Shire of Yarra Ranges Mayor Tim Heenan campaigns for yet another site for the proposed Mt Evelyn Skate Park. 23978
By Tania Martin
MT EVELYN skaters are hoping that the sixth time will be the charm.
This comes in the wake of the Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan continuing the fight to find a suitable location for the town’s skate park.
Cr Heenan is hoping the latest and sixth site will finally meet approval.
The land owned by VicRoads is located off Hereford Road next to the town’s service station.
Cr Heenan said it was the perfect site for the park as the land was vacant.
This follows a decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in August to reject the fifth proposed site in almost eight years.
The council originally approved the application, but near-by residents lodged an appeal saying the proposed park wasn’t appropriate as it was in close proximity to a residential area.
Residents also claimed the park would see an increase in alcohol consumption, drug abuse, graffiti and vandalism.
VCAT agreed it was the wrong location, but failed to see the link between a skate park and drug abuse.
Cr Heenan told the Mail at the time he would not give up hope of finding the perfect spot.
The council will now have to approach VicRoads for approval before proceeding with community consultation.
