Those opposed to the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira used last night’s Public Hearing on the reclassification of the public land – from community to operational land - as their first and possibly last chance to raise a variety of issues in a public forum.

The sale cannot proceed without the reclassification and, at the very least, many argued strongly that - if the reclassification was to take place - historic Barroul House should be excised via subdivision beforehand and remain in community hands.

Emeritus Mayor Sandra McCarthy, who was mayor in 2011 when the State Government offered to sell the Kiama Hospital site, said the community land classification wasn’t the oversight that is now being claimed.

“The intention was to keep it in public ownership,” she said.

“Council can operate there under the current classification.”

Ms McCarthy and a number of speakers raised the issue of apprehended bias, given Council is ultimately to decide whether the reclassification occurs and the approved sale cannot proceed without it.

“I am really concerned that Council has approved the sale of community land,” she said.

“The approved sale prior to public consultation negatively influences the proper process.”

Former Councillor Howard H Jones agreed, “This reclassification is to facilitate the sale.

“There is no reason to reclassify as it is used by the community.

“This meeting is a tickbox exercise for a predetermined outcome.”

He criticised the lack of public consultation over the decision to sell.

“This is the biggest financial and societal decision in Council’s history.”

A sign noting the history of Barroul House

Fellow former Councillor Howard R Jones decried what he sees as the lack of transparency in the decision to sell Blue Haven Bonaira, including the failure to provide promised independent business cases on the options.

“Reclassification is one of the most significant things a council can do. Is there a significant public benefit from this?” he said.

A number of speakers objected to the description of the community classification as an anomaly, including former Chief Engineer Noel Edgell, “It was sold provided it was used for aged care. For the Government to say it [reclassifying to operational] is to correct an anomaly is quite wrong.”

A Blue Haven resident, Peter Maywald, said, “Caring for a community is the core business of council.

“They did not see a need to reclassify it until they wanted to sell.”

Central Precinct voiced its support for Barroul House being excised from any reclassification, arguing against the loss of social capital and that it is not required for the aged care operations.

The restored Barroul House, open to the public as a cafe

“From Day 1 Barroul House was considered a community asset,” said Sue Eggins of the Kiama & District Historical Society, mentioning a clause in the hospital sale contract to ensure Barroul House was restored and a caveat to make sure it remained available for public use.

“The Federal Government provided $1.4 million to restore it as a community hub,” she said, noting the Society had been fighting for its restoration for 25 years.

Ms McCarthy said, “A change in the classification will be contrary to Federal and State Government funding agreements.”

The Federal Government also contributed $2.4 million for the Matterson community hall and meeting rooms and the State Government contributed a total of $14.8 million.

Fiona Phillips MP, Mayor Mark Honey and Gareth Ward MP celebrating the opening of Blue Haven Bonaira

Peter Meaney raised the issue of residents in Blue Haven Bonaira possibly having a financial interest that needs to be taken into account in the reclassification.

“I think residents are morally and legally entitled to Council getting an opinion on whether they have an interest in the matter,” he said.

Of the 16 speakers, just one resident supported the reclassification, saying that Council shouldn’t be involved in specialised businesses.

The independent Chair of the hearing said that a written report on the submissions and speeches would be presented to Council within seven days, outlining the key themes but not giving a recommendation as that is not part of their role. The report will be made available to the public.

The State Government has given Council the status to make the final decision on the reclassification, which is expected to go to either the June or July Meeting.

Councillors were told it was not appropriate for them to speak at the hearing, given they will be making the final decision.