Representatives of the Milton community spoke to the Clutha District Council’s public forum during the council’s full meeting in Balclutha yesterday, explaining their concerns in detail.
The ensuing debate stretched standing orders on occasion, moving Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan to issue cautionary statements to Milton resident and speaker Ray Powell.
The cabins have proven controversial during recent weeks, after a groundswell of public opinion questioning the placement of what will be an eventual 10 cabins on about one-third of the park’s green space, adjoining the existing council campground.
Yesterday, Mr Powell reiterated those concerns, and raised further questions regarding the council’s targeted users of the cabins.
He said council staff had indicated the cabins would not be serviced, and were targeted towards "vulnerable people" and casual workers.
In early council documentation regarding the cabins, they were described as "temporary worker accommodation".
"We want to keep it as a family park for children to play. You’re talking about putting vulnerable people or casual workers here.
"If you’re cycling through on the trail and stop at the cabins and find yourself surrounded by Winz people ... You’re not going to be too pleased, are you?" Mr Powell said.
Mr Cadogan cautioned Mr Powell regarding any negative characterisation of potential users of the campground, and said the cabins were intended for public use.
Chief executive Steve Hill said the council was yet to make a final decision regarding servicing the cabins, as consultation on a full reserve management plan was still under way.
Regarding the cabins’ positioning, residents had assumed it was a "no-brainer" to build around the campsite’s edge, Mr Powell said.
Mr Cadogan indicated discussions were under way with Milton Fire Brigade regarding the possible repositioning of some of the cabins.
However, he said he did not wish to predetermine the outcome of those discussions.
