New skate parks for Culcairn and Jindera are a step closer with tenders awarded for construction, despite debate over the details.
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Haley Constructions will build a park in each of the towns’ recreational reserves – and while there was $31,000 difference between their two tenders, ultimately the $200,000 in funding allocated for each will be spent.
Councillor Tony Quinn expressed concern at Wednesday’s meeting the Culcairn skate park would miss out and unsuccessfully moved a motion that the two designs be identical.
“Culcairn skate park was going to be put up the road, right next to the railway station,” he said.
“That was the staffs’ preferred point of view, and it very nearly got there, but three councillors decided to interfere.
“Culcairn kids deserve the exact same as the Jindera kids.”
Engineering director Greg Blackie said public consultation had resulted in different designs, which were not final and would be done in more detail.
“I personally think it would be wasting $200,000 if we built the same skate park,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot more scope to add to Culcairn; the Jindera one is set to that price (of $176,805) and it’s nearly at the $180,000 limit.”
Cr Denise Osborne argued for the original tenders, with separate plans for Culcairn and Jindera, and was supported 5-3.
“The majority of people who responded (to consultation) would have been young people and their families … if we change what they initially put to us, we’re saying ‘Thanks very much for that, but we’re going to ignore you’,” she said.
Cr Lea Parker, taking part in her first meeting since winning the east ward by-election, spoke of the need to keep up with visitor expectations, particularly on weekends.
“Sunday is becoming a very busy day in Holbrook,” she said.