This article by Kelly Robinson appeared in The Manly Daily on 20 March 2009.
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MANLY Council is reviewing the controversial fence at Jump Rock, asking locals whether it should be pulled down, just two years after it was erected. A survey sent to residents who live near Spring Cove, asks whether they support the fence being retained or not. It also asks if the fence has stopped people jumping, if it has made no difference or if the fence has made things worse. The council erected the fence in 2007 in a bid to stop people risking injury but the structure has divided the community. Although it is considered by some to be a safe jumping spot because of the clear water and sandy bottom, two people have died in their attempts over the past decade. At a council meeting in February, Cr Adele Heasman asked council staff to compile a report on the fence, including the legal ramifications of dismantling it. The controversial fence was in the spotlight again over summer with hordes of daredevils making the pilgrimage to Jump Rock. In January, The Manly Daily revealed that instead of preventing people from jumping into Spring Cove, teens were actually using the fence as a higher platform to dive from. Cr Heasman said she asked for the report to tell new councillors of Jump Rock’s history. “There was quite a bit of publicity surrounding the fence over the summer and this report will provide new councillors with a bit of background to be brought up to speed,” she said. “Before we make any decisions, we should have a bit more understanding of it.” Manly general manager Henry Wong said the survey formed part of the report asked for by the council. “I’m not ruling anything in or out,” Mr Wong said about fence removal. He said results from the survey were expected early next week. |
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