As reported in OFF News, June 2024:
Following the purchase of Glenlee the Friends of Glenlee (FoG) committee continues to raise issues both with GRC and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Penny Sharpe. Brian Ralston, FoG President and Secretary Linda Simon are meeting with the Minister on 12 June. The focus will now be on enhanced protection of the site and artefacts, discussions with the new owners on how we ensure this and discussions with Council to ensure the local heritage order is adhered to.
One issue to be raised with the Minister relates to the current listing of Glenlee as a local heritage site. This protection does not currently apply to “chattels and items of personality”. However the Minister has the power to authorise a Council to “make an interim heritage order for a place, building, work, relic, moveable object or precinct in the council’s area that the council considers may, on further inquiry or investigation, be found to be of local heritage significance, and that the council considers is being or is likely to be harmed.”
None of this continued campaigning takes away from FoG’s disappointment with all levels of government and political parties. They had the opportunity to preserve Glenlee and put it in public hands. FoG had a range of suggestions on how it could be used, eg, small historical museum, kayaks from the jetty, community meeting place, community gardens, etc, that would enhance our living and natural environment.
Thsi report was based on an update issued by FoG in May and can be read here.