Building a wall

JUST to set the record straight, it was claimed (News, 12 May) that the rebound wall funding for the park in Elizabeth Street Cranbourne North was initially knocked back.
Yeah I could not secure money, or source any unused or excess funds on the quiet, from staff department budgets to finance the $30,000-plus needed to construct the wall, so I followed protocol and correct procedure, and put the request to council.
I was unanimously supported and subsequently referred to the mid year budget review. Council elections soon prevailed and a new council elected.
It was the new council that allowed funding for the rebound wall to be relegated to some shelf, in some staff member’s office to collect dust.
On reading the announcement in the local press, that funding had been put on hold, I joined locals in lobbying council to reinstate it.
Of course the politics of my involvement was sure to embarrass council and councillors to rethink the decision, and subsequently funding was reinstated and the wall built.
Years later, and countless press articles generated by council on the wall, the truth is this same rebound wall appears to be the only infrastructure delivered to Cranbourne North residents, and that is a disgrace.
The annual budget is over $200 million, with many Cranbourne North households paying well over a $1000 annually in rates.
Oh, by the way, the wall, for a few dollars more could have incorporated a half court basketball court, and should have been built so it did not face the road, ensuring kids could not congregate behind it, out of sight of passing traffic, and police.
Going back all those years ago when the wall was first raised, I admit I found it to be a little embarrassing that kids were so bored they were lobbying council for park improvements.
In defence, the previous council had become swamped delivering major projects such as the $37.5 million Cranbourne pool and in trying to attract major industry down south.
Steve Beardon,
Cranbourne.