Mona Vale fernery

Press, 28 June 1989, Page 16

Mona Vale fernery

Sir,—l read today under the heading “Video screen for city mall,” the explanation that $lOO,OOO is approved for this “landscape feature.” on page 211 note an article, “Fernery friends search for rebirth of glory.” In 1986 I wrote to the Mona Vale Committee attempting to save the fernery. I made another personal submission in 1987. No funds were available. Since then the council has had ample funds to run a competition to build a $lOO,OOO joggers’ bridge over the Avon on Park Terrace, SIM for moving everything around in Victoria Square and $lOO,OOO for this spurious “landscape feature.” Mona Vale was bought in 1967 by farsighted citizens. The council of the day had no interest in a property that has since proved its worth for the ratepayers and tourists. The fernery continues to deteriorate and needs saving now. Perhaps from the City Mall Stage 2 allocation of the 1989-1990 estimate of $966,000, $lOO,OOO could be put aside for the fernery as part of the council’s effort towards the 1990 festivities? The so-called “landscape feature” video screen could go on hold for 1991, or 1992 or even next century.— Yours, etc., KAYE STOKES. June 21, 1989.