Tuross Head resident Stephen Radovanovich on Saturday, November 11 erected a sign imploring Eurobodalla Shire Council not to sell the block next door to his property.
The sign was removed two days later by the council on Monday afternoon.
Tuross Head Lot 277 is one of 20 unused blocks that the council is proposing to sell to raise funds to improve recreational facilities around the Shire.
His sign before being removed read; “Cry from Norfolk Pines… Have mercy shire… Do not cut my life, I only give a beautiful, relaxing sight for everyone walking past”.
Mr Radovanovich has also been protesting outside the council chambers and has contacted State and Federal members and many others to express his opposition to the land sale.
He and his wife have lived on the corner of Beach Street and Tuross Boulevard opposite the block for 20 years. Back in 2010 he wrote to the council opposing any sale after hearing rumours it was going to be listed. But said he did not hear back from the council.
Then in 2016 he met with then mayor Lindsay Brown to again express any opposition to any sale.
“I am going to keep fighting and want time to present council with a petition,” Mr Radovanovich. “I am also going to seek legal aid and have written another letter to Andrew Constance and Ann Sudmalis.”
Earlier this month after his protests at the council building, he was granted a meeting with the council general manager and other representatives but nothing said at the meeting put his mind to rest.
The council spokesperson confirmed this block at Tuross Head was being processed for sale and was zoned residential, so whoever bought it will need to submit a development application to build on it.
The 20 residential blocks in question are being processed for sale, as authorised by the councillors in February 2015.
A council spokesperson said the properties were identified as surplus to needs and the funds from sale were generally reinvested in capital works to improve recreational facilities in the Shire, such as play equipment or picnic facilities.
Community engagement took place in 2010 with the Recreation and Open Space Strategy and then in 2012 when the relevant land parcels were reclassified as operational land, the spokesperson said.
Other lots listed include: Lot 38 DP 7188667, Train Street, Broulee; (b) Lot 1 DP 240467, Station Street, Central Tilba; (c) Lot 1 DP 1151341, Goolara Avenue, Dalmeny; (d) Lot 21 DP 825840, Chisholm Place, Narooma.
Find out more about the blocks for sale:
Additionally, the draft 2017 Recreation and Open Space Strategy indicates the following land to be investigated for potential sale. As above, funds from any potential sale would be reinvested in the shire’s recreational facilities.
- P 55 M11 – Lot 84, DP259212 - Village Road, Durras
- P105 M33 – Lot 74 DP776541 - 9 Moir Place Broulee
The good news for Narooma residents is that Walker Park on McMillan Road will not be sold and it being listed in the draft Recreation and Open Space Strategy as for sale was incorrect.
The spokesperson said the recommendation to sell this community asset would not be included in the final document. The council’s website has been updated with the correction.
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
