DESPITE a recommendation to endorse it, councillors have deferred the matter of the draft George Park Master Plan to a working party.
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A report was before councillors at last week’s ordinary meeting of Bathurst Regional Council, detailing the draft plan and the feedback received while it was on public exhibition.
The draft plan puts forward a proposed layout, inclusions and overall direction for George Park, which are believed necessary to support future demands for the precinct.
In his report, director of Engineering Services, Darren Sturgiss, reiterated that the adoption of the master plan did not equal a commitment to its implementation or financial resources.
“The master plan is to be used as a guide only towards prioritising any future works that council may wish to consider at George Park in future management plan deliberations,” he said.
It can also provide assistance for any future grant application opportunities.
Councillors chose not to discuss the report before them, with councillor Ian North instead moving a motion to defer the matter.
His notion was seconded by deputy mayor Bobby Bourke.
“This has just gone way, way past what I want to see done up there,” Cr North said.
A public forum was held at the beginning of the meeting, with two members of the public using the time to speak on the matter of George Park.
David Goldney said council should be praised for its many “marvelous” sporting precincts, but it had “got it wrong” this time.
“I think over George Park, the mast plan, which is for a multi-purpose sports precinct, I think it ought to be sent back for a complete re-think,” he said.
He took issue with the proposed name for the precinct, as well as the level of lighting and whether it was the best place for the Bathurst Giants to be based.
Chris O’Rourke, who also addressed council on the matter last month, again asked for better community consultation.
He also reiterated his concerns about the validity of the online survey.