Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board members considered two requests for beautification projects at the town’s Market Reserve, during their meeting on Wednesday.
The Clutha District Council has begun installation of a recycled two-stall toilet at the State Highway 8 reserve, which serves as a carpark and freedom camping site for the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail.
The Lawrence Creative Arts group contacted the board to request discussion of a mural for the exterior of the toilet.
In addition, Lawrence resident Simone Budge requested the board fund removal of tree stumps at the reserve, and consider supporting landscaping, in an effort to further beautify the area.
Member Lindy Chinnery said she was not in favour of the mural idea as she did "not like murals".
Fellow board member Roger Cotton said feedback he had canvassed from the community backed Ms Chinnery’s stance.
Other board members said the group should put forward concrete proposals before any decision was made.
Cr Jock Martin suggested the board should request design concepts.
"We have a willing party here in the community, wanting to add value, and I believe we should allow them to move forward."
His proposal was approved with three votes; two members abstained.
In a formal application for $2205 of funding from the board-administered Kate Leslie Fund, Mrs Budge requested the board support removal of tree stumps and extension of "very unloved" garden beds at the reserve.
"[These] changes would make a major impact and bring two high-traffic [town] entrance points into better aesthetic alignment," her application said.
Ms Chinnery said the tree-stump removal could be achieved more economically through a service request to the council.
"Once that’s done, then we could consider any further beautification," she said.
Board members voted not to support the funding request.
