The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has sought to reassure residents adjoining to Riverslea’s a lot cherished Farmhouse Park after an overhaul of the location stirred alarm final week.
Uproar at elimination of lawns and enlargement of planted areas shortly led to a petition attracting dozens of signatures earlier than an pressing assembly brokered a peace deal.
Concerns had been sparked when Shire backyard crews began the overhaul to broaden beds and embrace stone fruit bushes, however at the price of among the lawns beloved by kids and households in surrounding streets.
Shire works supervisor James Taylor stated among the present bushes had been in poor situation.
“For a project of this size, we don’t normally undertake a public consultation although we will be engaging with the community to help select the fruit trees to be planted,” he stated.
“We expect the project to be completed by spring.
“The amount of lawn will be reduced by 12 per cent, but there will still be plenty of space for children to run around or kick a footy.”
Residents took to social media as the primary works unfurled, voicing complaints on the obvious scale of the garden elimination and criticising the Shire for not managing the gardens higher and encroaching on the place homeowners exercised canines.
“Personally we love the open spaces for our children to run around and kick balls,” neighbour Tegan Simmonds stated.
“Lots of people utilise it for a dog exercise area too. There’s already beautiful gardens. Leave the lawn.”
Affected resident Joe Burton shortly launched a petition to fight the venture that began catching residents unawares.
But Mr Burton then entered talks with the native authorities, who he informed the Times had been “extremely helpful”.
“We have come to a mutual agreement,” he stated.
The Shire later put out a press release saying it had met with involved residents to allay considerations.
“We’ve met with several local residents this morning to get their feedback and will accommodate their suggestions where possible,” Mr Taylor stated.
“We’ll also be engaging with the local community about the types of fruit trees we intend to plant in coming weeks.”
The majority of the venture was anticipated to complete by the top of April, with planting throughout winter.
https://thewest.com.au/news/augusta-margaret-river-times/residents-appeased-by-shire-of-augusta-margaret-river-upgrade-to-riversleas-farmhouse-park-c-14102378
