Ald. Richard James’ bizarre conspiracy theory ("Greens linked to Bay rethink”, 26.9.09) shows he has lost all touch with reality.

In the same article, Lia Morris claims that Walker Corp. has made “consistent” commitments to Clarence ratepayers.  This is nonsense.  In its Closing Statement in the recent hearings, Walker Corp. proposed two revised management options, one of which was, “transfer of all assets (including canals, revetments and the navigation channel) to the Council upon the basis that the Council will own, maintain and control those assets and will recover the cost of doing so by a differential rating system”.  Ratepayers have every reason to be alarmed.

Save Ralphs Bay Inc. lodged a Response to the Walker Corporation’s Closing Statement after the recent hearings ended.  There is nothing remarkable in the fact that Council has also decided to respond to Walker Corp’s Closing Statement.

RPDC processes are “inquisitorial” rather than “adversarial”.  That is, the emphasis is on discovering all the relevant facts.  It is not surprising that the Planning Commission invited Council to make this submission after important information regarding risks associated with canal estate developments was provided to the Council by officials in Western Australia. 

Clarence ratepayers can be very thankful that Council has conducted its own investigations and presented important information to the Tasmanian Planning Commission.