THREE years ago, the City of Ballarat council resolved to sell the vacant lot which was previously Mount Helen Preschool at 14 and 16 Boak Avenue, Mount Helen.<\/p>\n
Having remained largely vacant since 2016, the land was deemed surplus by the City with the intention to sell it in 2018.<\/p>\n
Although no public submissions were received at the time of advertising the City\u2019s intentions to sell, objections have since been made regarding a planning application which proposes to remove 14 Boak Avenue\u2019s reserve status, consolidate it with adjoining block and remove the drainage easement.<\/p>\n
The City of Ballarat\u2019s community infrastructure support officer Katrina Baraquiel\u00a0said community members have requested that this planning should be reconsidered and\u00a0that the community should be consulted on its future use.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the submission process in December some community members made it clear that they would like further consideration about the future of the site before a decision was made,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe engagement process provides an opportunity to determine the scale and breadth of community opinion about the site.\u201d<\/p>\n
As per the decision by the City of Ballarat council, prior to making a decision on the future of the land, both in person and online community consultation processes are to be completed and feedback is to be considered by councillors.<\/p>\n
Ms Baraquiel\u00a0said that although they have already received 32 survey responses from residents so far, many have noted they encouraging others to fill out the form.<\/p>\n
\u201cFive–hundred and seventy-five postcards were dropped in letter boxes to\u00a0ask Mount Helen residents about their ideas for the site and their use of existing community infrastructure in Mount Helen,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity feedback will be collated in a report to be submitted to the councillors for decision in\u00a0a future\u00a0council meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFindings of the engagement will be considered in identifying possible options for the site, taking into account whole of life costs and potential community outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n