INCLEMENT weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of Scotts Head residents last Saturday.
Approximately 100 people attended the ‘Save Our Village’ rally held at the Recreation Hut Scotts Head Reserve.
The feelings of Scotts Head residents were made very clear by signage on the approach to the village.
Many of those gathered on the Reserve had placards stating ‘Say no to Ingenia,’ and ‘Save Our Village’.
The rally opened with Tegan Evans performing the ‘Welcome to Country’.
Uncle Ritchie Donavon, a man with strong values and a quiet nature, spoke of growing up in and around the mountains on Gumbaynggirr land, and the need to protect local heritage and wildlife.
The audience were also invited to talk about their own experience of living in and around the Scotts Head area.
Rally attendee Angela, who has lived and raised three children in the area, asked the audience “to think about why they came to the area, and why they stayed”.
“Our children leave and then come back with their own families, this is an area that holds traditional culture, this is not about not wanting growth, but how that growth is done.”
Concerns over the village’s lack of infrastructure and medical services, habitat loss, and the potential loss of cultural lifestyle were presented to the audience.
Rally attendee Danielle Cranston said, “I’m concerned about the proposed bushfire conditions, (and) an increased aged population of this size is not sustainable.”
Michael Crowley has only resided in Scotts Head for the last six months.
He moved here for the village lifestyle, but has already found sourcing medical services difficult.
“My wife and I moved here six months ago, for a small village lifestyle, and community connection.
“I’ve had a few accidents on my farm and found seeking medical assistance difficult even with a hospital in Macksville.
“Adding another 200 residents puts greater strain on existing facilities,” said Michael Crowley.
Amber McQuinn said, “We want to protect our community for the next generation, we moved here for the seaside, and there is already a lack of medical facilities.”
The rally was conducted with quiet restraint, with participants listening thoughtfully to what was being presented.
There was a congenial atmosphere to the proceedings with a sausage sizzle, petitions to sign, and donation boxes.
At the end of the rally, presenters asked that participants take the opportunity to move to the Ingenia Information Day being held at the Surf Club, and to be respectful in their inquiries.
For more information visit www.savescottshead.com
To register to be part of the Ingenia community consultation process visit https://ingenialifestyle.com.au/scotts-head-community.
By Karen GRIBBIN
