A local council in North Melbourne has come under fire after asking residents to foot the bill to rebuild a playground destroyed by vandals.
Eltham North Adventure Playground was left in ruins after vandals set fire to the park in December, just days before Christmas.
And now, Nillumbik Shire Council has asked local residents to dip into their own pockets to help pay for a new playground, leaving many asking about insurance.
Nillumbik Shire Council has angered local residents after asking for donations to help rebuild a beloved playground (pictured: the playground before it was destroyed)
Eltham North Adventure Playground was left in ruins after vandals set fire to the park in December, just days before Christmas
Resident Nicole Brittain told 3AW’s Nick McCallum she was ‘shocked’ at the request, given the playground was insured.
‘[We’re] a little bit shocked to find they are asking for donations,’ Ms Brittain told the radio host.
According to the council’s Facebook page, the playground was insured ‘for its value at the time of the fire’.
‘Given it was over 20 years old, the cost of building a replacement to meet modern playground standards (disability access etc) and the community expectations is likely to be far in excess of the value of the old asset,’ a council worker wrote on the page.
The council admitted the were ‘out of pocket somewhat’ and teamed up with a Community Bank to match donations.
‘Extra funds raised will enable Council to improve on what was already a much loved community playground.’
According to the council’s Facebook page, the playground was insured ‘for its value at the time of the fire’
The playground was largely built with the help of volunteers and fundraising by local community members 22 years ago
Ms Brittain said many were still left asking questions: ‘It’s just not making sense, we’re not really getting any clear answers.’
However, residents are angry the council are asking them to pitch in, given Nillumbik Shire has some of the highest council rates in the country.
‘How silly of me to think a council who charges some of the most expensive rates in Australia could rebuild a playground which was clearly stupidly under insured without asking residents for donations,’ one resident wrote.
The playground was largely built with the help of volunteers and fundraising by local community members 22 years ago.