Boggabri residents have say on master plan

Narrabri Shire Council representatives almost outnumbered the Boggabri attendees at the second public meeting concerning the master plan for open spaces, however, attendees were happy to be able to speak to staff.

Community members have voiced their affirmations and concerns after attending one or both meetings, speaking to staff in the hours before and after these public meetings.

A few attendees felt that there was a strong push for the small hall and library as details were available as to what the new library could host and do, however, there wasn’t the same amount of detail available about the hall, large or small.

Some thought the children of Boggabri deserved a nice library space and that relocation of the library into the centre precinct was a great idea.

Most people agreed that the access to the library is not ideal, however, other factors were also at play like the communication of events.

A community member said, this is Boggabri’s only chance in getting a community space and it needs to be right.

“I believe that the council want to use part of the money to build a library, which should have been upgraded years ago, as they said during the meeting it didn’t meet standards, had no toilet facilities, so why haven’t they upgraded long before now?”

When asked if library hours of 12.5 hours per week, would increase the answer was no, not at this stage.

Numerous questions centred around how many the hall would seat at tables, as well as what the set up would be concerning stage, dance floor, storage, kitchen size, meeting/break out rooms, questions that were unable to be answered as staff say it will depend on the hall and library or just hall.

Community members have said council know the size and what will be included in the library why don’t they know what will be included in the hall. It was stated that the NSW Library would fund the fit-out in the library.

Numerous questions concerning the number of toilet and parking lots were asked. The situation was addressed by staff saying that there are Australian standards that would have to be met depending on the size of the buildings.

Others asked the question, why there is so much wasted space, couldn’t that space be utilised to make the hall bigger and still have the library.

Answers were that the cost would blow out and the council couldn’t afford to go ahead with both library and the hall. Money will only cover a small hall and library or just a large hall.

There was a survey last year to move the library to the Court House but that wasn’t accepted by the Boggabri community.

There were also suggestions that the open space could be used for overflow in numbers from the hall if a large event such as a wedding was held there. Just open the doors and use the outdoor space. A suggestion that was not agreed to by all with the extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter.

It was also suggested that market type stalls could be set up in the open space between the hall and the library and perhaps a pop-up café under the covered way.

Another suggestion was that a tourist information centre be placed in the precinct.

The new sheds at the showground were spoken about for the use of large gatherings but once again people said they didn’t want to go out of town with no public transport available.

How were they going to come and go from the venue, where as with the hall in town people could walk home or to accommodation venues.

Also included in the plan is the splash play, and pump track. The splash play has had funding for 12 months, however, the pump track is not included in that funding.

The comment was made that the park is well utilised and should be the centre of the universe.

Suggestions were that this plan would also flow into the main business area, where there are already beautiful murals. One lady said that she has seen the flow on from the ‘silo art’ and the business and interest it brings to the town, so maybe look at incorporating something along these lines.

One young fellow suggested that the walkways be curved.

Several people voiced their concerns that council will build the library and then there will not be enough money for anything else, stating that they have done that before.

Staff say that there are grants available to complement the current allocation, however, when asked about maintenance, that has not been included in the allocation, thus the hire of hall will need to cover maintenance.

This is not unusual for venues but explains why the hiring expenses are so expensive.

People were asking for timeframes. The question was asked four times without any answers.

Once a decision is made which option is chosen then the next level of planning will commence.

Councillor Lisa Richardson said she would hope that work will commence in 12 months.

Council require feedback by February 15, 2024. Feedback can be given via paper submission or online.

Numerous people said the hall should be the priority, Boggabri people want a community hall like other towns and villages.

They also want their town to be attractive to tourists with applicable and user-friendly facilities.