A PROPOSAL to create more car parks by closing an access point to Millicent’s McLaughlin Park sporting complex has been raised by Wattle Range Council.
Community feedback on the proposal is being sought by council to close the Plunkett Terrace gate, which is located adjacent to the Peter Seebohm Stadium and the soccer pitch.
Under the council plan, the gate would remain in place but would only be used in emergency situations and for special events.
It is predicted the gate closure will also allow for better management of traffic flow as well as improved pedestrian safety.
Comments must be lodged with council by March 7.
McLaughlin Park is set to host the Western Border football and netball grand finals in September.
The “green light” to go to community consultation about the gate closure proposal was given after a staff report was tabled at the February monthly council meeting.
According to the staff report, the internal roads and car parking areas within McLaughlin Sports have been constructed using a staged approach in recent years.
“The works to date have included constructing a sealed road way between Williams Road and Park Terrace, a sealed parking area between the football club rooms and basketball stadium and a large basin for stormwater management within the site,” stated the staff report.
“In 2018/2019, the attention has turned towards formalising and sealing the main parking area to the south and west of the basketball stadium.
“A concept plan was generated and issued to McLaughlin Park Sports Incorporated chairman Craig Tunkin.
“A site meeting was arranged with committee members from the Millicent and District International Basketball Association to run through the concept.
“There was some concern indicated about the limited number of parking bays that would be available within this area.
“It was also raised that discussions held with previous senior council staff and elected members noted the potential to close the Plunkett Terrace gate as a general access point.
“This was never resolved formally by Wattle Range Council.”
Mr Tunkin told The South Eastern Times the gate closure was supported by the incorporated body.
“It has been a long-term goal for McLaughlin Park to minimise traffic on Plunkett Terrace.”
Council chief executive Ben Gower said council wanted to hear community feedback on what impact the closure might have on their use of the complex and the facilities within it before a final decision was made.
