Election 07. Greens.

In response to our invitation to candidates for the seat of Robertson in the Federal Election to share their arts policies with us and to comment in relation to the Gosford region, we received the following letter from Mira Wroblewski.

"THE GREENS - ART AND CULTURE POLICY FOR GOSFORD AND THE CENTRAL COAST.

The Art and Culture Policy for the Central Coast should be based on the cultural and artistic needs of our community, its talent and the attraction of tourists to the region. This would entail an integrated approach to cultural infrastructure planning for Gosford. There is a need to embed arts and cultural development into the life of the city and the community. Art and cultural development are a necessary and integral part of the redevelopment of Gosford as the regional capital of the Central Coast.

The development of a cultural precinct and a regional cultural facility are crucial to the animation of the city and the generation of local talent and local jobs. There is an urgent need in Gosford to develop a critical mass of arts and cultural development activities and amenities in the city for the community and the greater region. This precinct must be close to the foreshore area and compatible amenities such cafes, restaurants, public open space and importantly, public transport. An emphasis must also be placed on the importance of outdoor cultural spaces. We need to create a vibrant hub of cultural activity that is accessible to the public.

Such a cultural arts and performance precinct must include a mixture of uses to complement the diverse range of artistic and cultural performances and talent we have in our region. A cultural and performance precinct of this kind will invigorate the cultural sector and achieve the cultural objectives that are necessary to create quality living, recreational and social environments that are both appealing to the wider community and visitors. This will attract and stimulate investment around the precinct. Above all else a cultural and performance precinct for Gosford must incorporate the community identity, aspirations and the spirit of place which must include the indigenous community to ground art and culture within an area that allows for the growth of artistic talent and its performance. This place must feel neutral and central to everyone gathering. Such a place will have historical and cultural meaning for the whole community on the Central Coast.

Gosford needs a world class facility as part of a cultural and performance precinct that meets the growing need of art and cultural performances this would include a venue for musical and operatic performances, rehearsal spaces for music and dance, spaces for environment and art. A cultural and performance precinct will allow for and enable the greatest variety of art forms within the region with an emphasis on indigenous culture, community arts as well as 'high' arts such as classical concerts, art exhibitions sourcing local and travelling exhibitions. Drama and dance included.

The emphasis is on a cultural and performance precinct that celebrates our natural heritage and expands on the artistic talents that abound in our region."

Mira Wroblewski
Greens Candidate for Robertson

Many thanks Mira for providing us with the Greens Policy, and for the attention you have given to addressing the specific circumstances facing the future of the arts in the Gosford region.

Some specifics of the overall policy for the 2007 election are available, and we will discuss Gosford issues further in the next week.

As with the state election, the Greens have researched the substance of matters relating to art and culture as they directly impact the community. Their demonstrated commitment to listening to input, and addressing specific objectives, is greatly appreciated.