A community group behind the proposal felt the council wasn’t supportive enough of the project and has decided to take its plans to Mulwala where it has won the backing of Corowa Shire.

Moira chief executive Mark Henderson said the project’s intention was correct but there were shortcomings with building the playground at the preferred location on the Yarrawonga foreshore.

“An all abilities playground has the full support of councillors and senior staff,” he said.

“But the planning application we received was for a $1.5 million extreme adventure playground with a token piece of equipment for kids with disabilities.

“The foreshore site selected by the committee is cramped and has nowhere for cars to park safely.

“It also proposed a major splash park, which would duplicate the existing water slide and water play area that the shire already funds nearby.”

Moira councillors recently toured the Oddies Creek playground in Albury and the splash park at Wodonga’s WAVES swim centre to assist in their final decision making.

“The project is great in its intent, but as we’ve seen at Albury and Wodonga’s projects, they need a big site with room for car parking and future growth,” Mr Henderson said.

“Properly planned and financed it is a great project.

“But it does need a solid business model to cover risk, insurance and long-term operating costs.”

Mr Henderson confirmed $200,000 was put in the council’s budget for the current financial year to boost fund-raising and also help the project committee develop a proper project plan.

He estimated ongoing maintenance would cost around $50,000 a year if a splash park was part of the final playground design.

“We are disappointed it is not coming to Yarrawonga but in Mulwala it is still a drawcard for the region,” he said.