Young is a step closer to seeing progress in the development of Blackguard Gully reserve.
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A motion put forward by councillor Wendy Tuckerman to begin stage one works was carried at the Hilltops Council meeting at Harden on April 17, despite recommendations to defer the project and reallocate funding.
It was recommended that council reallocates $500,000 through the Stronger Communities Fund for Blackguard Gully to the Young Aquatic Centre project which is facing a $400k to $500k funding shortfall, according to a report prepared for councillors.
Councillor Tuckerman said the project should remain on track to be completed, with stage one works including the addition of toilet facilities, parking and pathways in the area.
"This master plan has been put through community consultation. If we defer the funding I can't see anything happening in the future because of other pressing matters," councillor Tuckerman said.
"We've been out to community consultation, the community are responsive to the plan and to seeing something happening in this area. I really endorse the motion."
Councillor Marg Roles agreed, labeling the condition of Blackguard Gully a "disgrace" after she recently visited the area, which is one of three state heritage listed sites in Young.
"I think as an entrance to Young it's a total disgrace," she said.
"Even by doing the paths and putting the facilities there it's putting us on the right path to maintaining and bringing back to life an area that is most important to the heritage and cultural heritage of this area."
Mayor Brian Ingram said council would be better off reallocating the funding.
"Stage one consists of building some gravel paths and a toilet block in the Blackguard Gully area. I feel to spend that money on that project to achieve so little wouldn't be the best spent of council's money," councillor Brian Ingram said.
Councillor Tony Flanery also spoke against the motion, however he wanted to see the funding put towards completing council's Burrangong Creek project.
Councillor John Walker endorsed councillor Tuckerman's resolution, saying Blackguard Gully has huge cultural and economic benefits for the whole Hilltops region.
Council received two submissions during the time the plan was on display to the public. Both submissions were acknowledged at the recent meeting, however council made no amendments to the plan.
Stage one work on the development of Blackguard Gully is set to begin in 2019, according to the plan.
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