“PEOPLE power” has apparently prompted Wattle Range Council to abandon the proposed sale of public land in the centre of Beachport.
The decision was made after a lengthy debate and before a packed public gallery of Beachport residents at Tuesday’s monthly council meeting in Millicent.
Instead of continuing the process for the possible sale of two vacant Railway Terrace blocks, council will seek further community input about the future of the prime site.
The decision has been welcomed by Beachport resident Karen Nancarrow who opposed the sale proposal in a letter to council, as well as a five-minute verbal presentation at Tuesday’s meeting.
According to Ms Nancarrow, there were already vacant shops in Beachport and the land in question could be improved with sealing and the addition of picnic tables.
Fellow seaside residents Guy and Sue Wheal also wrote to council and addressed the meeting.
They urged further public consultation and suggested a public meeting be called to canvass ideas.
Speaking to The South Eastern Times outside the meeting, Ms Nancarrow said she was happy with the outcome.
“This will bring the community together,” Ms Nancarrow said.
“We can come up with ideas for the land which will be beneficial for the community.”
The possible sale of the land had led to community backlash at Beachport.
Among the prominent seaside groups to oppose the sale were 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 were sent to council.
Only four letters from local residents in support of the sale were received.
After debate involving councillors and staff, the meeting endorsed the council staff recommendation to cease the preliminary measures to sell the land.
Following a successful motion moved by Councillor John Drew, council will now examine options for the area with funding possibly to come in the next 2020/21 budget.
“I want to see something exciting happen,” Cr Drew said.
His motion was seconded by deputy mayor Cr Moira Neagle who commended the Beachport community for taking part in the consultation to date.
According to Cr Dale Price, the land sale issue had galvanised the Beachport community into action in a manner similar to when the Nangwarry swimming pool was set to be closed.
“This makes sense and now the Beachport community can come up with plans,” Cr Price said.
Earlier in the debate, Cr Sharon Cox had moved a motion to let the matter lie on the table until February 2020 to allow further consultation with members of the Beachport community about their preferred options for the use of the land.
Cr Cox later withdrew her motion.
She also referred to one letter received by council during the consultation period.
“It was insulting as it said council was being deceitful as it was doing the consultation when community members were away,” Cr Cox said.
“I found it very disappointing.”
