Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland
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PAGES 18-22
The Great Southern
Star
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
Page 3.
C48 breakthrough
You’re never too young Sunny disposition: Inverloch’s Sunny Cousens is not yet two, but that hasn’t stopped her taking to the surf with the Bass Coast Boardriders. The club is less about competing than teaching kids about water safety and the fun to be had hanging ten. Sunny was strutting her stuff at the Inverloch Surf Beach on Sunday.
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PUBLISHED TUESDAY 60 PAGES
Sport.
Horse power
Battle ground By Chris Brown THE battle has begun for one of the most valuable pieces of land in Leongatha. The primary school is due to move at the start of next year, likely leaving 2.91 hectares available in the middle of town. Some local identities are suggesting the community rally to have the land converted into a recreation facility. Others believe it is suitable for housing. Frank Dekker is the secretary of the Leongatha Recreation Reserve, tennis club president and golf club secretary. “I definitely think the land should be put towards recreational facilities for the town, whether that is another football oval or a soccer field,” he said. “Some of the established trees could be incorporated into a park type of setting and if the levels of the ground were suitable it could be the new home for the Leongatha Little Athletics club.” Mr Dekker said the Leongatha Recreation Reserve was becoming crowded. “There is a definite need for another cricket ground within the area,” he said.
“This seems like the ideal place to have these sorts of recreational facilities.” Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Darryl McGannon said community consultation, particularly with residents living near the site would be important. “I would expect the land should be used for either a residential or recreational facility,” he said. “If there are sporting clubs out there trying to relocate, it might give them options.” Leongatha Progress Association president Mick Flynn said the community should be given the opportunity to have a say on the final decision for the site.
Leongatha Primary School principal Rob Higgins said it is anticipated students will start at the new site in 2011. Slabs have been poured for the Grade 3/4 classrooms, gym and the shared library. Mr Higgins said there had been a brief delay as builders waited for the delivery of steel works. Mr Higgins is frequently asked about what the primary school site will become. “I would like encourage discussions with the community and South Gippsland Shire about what recreation and business space we have in town and what this could be used for,” he said. Continued on page 8.
Opportunity: the Leongatha Primary School will move in 2011, paving the way for development at the present site on Horn Street.