out removing the popular wildlife exhibits, but says the reserve needs to cover the exhibit costs.

About 60 people turned up last night to support the plan.

Support group spokeswoman Peg Hargreaves said charging to see the wildlife exhibits was a necessary step, and she was confident members of the public would support a fee and continue to visit the reserve.

"They want to pay and they will pay," Mrs Hargreaves said.

"They're not paying rates they're paying for the benefit and future of the Blackbutt Reserve."

The council will debate a proposed fee structure at its meeting on Tuesday.

About 100 people from local landcare groups attended the meeting last night to urge the council to continue to fund its Community Greening Centre.

Handing control of the centre to a community group was another potential saving identified in the council's draft management plan.

Denis Bird, from Warabrook Bushcare Group, told the meeting the service was essential to a number of environmental projects.

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© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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