Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
GLENELG River shack proponents have called for the State Government to take “real action” amid revelations the iconic structures are being left to deteriorate.
The Glenelg River Shack Association has spoken out following the release of the government’s preliminary discussion regarding the retention of shacks on crown land and in national parks.
Association president Brett Orr said shack lessees were concerned with the ongoing uncertainty plaguing the structures.
“The shack lessees are concerned with the length of time it is taking to achieve any real action, prohibiting them from completing even the most basic works given they have no certainty of tenure,” Mr Orr said.
He said the lessees could not commit to works until greater certainty of tenure was known to ensure money for repairs and improvements was not wasted.
“We hope that we can move quickly toward an outcome that allows new generations the opportunity to access all the amenities available through the original shack owners and council initiatives,” the shacks advocate said.
“Let’s hope a resolution does not come too late for some of the shacks in dire need of restoration to meet modern standards.”
He said the shacks had been built over 70 years and the pioneers that built the shacks also created the areas that people used to this day.
“All shack lessees have expressed frustration as to the length of time it has taken to date with no real end in sight.”
While the association was working with the Department of Environment and Water to realise the policy, Mr Orr said the length of time had been “disappointing”.
Mr Orr said the discussion paper and the legislative amendments were a step in the right direction, but the member base was “very firm” in its expectation the Glenelg River shacks would progress to the assessment stage before the end of the calendar year.
“The association has been acknowledged by the government and the department as being well organised with proper planning to meet the requirements of the policy,” Mr Orr added.
The association was compiling a conceptual proposal for lessees to comply with new standards.
“Our group has put countless hours of effort into preparing ourselves to meet the requirements including wastewater, lock and leave strategy for intermittent closure and flood to name a few,” Mr Orr said.
He said Grant District Council had been fantastic to the group and its support and advocacy was appreciated.
“The council sees the shacks as having a place on the river and will work with us to make sure we improve them for generations to come,” Mr Orr said.
“The council has also been a staunch supporter of shack areas, having the vision to enhance the facilities to the public with investments such as floating pontoons and ramps that all anglers and boat owners appreciate greatly.”
He said the groundswell of support for the association was evidence people wanted the tradition to continue and they were willing to fight for it.
“We have been overwhelmed with the support that we have received from the public, council and other associations facing similar hurdles,” Mr Orr said.
