The debate surrounding the future of Jaycee Park is set to reignite on Tuesday, August 4, as Campaspe Shire Council convenes for an unscheduled meeting to consider a motion of rescission.
The meeting follows the council’s July 21 decision, which linked the Jaycee Park masterplan to an undeveloped strategic plan.
The original July decision passed despite a failed 5-4 vote against an amended motion that sought to gain more certainty around timing, prioritise the park’s renewal in the 2026-27 financial year and for the Regional Parks masterplan to be developed independently, without influencing or undermining the Jaycee Park masterplan.
Cr Jessica Mitchell, endorsed by Crs John Zobec and Adrian Weston, proposed the motion of rescission, arguing council failed to deliberate on a valid motion that addressed community needs and timelines while still aligning with long-term planning.
Breakdown of the notice
The notice claims council rushed the decision instead of allowing time for a full deliberation.
Councillors said they lacked time to consider the proposed motion, but failed to use procedure to suspend orders or adjourn the meeting to fix this.
Councillors said refusing to consider the motion under a “no surprises” policy breached council standards for balanced, ethical and impartial decision-making.
Councillors said the rejected motion aligned with planning goals and funded the playground renewal in the 2026-27 budget using existing capital works allocations.
The notice calls it illogical for the mayor to praise the proposal’s community benefits yet vote against it based on its “surprise” entry.
Councillors said dismissing the motion without proper consideration breached provisions of the Local Government Act 2020 relating to decision-making transparency and prioritising community outcomes.
If the motion is successfully passed, the decision made at the July 21 council meeting will be rescinded.
The unscheduled meeting will take place at 4.30pm on Tuesday at the Echuca Civic Centre and will be livestreamed to the public.
