Kiama MP Gareth Ward has savaged the Shoalhaven City Council over the "lack of action" in cleaning up the Depot Farm picnic area at West Nowra, labelling the rubbish at the site as "emblematic" of the council.
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Mr Ward's criticisms come after the Ward One Shoalhaven City Council candidates gave him a tour of the area on Wednesday morning, April 14.
"You're greeted by a clapped out vehicle as soon as you walk into the area which has been here for quite some time," said Mr Ward.
"In fact, this vehicle is emblematic of Shoalhaven City Council, it's been upside down for a number of years and it's had it and we need a renovation of reserves like this and of Shoalhaven City Council.
"This area is simply not good enough and I hope they clean it up."
The team of new candidates, led by North Nowra vocational education trainer Serena Copley, will be running for ward one in the September Shoalhaven City Council election.
First on the team's agenda is cleaning up Depot Farm which has long been an "eyesore" in West Nowra.
"I don't really see it as that complex of a task to get a truck and lift the car out. Then we can start looking at some beautification for residents and locals," said Ms Copley.
"It's part of an iconic walk from Ben's Walk and if we're going to advertise these areas as being usable, then I think that should be reflected in the state of the park.
"We're not asking for mega infrastructure, but some seating and tables perhaps and the noxious weeds removed so that at a minimum people can enjoy the open space."
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Asked where Mr Ward thinks the money to remove the abandoned car from the site will come from, he responded "from rates, and there's also a whole range of opportunities for councils to apply for grants for open spaces."
"I think ratepayers would expect parks to be kept to a certain standard.
"I've spoken before in relation to Shoalhaven City Council for not applying for money that exists, so I'm pleased that Serena has drawn this to my attention because it is another example of councils bad management."
Mr Ward also said the area, which is susceptible to flooding, should not be an issue for trucks to come in and remove the rubbish.
"I think the weather has been around a lot longer than Shoalhaven City Council," he said.
"I had weather issues to deal with when I was Deputy Mayor and we made sure that when there were warmer seasons that the grass grew quicker and we had people on the ground maintaining parks and reserves."
Mr Ward extended his thanks to the candidates.
"I just want to thank Serena Copley, Francoise Sikora and Leonard White for drawing this to my attention. West Nowra is an area that is growing," he said.
"We have a lot of young families that are moving here and we actually need more public spaces."
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