FIVE Campaspe Shire councillors have stood by their decision to turn down $3 million in Regional Development Victoria funding for Echuca’s Aquatic Reserve.
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The Echuca Entertainment Precinct came before council at the June meeting where councillors Vicki Neele, Kristen Munro, Adrian Weston, Annie Vickers and John Zobec voted against progressing a detailed design plan for Aquatic Reserve and a business case for the Echuca Entertainment Precinct, which included the wharf, Onion Patch and Aquatic Reserve.
Councillors officially snubbed the Victorian Government cash injection at tonight’s council meeting, voting against a rescission motion from Cr Daniel Mackrell, supported by Neil Pankhurst, Leanne Pentreath and Leigh Wilson.
Meaning Aquatic Reserve will stay as it is, with council only allowing work to the levee bank, pedestrian access, addressing water quality and managing trees at the reserve.
Councillors also endorsed paying out any contractual obligations associated with the business case and detailed design works, reimburse any grant funds if requested by RDV, to not support further development of the Wharf Cargo Shed or Railway Carriage and any partially or completed business case not be used to seek funding for same.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said he was extremely disappointed that councillors have rejected the opportunity to develop the reserve into something that will enhance the opportunities to attract events and tourists to Echuca post COVID-19.
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