Just who owns McInherney Park?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That was one of the hurdles Port Macquarie-Hastings Council had to overcome when councillors were discussing a DA to demolish and replace the existing boat storage facility and amenities at the popular riverside area.
Sailability had applied to council for the project.
The not for profit organisation is volunteer-based and offers sailing to people of all abilities.
The works would include the demolition of the existing building and construction of a boat storage facility and public amenities, tree removal and road works.
Resident Elizabeth Williams spoke against the plan arguing against the positioning of the toilet facilities.
"The park is a well utilised area," she told the February council meeting.
"It is used through the week by seniors groups, Rotary, cycling club, triathlon club, dragonboaters and Sailability.
"Most weekends we see birthday celebrations and even a wedding.
"Throughout the day the park is used in some way or another by visitors and also residents.
"If these public toilets were to be open 24 hours, 365 days of the year, we (local residents) would have no privacy.
"The houses on the eastern side of the park would also be affected," she said.
Ms Williams said she did not believe that the toilet entrances should face residential houses.
They should face the river, she said.
Ms Williams said residents also objected to the loss of trees and grassed area.
"To lose these trees would be a disservice to the community," she said.
"The only acceptable solution is to move the toilet block to face the river. That would make a significant difference to the people who live near the park."
Sailability's Wayne Evans said the group provided a service in the community that has increased beyond our expectations.
"We are here as creatures of our success," he said.
We are here as creatures of our success.
- Wayne Evans
"In 2019 we must keep abreast of the amenities that the community requires.
"The toilets that are there are inadequate and disgusting. They are a security risk.
"This has been confirmed by the chair of the DAP (council's development assessment panel)," Mr Evans said.
"There are nooks and crannies around there; local residents will not use them."
Mr Evans pointed out the existing facility did not have a disabled toilet.
He said Sailability intended to work with council to include a screen across the toilet facility in order to camouflage the entrance.
"We have looked to relocate the toilets to the northern end but that would be a problem for council but would mean extending the lines," he said.
Acting mayor Lisa Intemann said she understood community opposition to the proposal and to increasing activities at McInherney Park.
"But council has seen fit to focus on new activities down there over the years," she said.
"It is again a matter of balancing community interests.
"Having looked very closely at these reports, I am comfortable that we are doing the best we can down there," she said.
Cr Rob Turner enquired about ownership: "Let's get some clarity about ownership, once the work is completed."
But Cr Just Levido put that to rest: "This land is owned by council and was gifted to council by the McInherney family."
Council resolved that the works would go ahead with the facility and land tenure arrangements to be confirmed and reported back.
Cr Mike Cusato opposed the decision.
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.