BUREAUCRATS needed to use their heart in deciding whether to have a tourist run named after former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
That's the view of NSW Nationals Upper House MP Wes Fang who was responding to authorities rejecting an informal bid by Lockhart Shire Council to create a Tim Fischer Way.
The name would apply to a 38-kilometre stretch of road from the turn-off to Boree Creek beyond Lockhart and then north to the Sturt Highway.
However, the roads involved would not have their title changed.
Destination NSW advised the council unofficially the proposal "would not meet the criteria for NSW touring routes as there is no visitor product or experiences on the relevant stretch of road".
Mr Fang said it was misguided to base a finding purely on that method.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"It's a decision that's made without due regard for what Tim Fischer's contribution to this area was," Mr Fang said.
"It's a bureaucratic decision rather than a decision of the heart.
"All too often government departments make bureaucratic decisions whereas those of us who are elected are there to represent the decisions of the heart.
"To a bureaucrat in Sydney it's all about the boxes being ticked, that's the difference between a bureaucrat and a member of parliament.
"This is a situation where the criteria isn't applicable and a decision should be made outside the criteria."
Mr Fang said the Tim Fischer statue and the Boree Creek hotel, which has a room of memorabilia tied to the former state and federal MP, were tourist drawcards on the proposed route.
"I'm happy to work with Lockhart Council to see if I can make some representations to Destination NSW and Transport for NSW to formally have the Tim Fischer Way recognised," Mr Fang said.
Lockhart mayor Rodger Schirmer welcomed Mr Fang's interest in the matter and said it was likely to be discussed at this month's council meeting.
Federation and Narrandera councils, which cover some of the affected route, have been asked for support.
Federation contains Boree Creek, with that shire overseeing the statue erection in May.
Its mayor Pat Bourke said his council had not formally discussed a Tim Fischer Way and he was not personally aware of correspondence in relation to the matter.
"I'd certainly like to have a conversation because if you get a group of councils together you might come up with another route that could encompass more Tim Fischer history," Cr Bourke said.
Mr Fischer was born at Lockhart and lived at Boree Creek as a boy and MP.
