By BEN CAMERON
A PLANNED community and recreation precint set to be built four kilometres out of Lang Lang would be detrimental to the town, according to the local show society.
Lang Lang Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association president Stephen Kent said council’s dealings with the Community Bank – who gifted the 36 acre parcel of unused farmland, bordered by Soldiers Road to the east and Caldermeade Road to the north, for the precint – were “covert”.
The Lang Lang community has begun sharing their ideas on council’s Project Lead on how the precint might look, and will form the basis of a masterplan.
However, Mr Kent said the association should have been consulted before a location was announced.
“We were not consulted at any stage whatsoever as to the concept or the location that has been thrust upon the town,” he said.
In a letter to Member for Bass Brian Paynter, Mr Kent said council should strongly consider selling the gifted land and “do whatever it takes to acquire enough land adjacent to the showgrounds”.
“It sounds fantastic on the surface,” he said.
“It’s a dictatorship, it’s not been a proper process. It’s been poorly thought out and planned.
“It’s like being offered a new house, and then finding out that house is next door to a railway station.”
He also had concerns with the precint being built four kilometres out of town in Caldermeade.
“It is our view that the location is detrimental to the town, and was decided in a covert way without community input or alternatives being openly discussed,” he said.
“We believe the benefits may be realised by property developers and land speculators surrounding the showgrounds, who plan to build houses adjacent to the grounds, rather than the general community.
“The elderly and children need something within walking distance.”
The current recreation reserve in Lang Lang is owned and operated by the Lang Lang show society and is made available to local sporting groups.
Community Bank chairman Michael Duff said the mixed use of the reserve was becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
Port Ward Councillor Graeme Moore said the project would deliver a host of local and regional benefits including playing fields and facilities for local sports teams, recreation trails for walking and bike riding.
“Our first priority following this announcement is to now consult with community groups to develop a masterplan for the site,” he said.
“This will provide a blueprint for future development and will ensure that what is provided meets community need and expectation.”
Funding for the project will be sought from all three levels of government and community partners.
