Jaycee Park is set to be informed by a Kyabram Structure Plan after officers found the scope of the project was larger than initially expected. Photo: Jordan Townrow.
Debate over Kyabram’s Jaycee Park has laid bare a growing divide in Campaspe Shire Council between those demanding immediate action for local families and those asking for patience for long-term strategic planning.
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A motion at Campaspe Shire’s July meeting asked council to endorse additional strategic planning, including the development of a Kyabram Structure Plan, to inform the Jaycee Park masterplan.
It also supported the investigation into delivering some immediate community needs in the meantime at the Jaycee Park site.
Officers reasoned there was “insufficient understanding” of the full range, scale and type of community facilities needed to support Kyabram.
“Without this comprehensive assessment, there is a risk that decisions made through the draft masterplan may not align with longer-term community infrastructure requirements, including on key council-owned sites,” the report said.
Before councillors could vote on this motion, Cr John Zobec put forward an amended and more detailed version which he said “affirmed the direction” and informed community needs.
The amended motion sought greater certainty around timing, calling for the project to be made a council priority in the 2026-27 financial year, and for the Regional Parks masterplan to be developed independently, without influencing or undermining the Jaycee Park masterplan.
The motion also called for detailed designs and delivery plans for a range of practical, family-friendly improvements, including accessible play equipment, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, shade structures, drinking fountains and landscaping.
When the amendment was put to the vote, it was voted down 5-4, with opposer Cr Paul Jarman arguing that projects of Jaycee Park’s size take time to come to fruition.
“I think we’ve all been here long enough to know that a project like this takes time,” he said.
“To demand it in the coming year … with the capital that’s requested to do this project without knowing the location (is) just fundamentally flawed.
“There (are) other communities besides Kyabram that are also looking for things, and this is an example where we have to work as a group of nine councillors to work together and to take our time.”
Cr Rob Amos argued the original motion already addressed the amended motion about some assets being renewed alongside the development of the masterplan.
Cr Tony Marwood criticised the motion’s request for it to be a priority project for 2026-27.
“We’ve just gone though a six-month budget consultation and we’ve had ample opportunities to discuss this,” he said.
“I wonder (what project) misses out if this gets up?”
Supporters of the amended motion argued the project had already been in development for years, with councillors having participated in briefings and budget discussions, and the amendment was simply a way of locking in a clear timeline.
Cr John Zobec put forward an amended version of the Jaycee Park motion, which provided further timeline clarity for the project.
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Campaspe Shire Council
Cr Zobec said it was “a little bit offensive” that it was thought Jaycee Park hadn’t been brought up in budget briefings.
“This discussion has been going on for over eight years,” he said.
“The purpose for Jaycee Park is for the health and wellbeing of the community, for families to play and enjoy their time with their children.
“(The plan) doesn’t state it must be built there … it talks about an upgrade for the moment, so that (the park) isn’t stuck in the 1950s.”
Cr Jessica Mitchell said the motion “reflects lost trust” in council.
“Residents participated in (community consultation) in good faith. They want a modern playground, improved accessibility and a park that meets the needs of local families,” she said.
“If we now call (off) that work because another planning process has commenced, we risk undermining confidence in our consultation processes.
“It is important to remember that this is not a new project — this is the renewal of an existing playground that has reached the point where a replacement is needed.
“Asset renewal is one of council’s core responsibilities and the discussion about the future regional park is a separate strategic opportunity that builds on that responsibility rather than replacing it.”
After the amended motion failed, councillors moved to vote on the original motion, with most returning to similar arguments from the earlier debate, this time speaking in favour.
Councillors Jarman and Amos noted the project would take some time, similar to other projects that had been completed across the shire.
“These things do take time, and when they’re put in place, their lifespan is 50 years — they last a very long time, so it’s important not to rush them,” Cr Amos said.
Cr Zobec criticised the motion’s lack of timeline clarity, while Cr Mitchell, although supporting the motion, cautioned that it could “unintentionally” be perceived as delaying the playground renewal while the broader strategic work was completed.
When put to the vote, it passed unanimously.
Jaycee Park masterplan will now be informed by a strategic plan which has yet to be developed. However, council has committed to investigating and delivering immediate needs of the community in the Jaycee Park vicinity while the full scope of the masterplan comes to fruition.
