AS secrecy continues to surround the future of the iconic Jenolan Caves with allegations of pending privatisation, mismanagement, poor maintenance and redundancies and staff turmoil, Greens Candidate for Bathurst Tracey Carpenter said the Greens are calling on all political parties to commit to keeping this prized public asset in public hands.
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“The caves is one of the most iconic natural and cultural heritage sites in NSW and it must remain in public hands,” Greens MP and Heritage Spokesperson David Shoebridge said.
“The Coalition appear committed to destroying Caves House by neglect with chronic mismanagement and a shameful lack of investment in its future.
“The future of Jenolan Caves is important not just for its own sake, but it is a vital tourist drawcard for Oberon and the western Blue Mountains.
“The Greens are calling on all political parties to join with us and make a public commitment to retaining Jenolan Caves in public hands and delivering on a state-funded rescue package that will return the site to its former glory,” Mr Shoebridge said.
Tracey Carpenter said if we let the caves go to a private operator then it could be lost to the public forever.
“When you talk to businesses in Oberon it is pretty clear that the downturn at Jenolan has a flow on effect across the region,” Ms Carpenter said.
“Claims of job losses and poor working conditions, with many workers forced into lengthy travel now their on-site accommodation has been lost, are dreadful to hear.
“With tours down to skeleton crews and chronic maintenance issues, the caves are suffering from demolition by neglect as the Coalition tries to make a case for the wholesale privatisation of the site.
“The Greens support restoration of Jenolan Caves House and commit to retain the caves in public hands and also support a state-funded rescue package to revitalise Jenolan.
“It is time that the Government sat down and listened to the community, the workers at Jenolan and local businesses to map out a revitalised public future for the Caves,” Ms Carpenter said.
