The stir surrounding paragliders utilising Bartletts Beach reserve and disgruntled local residents could be resolved as early as next week.
The simmering bad blood boiled over again recently with allegations of near-misses during take-offs countered with claims of sabotage and threats.
One paraglider was physically assaulted by an opponent in January this year. The opponent was charged by police following the incident.
Paragliders take off and land on Bartletts Reserve with some residents protesting the paragliders’ use of the public reserve land over several years.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council director Tricia Bulic said information from both sides of the argument had been collated over the past few weeks and culminated in a meeting at council in late July.
”Council will write to the affected parties this week before holding a meeting – probably on-site at Bartletts Beach reserve – sometime next week,” the director said.
“At that meeting, council will put its decision forward. We have taken all information forwarded to us, from all avenues.
“Unfortunately, this is an issue that only affects the Bartletts Beach reserve precinct
“Council is confident of getting the right solution.”
Council had also sourced details from other councils to reach a decision based around ‘commonsense and had taken a safety first approach’ for all concerned, the director said.
“The fact that Bartletts Beach is also public land was also considered,” Ms Bulic said.
“Council have been dealing with this issue for around 12 months.”
