Statements such as "People need to understand that it isn't a quick fix, unpleasant as that may be"... is an insult to the residents and shows a complete lack of empathy by the Mayor. While I understand that this piece of infrastructure is a reasonably large undertaking on a regional scale, one ponders whether the Mayor and council would take such a laissez-faire attitude to the issue if this was a private sector project.

While on this subject, the future completion of the project and the flow-on effect (no pun intended), it may be timely to ask the Mayor just what his personal thoughts are as to what will become of the Murrays Flats ratepayer-owned holdings located there. Is this to be "fire saled" to a local developer when no longer required for downstream treatment useage?

Now is the time to ask for answers as, after all, we are all stakeholders… although at times one could be forgiven for not feeling that way.

After having lived with the disgusting appearance of St John’s for so long and observing the undesirable people who frequented the buildings over the years, I was relieved to see that temporary fencing was erected around the buildings and to learn that the remains are now to be demolished.

Like many other residents, I am concerned at the presence of asbestos and look forward to the earliest possible approval of the Development Application so that this dangerous eyesore can be demolished and the hazardous elements removed.   

However, there is another matter of concern with regard to the property. Anyone driving past St John’s would notice the height and density of the weeds and grass which, due to the hot temperatures we are experiencing, have dried off, and the site has now become a fire hazard waiting to happen.

I have personally brought this matter to the council’s attention on a number of occasions during the years, and iterated my concern in an interview and letter published in the Goulburn Post of November 11, 2016.

Hazard reduction measures need to be taken NOW, to: reduce the fuel load; the risk of fire/smoke to neighbours of St John’s; and the workload of our Fire Brigade at this extremely busy and dangerous time.

I do acknowledge that the owner has cut some of the grass on the property. That is a start, but there is still enough flammable material in that area to feed a fire once it gets going.

I understand it would be difficult to cut back the vegetation in this area due to the presence of waste concrete and other rubbish which have been left on the property by the owner and intruders over the years. However, it can be done (probably not using a ride-on mower but with brush-cutters) – it must be done.

I understand it is within the council’s power to direct the owner to cut the grass/weeds to reduce the fire hazard or for the council to undertake the work on the owner’s behalf and provide a tax invoice to the owner for that work. It is within the council’s responsibilities to be proactive in taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of fire in the city.

As a first step it would probably be a good idea to have the Fire Brigade inspect the property and provide a written report to the council. The council should employ the experts to provide advice. We have seen too many fires in Goulburn over recent years. We do not need another that could cause damage to properties, damage to residents’ health, and possible death.

Remedial action must be taken NOW – not later when it is too late.