After a period of community consultation, Council have decided to retain ownership of the green space at the corner of View Point and Banfield Streets, Ararat.
At the 30 June Council Meeting, Council considered the development of the small parcel of Council-owned land, which contains a park.
Following that meeting, the decision was made to seek community consultation. Council received a total of 155 submissions from community members, with 151 arriving via the Engage Ararat platform and 4 via phone, written letters, or in-person to the Council office.
The submissions covered a wide range of perspectives and information, including how the land is currently used, its history, and comments on the possible future uses and considerations for the different usage options.
Council would like to thank the community for their thoughts and input on this matter. Given the level of community feedback analysis required, Council has made the unanimous decision to no longer consider the sale of the land.
Cr Jo Armstrong highlighted the significance of the community's feedback on the matter.
"We have had an overwhelming indication from the community that the proposed sale of this land is not desired by the community and by the neighbourhood," she said. "I believe that as the group of Councillors, as we stand today… we are responsible to make a decision in this Council term.
"Our community has very clearly indicated [that this land] is important to them to keep as open space."
Cr Gwenda Allgood also emphasised the significance of the park to the local community.
"This park is valued by our people, by our families, and by our children. It's really important that as a Council we listen to the people, and tonight we have listened."
