Boggabri open spaces plan on show

A draft master plan setting out future projects for open spaces between Vickery Park and Anzac Park in Boggabri has been placed on public exhibition.

Narrabri Shire Council has secured funding for three projects included in this plan.

Among the improvements include a Boggabri civic centre, incorporating a community hall and town library, as well as a Vickery Park splash pad and a shared pathway at Vickery Park.

The proposed civic centre would be located at the corner of Laidlaw and Caxton streets, and an early concept of the precinct has been included as part of the exhibition process.

The civic centre will be funded through council’s contributions plan. The plan includes a schedule of works identifying the projects within the shire that could be funded through development contributions.

Funding for the Vickery Park splash pad has been provided through round nine of the Resources for Regions program while the shared pathway was funded in round eight.

The master plan was endorsed unanimously by councillors at the December meeting. The plan will be placed on public display until February 15.

The motion to endorse the plan, and have a report returned to council following the exhibition period was moved by Cr Lisa Richardson and seconded by Cr Brett Dickinson.

Cr Richardson described the proposed improvements as a highly anticipated project for the Boggabri community.

The Boggabri-based councillor also voiced concerns with elements of the plan, including a lack of attention to detail.

“I am disappointed that the organisation and council didn’t meet with the community which was proposed at the start of the year,” Cr Richardson told the meeting.

“We need to be out there and have a planned meeting. I think it’s of great significance to the Boggabri community. We need to have it visual. We can’t just say ‘hey, go to the library check it out, it’s online’.

“I don’t think that’s sufficient enough for the community.”

Cr Richardson also queried when design elements of the proposed civic precinct would be available.

Responding to Cr Richardson’s queries, general manager Rob Williams said council would be in Boggabri on December 21 and on January 17.

“It was my impression that once the master plan was secured and we determine the footprint and that side of things, that a working group would be formed with members of the community to work through more details on that proposal,” Mr Williams said.

Cr Richardson voiced concern that the first session was being held with two days’ notice and asked if the January 17 meeting, to be held at the Boggabri Court House, could be heavily advertised. Cr Dickinson queried if toilet facilities would be included as part of the library/hall precinct.

Cr Rohan Boehm endorsed Cr Richardson’s concerns.

“I think the community has been let down a little on this front,” Cr Boehm said.

“I think there are some very active people who have had a lot of input into this. I think a much earlier consultation back to that community before we got to this stage would have been pretty useful.”

Cr Boehm called for the closure date for submissions to be extended from its planned February 1 date until later in the month.

This was later supported by Cr Richardson who suggested the date be pushed back until February 15.

Mr Williams said he would take the councillors’ comments on board.

“We will endeavour to make it a good process,” he said.

“At the end of the day, community participation is the key to making a successful outcome.

“Having the community have a say is more important than when we physically start.

“While we may not have got it perfect leading into the project, I’m hoping that we will deliver a project within the overall project timeframe with the appropriate level of community participation.

“We will be flexible in terms of community voice.”

A public meeting regarding the master plan will be held at the Boggabri Court House on January 17, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Council officers will also be available on site on the day from 2pm to talk to residents.