Concerns about the location of Goughs Bay’s new toddler playground resurfaced at Mansfield Shire Council’s most recent meeting on Tuesday, 23 September with residents again questioning both the consultation and the site selection.

In late June/early July, letters to the editor from local residents Gail Hart and Ian Nelson criticised council’s process, saying the results of the Engage Mansfield poll were effectively set aside after a small number of objections.

They argued a subsequent CEO-led site walk produced a third Lake Valley Drive location without another community vote, eroding confidence and leaving some residents confused and frustrated.

The playground was initially pitched as a feel-good project, “a much-needed dedicated and safe space fostering social connection among families and promoting active, healthy play,” Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said at the time — yet ongoing debate about the site appears to have somewhat subdued this feeling.

Consultation initially tested two sites — next to Bayside Boulevard (by the BBQ shelter) and on Lake Valley Drive (near Anchorage Way) — with 279 responses favouring Lake Valley Drive (175 to 104).

However, after a 31 May site walk, the playground was shifted to a third position further along Lake Valley Drive (away from the lake access point), which was formally endorsed on 19 September 2025.

Resident Richard Heath echoed the concerns of Ms Hart and Mr Nelson, saying most locals preferred the first Lake Valley Drive site, which was voted for by the majority of the community (unlike the new site) and argues it was set aside after objections from only a small number of residents.

He said the on-ground site walk felt ad hoc and left people feeling unheard, and argued view impacts should not be determinative in planning.

He also raised safety and amenity issues at the newly proposed location, including the embankment, sightlines, parking pressure and proximity to nearby homes.

At the most recent council meeting, Mr Heath and his wife, Donna, lodged public questions on the matter.

“Land zoning in Goughs Bay opposite properties 9–13 Lake Valley Drive is public park and recreation; does council have plans to rezone to stop construction of any type?” Mr Heath asked.

Council said there are currently no plans to rezone this land.

Mr Heath continued: “In the council report related to the Goughs Bay playground, why has it not been noted for council consideration that a resident offered to erect a playground fence for free around the community’s chosen spot?”

Council said the offer for the fence at the initial site was welcomed by council officers.

"However, it preceded the final site selection and did not address other concerns raised by community members, as discussed at the site walk," Mayor Cr Steve Rabie responded.

Donna Heath queried the consultation process, noting that the CEO acknowledged that the community consultation process did not follow council’s standard practice.

"Did further engagement processes take place as a result?” she asked.

Council said they focus on transparent community consultation.

“In this case, council officers did not send letters to those who lived near the playground, which would be considered standard process," Cr Bonnie Clark responded on behalf of council.

“At the time it became evident there was division in the community about where the playground should be located.

“For these reasons, council took a lead role in facilitating the consultation process to better understand issues and concerns being raised by community members.”

Public consultation on the project has since concluded.

Feedback lodged through council’s engagement page called for shade over equipment, full fencing given the site’s proximity to traffic and the lake, seating and picnic facilities, and additional play elements for older children, alongside questions about proximity to toilets.

The Goughs Bay Area Progress Association (GBAPA) partnered with council on the proposal.

Mr Heath said the consultation phase contributed to division within the association.

Recent correspondence provided to the Courier indicates GBAPA is now focused on moving past the disagreement so the project can proceed.

Mr Heath asked whether councillors would revisit the location given a planning permit — and therefore planning notification — is not required.

“Council has decided on an appropriate location which considers community feedback, as well as a range of other factors such as safety, proximity to the water, traffic, views, accessibility to visitors, natural shade, and other infrastructure and attractions in the area," said Cr Clark.

“The notification process required as part of the planning scheme is not required in this instance, as noted in the question.

“While a planning permit isn’t required, the requirement to notify the community under the planning scheme is not the only reason council engages and consults with the community in accordance with its policy.”

Construction on the new playground has not yet begun.