John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about a Bennelong institution that finds itself under threat. The 1st Ermington Scout Group hall has been located on Kissing Point Road for over 50 years. Thousands of sausage sizzles and even more scouts have made this hall an important part of the community. We all know the excellent work that the scouting movement does in helping our young people stay fit, learn life skills and connect with their local community. Their home is an integral part of this and has been sustained by community grants and donations from local groups, organisations and individuals. People have always dug deep for their local scout hall.

However, the leaseholder of the property, Sydney Water, has recently informed the Ermington scouts that their lease will not be renewed. There is a genuine fear in the community that the land will be instead sold to a developer. Development and urban renewal are of benefit to the community but only when done appropriately. Clearly, the destruction of a community asset like the Ermington Scout Hall does not qualify as appropriate development.

I stand here in parliament and call on Sydney Water to maintain this important scout hall and community facility. I stand side by side with the people of Ermington and will be joining them on Sunday for a community meeting to try to save the 1st Ermington Scout Group hall.