A WATTLE Range Council staff report has advised against the sale of vacant public land in the centre of Beachport.
Council had foreshadowed the sale of two Railway Terrace blocks but has since received strong community backlash during its public consultation period.
The issue is due to be debated tonight at council’s September meeting.
Among the prominent seaside groups to oppose the sale have been the Beachport National Trust and the Lions Club of Beachport and Rivoli Bay.
A protest petition attracted over 90 signatures while 12 letters objecting to the sale have been received by council.
According to feedback, the land should be retained as either a car park or developed as a town square and communal area where markets and festivals can be staged.
On the other hand, four letters from local residents support the sale, stating the site was suitable for development.
The letters and the 84-page staff report will be tabled at this afternoon’s council meeting in Millicent.
Council has agreed to hear from Beachport residents Guy and Sue Wheal and Karen Nancarrow who want to elaborate on their written submissions.
The staff report noted it was necessary to revoke the community land classification before a sale could proceed.
“Based on the feedback received, it is recommended that council do not continue with the formal revocation process,” stated the staff report.
Impetus to possibly sell the land came from the tabling of a staff report at the April monthly council meeting.
The meeting decided to start the due process to sell the land and this included a formal process of obtaining community feedback.
A sign advising of council’s actions was placed on the two blocks, a 16-page staff report was prepared and the closing date for written public submissions was July 23.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll told The South Eastern Times the decision regarding the future of the Beachport land rested with the councillors.
