antonias,
You are right in that it is not the first time and will not be the last that peoples lives are altered by a development of one kind or another. But that doesn't stop me from feeling sorry for those adversly effected. In this case, there has been a lot of media hype about racism and bigotry when,in my view, there are other more compelling factors involved in people objecting.

Foxy,
Like you I don't know why Camden was chosen by the developers. If they propose to spend $14million one can only expect that they have done their homework, looked at future needs and came up with Camden as the best site.

Its a good example of how we are vunerable to change. Sailing along, content with where we live, etc. and suddenly a new motorway, airport, incinerator or some such proposal can upset our apple cart and we are down the tube financially as well.

Foxy
welcome!
I did not read any post of you last days and I was worried for you! Are you ok?
thank you!

The proposal was rejected by council for all the "right" reasons.

Many ignorant, redneck protesters wanted it rejected for all the "wrong" reasons. They hate Muslims, they fear Muslims.......they also know very little about Muslims except what they read in the press and hear from their friends.

Australia IS changing.

Australia has ALWAYS been changing......ALWAYS.

Australia has NEVER stayed exactly the same.

Some people will ALWAYS resist change.

Some people will NEVER accept change...initially.

These are simple FACTS OF LIFE and indicative of human nature.

Only 2 things are "certain" in life.......death and CHANGE.

Applying for planning approval is part of our democratic and capitalistic system......as is appealing decisions. Sometimes you get the result you want, sometimes not. This time, the Camden rednecks got the decision they wanted (by "rednecks" I mean the people who objected to the proposal based on anti-Muslim sentiment); next time they may, or may not, get the decision they want. Either way, these decisions are part of the capitalist system we live under........and if the rednecks don't like any eventual final decision, then too bad. It's all a part of "change". If the ignorant rednecks want to live in a "Fortress Australia" then they'll live their sad lives eating other peoples' dust; they'll be left behind; just mere bogans living on the underbelly of a progressive and vibrant Australia.

An example of the Camden rednecks was the incident last November where 2 pigs' heads were pierced with metal stakes, and an Australian flag was draped between them.......this was then placed on the development site.

These morons were not showing Aussie loyalty. They were merely showing the country how inbred and hateful, not to mention plain unintelligent, they were. Absolute morons, not worthy to call themselves "Aussies"! Just petty crim types, trying to pretend they're in control.

Dear Antonios,

Thank you for noticing. I have been away for the past week. But, I'm fine, and I'm now back - and happy to be posting again.

The Camden situation looks like being a test case.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this small rural community.

I can't help but wonder why the city council isn't able to restrict the size of the school that is to be built in their community?
1,200 students is a very large school for any area. But, especially unsettling for a small rural community.

Yes, it is a large school, and too large for the area. Maybe they'll need to moderate their ambitions if they wish to develop the site.