GRANT District Council has tweaked its $700,000 Port MacDonnell Waterfront stage two blueprint following significant community feedback on the major foreshore project.
The biggest changes include the possible dumping of the proposed fitness park for a modular pump track and the retention of two of the three stone shelters along Sea Parade.
The iconic shelters – which were earmarked for demolition – stirred an emotive response from residents given they have part of the town’s landscape since 1930s.
However, council will not retain the Little Hunter Boat, which has been the centrepiece of the existing playground for many years.
Council – which rubber-stamped the changes on Monday night – says the boat cannot be saved due to safety concerns.
Chief executive officer Darryl Whicker said the community consultation helped “shape” the project as council moved from concept to the detailed design phase.
“Council is pleased with the response rate to the online and hard copy survey that asked the community what they liked about the concepts and any further ideas and comments to be considered in the final design,” Mr Whicker said.
“The opinions and feedback presented were diverse and varied, as to be expected from a project such as this, demonstrating keen interest and passion from the community.”
Council has developed a “community voices” document that captures the community feedback.
“Ideas raised through the consultation phase will be picked up from these comments and included where possible,” Mr Whicker added.
During the consultation phase, the majority of respondents indicated the playground needed shade and barbecue facilities, which is consistent with the top five desirable items in the playspace.
The largest cohort of children who would use the playground are aged between two and 10 years old, according to the survey respondents.
Council will also remove the existing stand-alone barbecue with a view to investigate the renovation and retention of the four-way shelter in the final design.
New barbecues and seating spaces will be included and existing infrastructure in the playground will be reviewed for the potential relocation.
The proposed fitness park generated a mixed response from the community.
Despite being identified as a desired project in the 2014 Port MacDonnell Urban Design Masterplan, some respondents suggested a modular pump track.
“Council gave the green light for staff to investigate costs to construct a modular pump track at Tenterden Reserve,” Mr Whicker said.
But any change will need to fall within the project budget and meet the requirements of the funding agreement with the State Government.
The redevelopment of the Standish Street entrance also sparked feedback with people floating the need for directional signage, landscaping and the retention of memorial items located along the foreshore area.
With a memorial wall project being mooted, council will collaborate with the Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum to re-use various historical items along the foreshore as well as paying homage to maritime history, in particular the ships and lives lost at sea.
An audit of the three stone shelters along Sea Parade resulted in the decision to remove the shelter that sits alongside the new playground space.
According to council, the shelter is in a poor state with bricks falling from the structure.
The remaining two shelters – located west of the jetty – will remain in-situ, which will be form part of separate project for restoration.
Council will also consider a historical information small display alongside the shelters to commemorate their history.
Other key elements will include environmental initiatives, including recycling and reuse, which could include a container style recycling system.
Council will also continue to work in partnership with the First Nations of the South East.
The Waterfront Stage two will promote inclusion of Boandik culture through the installation of the Boandik Story on posts adjacent the boardwalk.
Due for completion in December 2020, The Waterfront stage two is co-funded between the State Government and council.
