A decision to replace a reserve committee with a state government-appointed panel has angered Blackwood residents.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is seeking nominations for up to nine members to oversee Blackwood’s reserves.
Blackwood is home to seven of Moorabool’s 30 government-owned reserves, including the mineral springs, caravan park, Mechanics Hall and sports ground.
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The department overturned a public election held in July last year when nine members were elected by the Blackwood community.
Resident Brendan Hehir, who served on the committee for 18 years, said people with local knowledge should continue to manage the reserves.
‘‘The new system has been a failure, purely on numbers, because we went from a traditional community election where nine nominees were voted in, and that was overturned without our knowledge,” he said.
“All the nine nominees have stood together on this. We’ve sent off letters … saying we’re unhappy and asking for the reason why, which we’ve never been given,” he said.
A department spokeswoman attributed ‘‘widespread community interest’’ in membership of the new committee as the reason for the change.
“Skills-based committees are formed where there are significant reserves which require particular skills to manage them and where there is a high level of community interest,” she said.
“This process allows DEPI to confirm the necessary skills, experience and knowledge of the nominated applicants.”
She said all previously nominated members had received a written invitation encouraging them to reapply. Expressions of interest close on June 20.
» Call 5336 6834 or email daniel.mcmahon@depi.vic.gov.au
