Abid for $50,000 by Wattle Range Council to improve the Lions Park at Millicent has failed.


Mayor Des Noll had sought the funds from not for profit organisation Unity Housing as it took over ownership of dozens of houses in the vicinity of the Lions Park several years ago.


The dwellings had been erected as public housing by the SA Housing Trust in the 1960s.


Mayor Noll said the council, community, Unity Housing and the Millicent Lions Club had devised plans for the area including a meeting place, toilets, pump track and the relocated playground equipment from the closed Tantanoola Primary School.


Uniting Housing chief executive Andrew Woodward said Wattle Range Council and the supporting community groups were to be congratulated for the work undertaken, which will improve the park’s amenity for all those in the local community who use it, inclusive of Unity Housing tenants.


“Whilst supportive of the community-led Lions Park Working Group, Unity Housing is however, unable to make a financial contribution as requested,” Mr Woodward said.


“As a not for profit and charitable organisation registered to provide affordable housing to low-income South Australians, Unity Housing is required to apply all income generated through our activities to this objective.


“Since Unity Housing took on responsibility in 2017 for the properties eligible for these rate rebates, our investment in the provision and maintenance of affordable housing in Wattle Range Council has averaged $640,580 per year.


“It is anticipated that as Unity Housing continues to address maintenance requirements this level of expenditure is likely to continue into the future.”


Mr Woodward also pointed out that it will commit its own funds and Federal and State Government grants over the next three years on a $1.6m project to make 90 of its houses in this region more energy efficient.


Meanwhile, students of Millicent High School have recently installed the garden beds they have constructed in partnership with council’s parks and gardens crew and Millicent Lions Club volunteers.


“This is just another one of the exciting improvements at Lions Park,” a council spokesperson said.


“Irrigation has also been installed recently, as well as hybrid soccer/Australian Rules goal posts, and fruit trees were planted.


“The playground equipment from the former Tantanoola Primary School is expected to be relocated in early 2025.


“It is becoming exciting space for residents, both young and old, to gather as a community.”