As one of those present at the meeting I am a little surprised at Councillor Intemann's description of the meeting as "at times, very fiery", indeed I would suggest quite the reverse. I can only conclude that Ms Intemann is seeking to create controversy where little exists.

What I do know and it appeared to be accepted by all at the meeting, was that the future of the Plaza car park site has been on the table for some years now.

The decision by the Government to commence transaction negotiations with Woolworths for the Plaza carpark site actually commenced in late 2010 - when Labor was in Government and in fact the local member was Peter Besseling.

It's therefore a little surprising that some Councillors, including Ms Intemann are now asserting they are, in some way, caught by surprise

The Minister did not say that he would consider applications from parties other than Woolworths. What the Minister said to the meeting was that if Council were aware of any other interested parties they should direct them to Crown Lands.

Also, Crown Lands have never told the community nor Council that the sale would be offered publicly through an Expression of Interest process.

The suggestion now being made that Council wishes to buy the site is, I suppose a matter for the Port Macquarie community. I note however that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is carrying an enormous level of debt.

This has resulted in the cut back of services to the community and rate rises.

Is now the time for Council to spend what limited reserves it has?

Trevor Khan

MLC

Sydney