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Council acts over Hiawatha Reserve in the interests of public safetyWellington Shire Council has taken action and removed the shelter at Hiawatha Reserve near Yarram, because of serious concerns about public safety in light of severe structural damage caused by vandals. By Wellington Shire Council - 15th March 2005 - Back to News Over the summer vandals removed parts of the roof and destroyed sections of the stone walls, rendering the structure unstable, unsafe and beyond repair.
Inspecting the site in the lead up to the Labour Day weekend, and taking on board the expected influx of visitors to Hiawatha Reserve and building advice, council officers decided there was no option but to demolish the structure to prevent possible injury.
The camping area and toilets are not affected and remain open.
The land that makes up the reserve is part privately owned, part owned by the council, and part crown land.
The council has been maintaining the Hiawatha Reserve by default over the last few years and is seeking a meeting with representatives from the Department of Sustainability and Environment in the near future to discuss the best way forward with the facility.
Said Wellington’s Chief Executive Officer, Lyndon Webb: "We’re particularly disappointed by the sort of mindless vandalism that left us with no alternative but to remove the shelter amenity. At the end of the day the safety of visitors is our top priority.
"If anyone has information about those responsible for vandalising the shelter we would encourage them to contact either the council or the police."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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