SEASPRAY’S recreation reserve redevelopment remains on track for an early 2013 finish, with the relocation of the memorial gates to possibly begin next week.
Initial moves to relocate the memorial gates and supporting pillars erected to commemorate the work of the “Father of Seaspray”, James McLachlan MLA had a number of the town’s residents up in arms.
A small group of protesters gathered at the gates on May 17, preventing the Seaspray Reserve Committee of Management contractors from removing the gates for restoration and relocation.
Redevelopment plans for the town’s recreation reserve to incorporate a new caravan park had included the relocation and refurbishment of the memorial gates, but the protest resulted in the management committee offering the responsibility for the preservation of the gates to the community’s ratepayers association.
Consequently the Seaspray Ratepayers Association held a public vote on Saturday, June 2 with a majority voting for the removal, relocation and restoration of the gates.
Reserve Committee of Management treasurer and acting secretary Diana Teo said the gates had yet to be moved because of the recent wet weather.
“The decision was made to move it and there was no set time for the gates to be moved,” she said.
“I have been in touch with the project manager and with the wet weather the contractor didn’t want to take risks.
“It just wasn’t practical (to move the gates).
“They should be moved some time in the next week unless we get wet weather again and they will be 10 times better than they ever were.”
Ms Teo said the project was on track to be completed early next year.
“The project is well underway and more than $2 million has been spent,” she said.
“The final tendering for the above ground buildings have gone out.
“It is on time and on track to be completed early next year.”
