HEPBURN Shire councillors attempted to subdue community conflict in Bullarto this week when choosing a location for the picnic reserve.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The simple proposal has created division in the small community, after two groups of residents fought for opposing sites.
About 15 people attended the council meeting on Tuesday night to debate the location of the picnic table and signage.
Councillors have received extensive community feedback about the proposed facility, with many agreeing the process had been "highly difficult".
The new facilities are planned for the old tennis court site, adjacent to the Bullarto Hall, after councillors voted on the matter in August last year.
The Bullarto Community Hall Committee of Management Incorporated (BCHC) has leased the council land for many years.
It says the picnic facility will interfere with community events held on site, including the Bullarto Tractor Pull.
But the Bullarto Community Planning Group argues this is not the case, and says a prominent, central picnic reserve would benefit the entire community.
Four sites on the block were outlined as possibilities, with members of the planning group fighting for either sites 1, 2 or 3.
The hall committee's sole preference was site 4, which is located in the corner of the site, adjacent to Old Blackwood Road.
All but one councillor voted for this site, despite the planning group arguing this was a shady and relatively hidden site.
Ward councillor Sebastian Klein said while he may lose friends in voting for site 4, it was a decision that had to be made.
"While some may think this is a pitched battle that's been lost, I would like to think this decision will enable even better community facilities out at Bullarto, maybe even some public toilets," he said.
"That may be a vein hope but I'll leave it in the hands of the community."
Cr Bill McClenaghan last December urged councillors to put on hold all works until new information was considered.
He said if construction proceeded on the current site, the hall committee would be "severely constrained" in their fundraising and event-holding abilities.
However last night he voted for site 4, saying it was a compromise.
"It has been difficult getting people to agree but the recreation reserve can be grown in the future," Cr McClenaghan said.
"This needs to be visible and in a sunny site, which I believe it is, and it has access to Old Blackwood Road."
