To save on costs, local goverment should start utilising the Work For The Dole Schemes, as you will find that would be a huge savings on costs of projects ( not at tradesmen prices), ie: restoration of Town Hall for one, this would slash the costs of the Projects, the people would get hands on experinces, and be involved with things that have a history as well as a future in this city... Like the old Merewether Club house, that could be a community project as it should of been years ago, as a WFTD scheme, once the youth get into heritage projects like that, you would find that they would have a whole different perspective on our heritage building as well, get a history lesson on why our forefathers put these things in place in the first place....Plus slash costs of projects by a percentage !!! We have to work with the young people of Newcastle as there is not much for them to do in the city if you look at it, And this is coming from a person that grew up in this city. The once Best city in Australia is looking, like a shadow of its former self. Newcastle is steeped in history which is slowly turning to dust !!! Restoration projects getting the youth involved is the way to go, not making them picking weeds out of gardens !!! also.... Blackbutt reserve sanctuarys could be done as a WFTD scheme, done at a lower cost & giving people experience & have their hand on the job of shaping the future of the place.... You would find out a lot of young people would jump at that opportunity to be part of a project like that at a cheaper rate, not tradesmans rate.. And they then become part of the history of Newcastle & take pride in their achievements....  

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