‘We’re not going to stop’: Murray River Council residents protest land reclassification

There were around 130 attendees, including residents, three councillors and Mayor Frank Crawley.

Residents believe Winbi Park is a valuable community asset, frequently visited by native animals such as kangaroos.

“If we as ratepayers allow this ... Moama will never be the same,” Ms Egan said.

“This urban green space that we’ve got here is crucial for our wildlife and our native habitat. This park is regularly visited by wildlife, kangaroos — we see them all the time.

“It’s just a beautiful space.”

Mr McGrath emphasised the importance parks had to the community, and thanked residents for supporting the cause.

“We look after it, we respect it,” he said.

“The council has looked after it, it looks amazing at the moment.

“Let’s hope from today something comes of it ... it’s not just us, there are other parks we are worried about as well.

“(We) really appreciate your support, it’s been fantastic.”

A petition was created for attendees to sign, and it will be put forward at the next council meeting.

Cr Crawley fielded questions from the crowd about why council was proposing to reclassify the land and how it chose the sites.

He explained that a thorough process was undertaken to find sites deemed ‘surplus’ to council, but it was still in the community consultation stage.

“We’re in the very preliminary stages of it all, council is not absolutely totally committed on selling every block of land,” Cr Crawley said.

“The idea is to listen to you now. It’s an ongoing issue for all councils to balance their budgets and reduce the impact on ratepayers.

“That’s how this has come about and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Cr Crawley emphasised that council was open to feedback and would take community submissions into account.

“If you put in your submission now ... that will go to a council meeting, and we will consider it,” he said.

“I can’t give you any guarantees, but certainly for the number of people that are here, that’s going to have an impact on council decision.”

Councillors Kron Nicholas, Tom Weyrich and Geoff Wise were also at Winbi Park answering questions from residents. Cr Nicholas and Cr Weyrich voted against the proposal at the May 28 council meeting, while Cr Wise was not in attendance.

Other parks in the proposal include Moama’s Highlands Park and Regent St Park, and Mathoura’s Soldier Memorial Gardens, which Cr Weyrich is encouraging residents to oppose.

Organisers and residents are firm in their opposition to the land reclassification.

“One thing that council should know is that we’re not going to stop,” Mr Boyd said.

“We’re going to try and stop every park being developed in Moama at least, and obviously, we’ll get on board with Tom because these green spaces are too important.

“With this support, it just shows that the community will get behind us.

“We will continue to keep rolling and keep going.”

Residents can contact council at admin@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au or get in touch with event organisers John McGrath at mcgrathjohn10@gmail.com or Oliver Boyd at oliver.boyd75@gmail.com