Politics as the art of compromise was on show at the official launch of the first stage of the Hungry Point Reserve Cliff Top walk. / (min cost $ 0 ) or signup to continue reading The project, which is expected to be completed by April 2025, will extend the Esplanade to the southern end of the reserve on the tip of Gunnamatta Bay. The second stage will see additional walkways around the western side of the Cronulla peninsula to link up with Darook Park.
A sod-turning ceremony last week was attended by mayor Carmelo Pesce, deputy mayor Carol Provan, Cronulla MP Mark Speakman, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Crown Lands area manager Glen Camenzuli. A year ago, the shire's Liberal leaders were "outraged" by the state government's decision to cut a section of the planned walkway at the request of Marine Rescue NSW on security grounds. Cr Pesce described the move as "an outrage" and "a cynical cash-grab by the Minns Labor government in a strong Liberal seat".
Cr Provan said the government's position was "unreasonable, bullying and close to blackmail". Mr Speakman also accused the government of blackmail by forcing it to accept the change or lose funding that already been allocated. By December 2023, the council had agreed to compromise, with Cr Pesce saying, "It became clear, following several discussions, that Marine Rescue were firm in their position that the cliff top walk route could not pass through their operational areas in the reserve".
"We were able to ide.