Ku-Ring-Gai gunshop debate continues

2UE (Sydney), Clive Robertson, 18/05/2008 04:24pm

Last year there was an outcry from some residents of Roseville Chase when the local council approved a gun shop near a school and childcare centre. The Ku-Ring-Gai Council said they had to approve the planning application, as gun shops are viewed by the law in the same light as any other retail outlet. However, following the outcry Mayor Nick Ebbeck petitioned Planning Minister Frank Sartor (the man Robertson says people would most like to kiss) asking him to change the law.
Interview with Nick Ebbeck, Ku-ring-gai Mayor: he says that the majority of the community are concerned about the proximity of the gun shop to schools. Robertson says they are simplistic. He asks whether there is a fast food outlet anywhere near the school. Robertson says the children are more likely to die from the presence of the fast food outlet than from the presence of the gun shop. Ebbeck says there is also a six lane road near the school, which would pose a danger. On the on hand, he says that this is a case of Nimby-ism, but on the other, he says he understands the concern of the residents. He admits the council made a mistake in approving the application for the gun shop without notifying residents. Robertson asks what Frank Sartor can do about the problem. Ebbeck says he has just been in court with Sartor over the matter and they are waiting for a ruling. He says Sartor needs to listen to the views of the community when deciding planning laws, not just in relation to the gun shop, but in relation to health and transport infrastructure and development in the local area.