Killalea fight might get physical, warns Rorris
By MICHELLE HOCTOR
PROTESTERS against development at Killalea State Park were told yesterday their fight might have to get physical if their campaign could not be won by peaceful means.
A "Big Barbie" at the park yesterday attracted more than 200 people who listened to speeches from activists including NSW Greens parliamentarian Ian Cohen.
South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris said everyone from construction workers to steelworkers and nurses would have to stand "shoulder to shoulder" to stop developers moving into the park.
"If this cannot be done in a peaceful fashion, it may have to get physical," he said, his declaration met with loud applause.
It was not quite the turnout that protesters expected, and only about four community and political groups were identifiable by their T-shirts.
But the sentiment of those in attendance was clear: leave Killalea State Park in public hands.
Earlier this year, NSW Lands Minister Tony Kelly signed an agreement to lease three parcels of park land for 52 years to Killalea Coastal Investments.
It allows for 202 residential lodges, swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants and a conference centre.
Mr Cohen, addressing the crowd in a wetsuit after enjoying a surf, described Killalea as an enclave that should be preserved.
He said that the intensity of the adjoining Shell Cove residential precinct made it all the more imperative to save Killalea as a place of relaxation.
Kiama Deputy Mayor Howard Jones said the NSW Government was "ripping off" a natural amenity to boost its coffers.
Illawarra Mercury - 29 October 2007 (Page 4)
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