THE temporary fencing erected around land behind St Matthew’s Church at the centre of a dispute involving Albury Council has been ripped down at short notice.
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Archdeacon Father Peter MacLeod-Miller said the removal signified a breakthrough in negotiations between the Anglican parish and council ahead of completion of the $10.5 million art gallery redevelopment nearby.
The fencing was erected in response to a letter sent to St Matthew’s from council raising the option of the council compulsorily acquiring the land.
“The temporary fencing across QEII Square will vanish in much shorter time than anyone might have imagined after the council agreed to discuss a local solution,” Father MacLeod-Miller said.
“It will be taken down as symbol of goodwill and being on the same canvas when it comes to the art gallery development.”
The council has declined to comment on negotiations with St Matthew’s about the sale of the land.
Father MacLeod-Miller said the fence, which put a World War I memorial off limits in the lead-up to Anzac Day, was designed to bring talks to a head.
“The removal illustrates the power of local conversation that has achieved in three weeks what two years of remote paper war has failed to deliver,” he said.
“I am sure this will have a great community outcome.
“We are looking forward to sorting it out together and the opening of the gallery.”
Father MacLeod-Miller said the memorial wasn’t going to be used for Anzac Day commemorations this year due to construction work being done on the art gallery.
The recent Field of Remembrance ceremony was held within St Matthew’s Church and was attended by mayor Kevin Mack.
