WODONGA Council has vowed to reveal the cost of its drawn-out hills plan, including a trip to Canberra to inspect mountain bike tracks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Federation Hill neighbour John Garratt and Save Hunchback Hill leader Dan Humpage put questions to the council on Monday night.
Mr Garratt asked for the total cost of the strategy and a projected budget for its implementation, including managing anti-social impacts such as littering.
Mr Humpage also sought the full expense and in particular the cost of a trip to Mount Stromlo in Canberra to examine mountain bike activity.
Council chief executive Patience Harrington promised a “full response” to Mr Humpage and said there would also be a reply for Mr Garratt “within seven days”.
Councillor Libby Hall had earlier criticised the lack of financial detail in the draft strategy which is now out for public comment.
“Our budget is limited – roadworks, car parks, signage, toilets, track building, it all doesn’t come cheap,” Cr Hall said.
“I think it’s prudent and responsible to have this (expense) made available.”
Mayor Anna Speedie said that was not part of the blueprint’s mission.
“This document does not provide a full action plan that costs out and provides detailed plans and nor should it,” Cr Speedie said.
“That is not what a strategy includes.”
Councillor Kat Bennett, who moved for the strategy to be finalised at the city’s October meeting, said it was time to resolve a process which began in July 2016.
She defended the council’s consultation pointing to “2500-something letterbox drops”, workshops, media coverage, online activity, two separate consultation processes and “well-attended” round table discussions.