Public authorities will no longer maintain a significant portion of one of Millicent’s largest and oldest parks.

Apex Park was created around 60 years ago by volunteer members of the now-defunct, male-only service club as part of a town beautification scheme.

Its mature trees and sweeping lawns occupied parklands and railway reserve at the northern entrance to Millicent.

The railway reserve portion was put on the open market by the State Government four years ago and purchased by a fuel company in 2022.

The fuel company has received conditional planning approval to erect an unmanned service station.

This development will pave the area and 10 poplar and three pine trees will be felled.

Personnel from the Millicent District Council and Wattle Range Council have maintained Apex Park in its entirety for six decades with regular mowing, removal of fallen tree limbs etc.

However, council chief executive Ben Gower said the former railway reserve portion of Apex Park would no longer receive attention from his staff.

“Prior to the recent purchase of the property, the land was held by the State Government and was maintained by Wattle Range Council on their behalf,” Mr Gower said.

“Now the parcel is privately owned it is not, which is consistent with our service delivery across the region.

“Should the property become unsightly, Wattle Range Council will deal with the issue in the same manner as it would with any other landholder, issuing the appropriate notices and compelling compliance.”

The SE Voice has approached the fuel company for comment.