As you are undoubtedly aware Premier Campbell Newman has made a decision to close and decommission our camp on the 20th December 2012. The issue has wider ramifications than the a deplorable act disenfranchising 1000s of school children their inalienable right to access educational, recreational and personal developmental facilities not available to them at their locations throughout the region.
The Camp has a clearly defined dual role. The first being for the kids and other groups using the camp, and secondly but most important for Magnetic Islanders with the impending onset of the Wet and Cyclone Season the camp provides an essential Emergency facility.
The closure and decommissioning of Magnetic Island's major Evacuation centres and the only Disaster Management Relief and Recovery centre effectively place the lives and well being of Magnetic Island residents and visitors at risk in the event of a disaster such as cyclone or severe flooding.
The Magnetic island facility is the only one that has the capacity to provide a temporary home for residents who may be homeless as a result of a disaster. It sleeps normally 100 but has the capacity to sustain at least another 50. There are 6 other Emergency facilities on Magnetic Island but only one capable of sustaining families in the event of a disaster. The Picnic Bay Camp.
Recreation Minister Steve Dickson statement in the Townsville Bulletin Monday 12 November has made the government's position quite clear, he "could not guarantee the facility would be in a usable condition during a cyclone"
Designation of disaster recovery centres may be the responsibility of the the Townsville City Council but, Mr Dickson, how can the Council 'designate' a facility when the only suitable property on the island is being closed and decommissioned?
Mr Dickson we are also aware that your government via the Department of Communities is currently reviewing the Magnetic Island Active Recreation Centre's designated role as our only relief and recovery centre. We understand that the review will be finalised on the 30 November 2012.
We also understand that this review was initiated to remove any blockage to the government's plan to divest itself of the camp. We remind you that the Department of Communities may only do this after consultation with the LDMG.
The state government has no right to place the well being of Magnetic Islands Residents and visitors at risk in the event of an emergency situation. Cyclone season is upon us, We may or may not have a devastating cyclone or flood situation but it is the state governments duty of care to ensure that the facilities are on stand by. Not to close them down.
Don't close our camp!
The Camp has a clearly defined dual role. The first being for the kids and other groups using the camp, and secondly but most important for Magnetic Islanders with the impending onset of the Wet and Cyclone Season the camp provides an essential Emergency facility.
The closure and decommissioning of Magnetic Island's major Evacuation centres and the only Disaster Management Relief and Recovery centre effectively place the lives and well being of Magnetic Island residents and visitors at risk in the event of a disaster such as cyclone or severe flooding.
The Magnetic island facility is the only one that has the capacity to provide a temporary home for residents who may be homeless as a result of a disaster. It sleeps normally 100 but has the capacity to sustain at least another 50. There are 6 other Emergency facilities on Magnetic Island but only one capable of sustaining families in the event of a disaster. The Picnic Bay Camp.
Recreation Minister Steve Dickson statement in the Townsville Bulletin Monday 12 November has made the government's position quite clear, he "could not guarantee the facility would be in a usable condition during a cyclone"
Designation of disaster recovery centres may be the responsibility of the the Townsville City Council but, Mr Dickson, how can the Council 'designate' a facility when the only suitable property on the island is being closed and decommissioned?
Mr Dickson we are also aware that your government via the Department of Communities is currently reviewing the Magnetic Island Active Recreation Centre's designated role as our only relief and recovery centre. We understand that the review will be finalised on the 30 November 2012.
We also understand that this review was initiated to remove any blockage to the government's plan to divest itself of the camp. We remind you that the Department of Communities may only do this after consultation with the LDMG.
The state government has no right to place the well being of Magnetic Islands Residents and visitors at risk in the event of an emergency situation. Cyclone season is upon us, We may or may not have a devastating cyclone or flood situation but it is the state governments duty of care to ensure that the facilities are on stand by. Not to close them down.
Don't close our camp!
Have your say at the Rally at 2pm on Sunday 18 November 2012
Meet outside the camp, Birt Street Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island
Express your views & opinions, keep up to date with Magnetic Island's only fully online newspaper
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