Coure vows to continue the fight for Glenlee

With the Interim Heritage Order (IHO) for Glenlee, Lugarno set to expire on the 28th of January 2023, Member for Oatley, Mark Coure this week called on the Heritage NSW to use whatever powers they have under the Heritage Act to urgently resolve the state heritage listing of Glenlee and ensure its protection.

“I have been fighting for state heritage listing and the protection of Glenlee for some time now. In September 2022, the independent Heritage Council decided further environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage studies were needed before it could make a final decision on listing.”

“I am deeply disappointed that attempts by Heritage NSW staff to engage with the owners of Glenlee to access the site and complete this work have been refused or ignored by the owners.”

“It is crucial that these studies are completed so that the Heritage Council can make a final decision on state heritage listing. It is simply not good enough for owners of a property to be able to hold up an important process in this way and jeopardise the future of this important site.” Mr Coure said.

Whilst it is important to note that Georges River Council’s listing of Glenlee as a local heritage item on its Local Environment Plan provides statutory heritage protection to the site, which did not exist previously, it also puts an onus on Council to protect the property in any future development process.

Mr Coure has also reiterated the need for state heritage listing and the purchase of the site by a combined effort of local, state and federal government.

“I know how important Glenlee is to the people of our local community, and I assure them that I will continue to strongly fight for the protection of this precious site.” Mr Coure said.

“I am strongly calling on the Minister for Environment and Heritage and Heritage NSW to use whatever powers they have under the Heritage Act to urgently resolve this matter so that we can put this issue to bed and protect this site for future generations.”

“I will continue to stand up for our community on this important issue and I want to assure them that I will keep them updated on the fight to save Glenlee.”