A community meeting about the future of Blue Haven, being organised by the United Services Union (USU), is to go ahead on Thursday despite Kiama Council having committed to looking at all the options and engaging in public consultation.

“It is firstly to get community feedback on the proposed sale and to hear from relevant parties that have been involved with Blue Haven over the years who have concerns,” says USU organiser, Aarron Vann.

“We will also be launching a petition to seek extra funding from the State and Federal governments.”

As previously reported, an amended motion of Council now calls for the examination of all options rather than just originally proposed sale [Blue Haven sale still on table].

“We have been engaging in discussions with Council and we have concerns about whether there is an actual genuine willingness to consider the option of keeping it in-house,” says Stuart Geddes, USU Industrial Officer.

“The path they are going down still seems to be about the sale of the service.”

Mr Vann agrees, “I fear the amended motion is now being used as smoke and mirrors.

“It seems they are resourcing all the other options but the keep option at the moment, rather than being genuine at exploring all of them.”

Protesting Blue Haven residents

In the longer term, the USU is looking at preparing a public submission, including a formal economic report, on the benefits of keeping Blue Haven.

All of the councillors, as well as the CEO, and the chairs of the Resident groups have been invited to the meeting. Former mayors are expected to attend.

“It is important to keep the pressure up,” says Mr Geddes.

“Everyone is welcome to come to the public meeting.”

The meeting is to be held on Thursday 16 June, 5.30-7.30pm, at The Pavilion Kiama