Rimers Creek saga flares up once again
I am emotional and challenge any homeowner who can honestly say they won't be faced with the stark reality of the devaluation of their home and suburb.
Luke von Johnston writes:
Hijacking the future expansion of the Barberton business community is a rather bold statement that should actually be read as a single business entity hijacking an irreplaceable part of Barberton’s history.
Rimers Creek is a heritage site! An in-depth heritage report by a qualified professional confirms this and states that Irricon acted in direct contravention of the National Heritage Resources Act and that Umjindi Municipality acted against its own IDP and spatial-development framework by making the land in dispute available for industrial development. Socio-economic issues are obviously important but a truck parking lot – that will negatively affect tourism opportunities – is unlikely to create any meaningful employment.
Furthermore, my home is in Rimers Creek but – due to incorrect alienation procedures – I was denied the opportunity to object and claim compensation and could end up with a noisy, industrial eyesore on my doorstep!
As such, I am emotional and challenge any homeowner who can honestly say they won’t be faced with the stark reality of the devaluation of their home and suburb.
I applaud all of those determined to save the intrinsic value of our town’s history. Barberton is a tentatively listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site and our core historic area obviously needs protection, sensible development and conservation for future generations. Industry belongs in the industrial area.
To view the mandatory professional Heritage Impact Assessment by one of SA’s leading cultural heritage experts click here.
Read the article about the Rimers Saga here.
