THE deteriorating state of the old stage in Bicentennial Park wasn't justification for demolition, one councillor has said.
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Glenn Inglis has criticised the decision to tear down the stage, named in honour of former mayor Norman McKellar, and said there wasn't adequate consultation on the demolition.
The stage was torn-down two weeks ago after council staff cited it had become an issue of public health and safety.
To justify the demolition of a piece of infrastructure because we've failed to keep it in good order, that's not a reason for me.
- Glenn Inglis
A new permanent stage for Bicentennial Park was endorsed as part of the council's 2018-2023 cultural plan, but it is unclear how much has been set aside in the budget for the project or when it would be delivered.
Cr Inglis said he was "personally disappointed" in the cost of the McKellar stage demolition and the fact a replacement hadn't yet been sorted.
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"To justify the demolition of a piece of infrastructure because we've failed to keep it in good order, that's not a reason for me," Cr Inglis said.
"I don't think adequate consultation has occurred to demolish."
He said the stage was going to be missed.
It doesn't appear likely the council will be replacing the stage within the next 12 months, with the recently endorsed budget setting aside $168,000 for asset renewals across all of the community park-lands.
During discussions around the council's latest cultural plan, questions were raised about the long-term viability of the McKellar stage as well as concerns about it being a hub for anti-social behavior.
However, councillors were concerned building a new state-of-the-art facility would suck potential funding away from the proposed performing arts centre in the CBD.
The council's manager of sports and recreation, Paul Kelly, said there had been a significant deterioration of the old stage due to vandalism and its age.
It was built in 1988.
"While there has been some repair work done, recent inspections have revealed there is a need to demolish it as a matter of public health and safety," he said.
The council is currently reviewing its Bicentennial Park masterplan for the first time since 2009 which is expected to include new water features after one fountain was filled in this year.