In council's ordinary meeting on Tuesday, March 23, councillors discussed the possibility of the preschool moving to an alternative site, still within the Moama Recreation Reserve.
Before reaching a decision, the new proposal was met with some concerns.
“I intend to vote yes on the matter, but the proximity to the water storage concerns me,” Cr Tom Weyrich said.
“I would hope there would be some sort of barrier between the two sites.”
Cr Gen Campbell shared the same concerns, also questioning the potential increased traffic in the area and whether the preschool committee had been consulted.
“I just think where it was is a better place,” she said.
But director of community and economic development John Harvie said these issues had been taken into consideration.
“The reason this proposal has come about is because some of the officers involved believe this is a much better site for the preschool given council has recently approved the residential subdivision immediately to the north,” he said.
“In terms of the traffic, Boyes St will be made and constructed by the time the preschool construction is completed.
“I also had the same concerns about the proximity to the water, but the council staff have assured me there will be 8ft cyclone fences and protection around that dam area.
“The other reason for moving the site is that the NSW Crown Lands rejected our initial proposal for the site because they were concerned we were taking up a fair bit of the recreation reserve, and we may not have sufficient rec reserve area to meet the future needs of Moama.”
Preschool committee president Allison Wright said the new plans would actually be better for the new kindergarten.
“While it would have been beautiful to be close to all the nature on the old site, it would have been a lot to maintain,” she said.
“It may be less land, but our plans for the building will still fit perfectly on this new block.
“And we already know what increased traffic looks like at our current site, so anything would be better than what we're dealing with now.
“We're more than happy with the new site.”
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Victoria Law Institute president visits Echuca lawyers in wake of COVID-19
Historical sale of local history a historic opportunity in time
John Pilgrim raises $5000 by shaving for a great cause in Echuca
16°C