A PUSH to create an all abilities playground in Yarrawonga has taken a significant step forward after gaining in-principle support from Moira Council.
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The $1 million-plus project proposed to be built on the Lake Mulwala foreshore has already attracted a $210,000 funding commitment from the Yarrawonga Holiday Park committee of management.
More than 50 people from Yarrawonga attended the council meeting on Monday night when a six-point notice of motion in support of the playground was put forward by deputy mayor, Cr Wendy Buck, and carried unanimously.
The council hasn’t committed funding at this stage, but the project will be considered in budget deliberations.
Yarrawonga Pigeons netballer and occupational therapist Kaitlyn Cummins has been a driving force behind the proposal which began late last year.
More than 700 signatures have already been gathered in support and 250 drawings of how the playground could look have been done by local schoolchildren.
“We already have some real momentum from within Yarrawonga, but were struggling to get the council on board,” Mrs Cummins said.
“Now the council has agreed to support us we hope to get the ball rolling with some fund-raising and get some concept drawings done.
“We are taking bits and pieces from Albury and Wodonga playgrounds.
“It will be an incredible tourist attraction for the town.
“I would love it up and running by next summer, but I am not real patient.”
Mrs Cummins said a recently formed Yarrawonga playground committee had identified the lake foreshore as the preferred location.
But Kennedy Park near the town’s hospital has also been mooted.
The playground would be the first of its kind in the Moira Shire, with the closest one being at Shepparton.
“My husband (Marcus) and I spend a lot of time with our nieces and nephews and have been to some amazing playgrounds in Albury, Wodonga, Bright and Wagga,” she said.
“I am an occupational therapist and work with kids with disabilities.
“Kids are starting school and can’t hop, jump, skip and spend so much time these days doing sedentary activities.
“Everyone can benefit here.”
Cr Buck was unavailable for comment last night, but her motion was seconded by Cr Kevin Bourke.
The project has also been supported by Yarrawonga-based councillor Don McPhee, who was an apology.
The council has committed in-kind resources including letters of support for funding applications, backing for the use of public land with state government authorities and possible waiving of fees and charges.
