Help to Save Waratah Park - Home of Skippy
- by: Minister For Lands - Mr Tony Kelly & Crown Lands
- recipient: 1000
Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary, Home of Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, is currently leased by Prudentia Investments and its future is uncertain.
We call on the Government to acknowledge the dire state of affairs that currently confront Waratah Park. The Government must acknowledge the historical significance of the site and the recognition it commands throughout Australia and world wide. We also call on the Government to direct the Heritage Council to consider the inclusion of Waratah Park, particularly the iconic ranger cottage, on the State's Heritage Register.
We must ensure that the site is preserved under public ownership and remains open for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of New South Wales. This is a real challenge for the current Government, and we urge it to meet that challenge. We are asking the Government to gift the site to Warringah Council or NSW Parks and Wildlife for the benefit of the public and animal welfare.
We ask that they cancel the current lease that is held by Prudentia Investments, failing their duty of care under the current lease terms. This historic and once environmental established site must not become another unwanted housing development.
Dear Mr Kelly,
Waratah Park is a magnificent 12-hectare sanctuary adjoining the spectacular and national heritage listed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The birthplace of national and international recognition of Australia%u2019s wildlife and landscape, Waratah Park holds significant environmental and heritage value.
A strong lobby is rapidly forming in response to the news that Prudentia Investments, is attempting to modify, extend or purchase the current lease with the suggestion of a six lot housing subdivision. Questions arise as to the suitability of Prudentia as lessee, the legitimacy of its lease and the potential denial of open process to determine the future of this iconic place %u2013 once the home of Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.
This group seeks to have the minister terminate the lease with Prudentia Investments, for failing in its obligation to conduct activities in accordance with the purpose of the current lease, being %u2018Tourist Nature Park%u2019, and to open a proper process to determine a future for the benefit of stakeholders and the people of NSW and Australia.
t John Walmsley dreams and intentions for Waratah Park failed in 2005 when his company was delisted on the ASX and eventually through a series of takeovers was acquired by Prudentia.
I am sure you are aware of the recent removal of the native animals by the RSPCA to alternate sites. The community has a right to know why this action was required. Waratah Parks future as an animal sanctuary given this recent history, other than a downsized modified version, is unlikely, but there remain many other possible shared uses of this facility which could be vibrant and meaningful to all Australians including some form of animal sanctuary under the direction of either Warringah Council or NPWS as a headquarters.
This site holds a special place in the hearts of most Australians and this can be evidenced by the comments being lodged on the support groups%u2019 electronic petition. The parcel of land is small and as the home of Skippy evokes considerable emotion to the people of NSW when hearing about it recent demise and uncertain future.
We urge the state government to take advantage of this situation by cancelling the lease and gifting this site back to the people of NSW.
Our Association is recommending immediate inclusion of the site and in particular the Rangers cottage onto the State Heritage register. We also urge acquisition of the site by Warringah Council through gifting from the NSW government to be managed as a public reserve similar to their current management of other crown reserves such as Anembo reserve in Duffys Forest.
A positive move such as this will no doubt evoke public support for your office and the NSW Government.
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