The good news for Narooma residents is that Walker Park on McMillan Road will not be sold as part of Eurobodalla Shire Council’s plans to raise runds.
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The council does have about 20 residential blocks that are being processed for sale, as authorised by the councillors in February 2015.
A council spokesperson said the properties were identified as surplus to needs and the funds from sale were generally reinvested in capital works to improve recreational facilities in the Shire, such as play equipment or picnic facilities.
Community engagement took place in 2010 with the Recreation and Open Space Strategy and then in 2012 when the relevant land parcels were reclassified as operational land, the spokesperson said.
In regards to Walker Park at Narooma, the Eurobodalla Council has advised that the proposal to investigate the sale of Walker Park listed in the draft Recreation and Open Space Strategy was incorrect.
The spokesperson said the recommendation to sell this community asset would not be included in the final document. The council’s website has been updated with the correction.
The council’s director of Community, Arts and Recreation, Kathy Arthur has called some of the residents who raised the matter with Narooma News and with the council to assure them the park will not be sold and to ask them what improvements they might like to see in the park.
She said an onsite meeting would be arranged shortly with residents who made a submission to talk with the council staff about potential improvements to Walker Park.
A group known as “Friends of Walker Park” has sprung up and are making submissions to the council on possible public uses for the park.
Group members Rob OBrien and Liz Cook welcomed the news that Walker Park is not going to be sold and had the idea that the park could be turned into a community vegetable garden.
Rob's son, Monty OBrien has also prepared a short video of the park and some clips of the already existing community garden at Narooma Public School.
The sale of at least one of the council blocks has however been a cause of concern for neighbours living next to the block, as is the case at Tuross Head Lot 277.
Stephen Radovanovich, who lives adjacent, opposes the sale of the block and has been protesting outside the council chambers and also contacted State and Federal members to express his opposition.
The council spokesperson confirmed this block was being processed for sale and was zoned residential, so whoever bought it will need to submit a development application to build on it.
Other lots listed include: Lot 38 DP 7188667, Train Street, Broulee; (b) Lot 1 DP 240467, Station Street, Central Tilba; (c) Lot 1 DP 1151341, Goolara Avenue, Dalmeny; (d) Lot 21 DP 825840, Chisholm Place, Narooma.
Find out more about the blocks for sale:
Additionally, the draft 2017 Recreation and Open Space Strategy indicates the following land to be investigated for potential sale. As above, funds from any potential sale would be reinvested in the shire’s recreational facilities.
- P 55 M11 – Lot 84, DP259212 - Village Road, Durras
- P105 M33 – Lot 74 DP776541 - 9 Moir Place Broulee
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
