This is the true story of how two large developers planned to turn a small recreational beach fishing hamlet of approximately 120 houses, into a thriving city with a vibrant city centre, 3,800 houses, a primary school, a retirement village and a with a police presence. The developers flew into the hamlet in two helicopters and gave the inhabitants and landowners a full colour presentation of their proposal in the Community Centre. The residents listened with horror as the plans unfolded and when they were told that the beach would be closed for 4-wheeled driving and fishing the residents stormed out of the building in fury and indignation. Shortly after 40 of them met in a house and decided to form a group to oppose the development.
All the layers of Government were in favour of development and expansion and the group was told by everyone that it would never be able to prevent the development from taking place.
But they did.
This story is, I hope, an encouragement to all who believe that wrong is being done and feel helpless in trying to stop it taking place. Nothing is impossible. Never say Never. Just do it.