THE comments attributed to Cr Stuart King (“Not Our Place”, The Guardian, October 7), regarding the latest moves in the Our Place saga, urges me to correct the untruths which Cr King chose to utter.
His first comment on “History is made at the Pioneer Settlement” is exactly why it should be preserved in the way that it was intended, that is, portraying the historical facts of the development of the Mallee, not by removing exhibits to be replaced with a modern building, including an art gallery.
When referring to the “iconic project” being supported by the majority of the Swan Hill community, and particularly by the Friends of the Pioneer Settlement (FOPS), I refer to the petition which received 3000-plus signatures supporting the request “not in the settlement”.
To the claim that the FOPS were in favour of the Our Place suggestion, I am advised that some members who were detractors were told not to discuss it under threat of expulsion.
Cr King’s referral to “a selfish, obstructionist minority group of people who lack expertise, foresight and vision”, who railroaded this project, suggests he would be eminently qualified to join the group – because he displays those same characteristics.
I might add that if Cr King serves 10 years on the board of the settlement and 10 years on the Swan Hill Council, as I did, he will be better experienced to make qualified statements.
Cr Anne Young said it was disappointing that a minority had stopped Our Place, and that this was a classic example of why Swan Hill has not grown and developed like Mildura and Echuca.
Perhaps if Cr Young would realise each town-city has individual attractions, and Swan Hill has the Pioneer Settlement with its reference to the past, which should be preserved and enhanced, and is in no way comparable to the other named towns.
Just for the record, that so-called minority group only objected to the building being inside the Pioneer Settlement.
However, it is most pleasing that council has now made the decision to upgrade the art gallery building where it stands (an option which we suggested two years ago), and we look forward to further enhancements of the community’s possessions through community engagement.
David Quayle
Swan Hill
