A HOBSONS Bay ratepayer says it is unfair that an Altona Meadows street corner receives $150,000 for artwork in next year's council budget while "decrepit" Comben Reserve, used by hundreds of people every week, is allocated only $20,000.
Altona Meadows resident Stephen Morgan said Labor's "shining star", Altona Meadows Ward councillor Luba Grigorovitch had landed the $150,000 windfall for a public art installation and "gateway" opposite a proposed shopping centre on the corner of Queen and Merton streets.
Meanwhile, Labor rebel John Hogg has secured just $20,000 for Comben Reserve in Seabrook Ward, home to local Auskick, touch football and cricket clubs.
Cr Grigorovitch refused to weigh in on claims of favouritism, saying the $20,000 master plan was likely to lead to more money allocated in years to come.
Cr Grigorovitch is employed by Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky and was supported by Labor at the council election.
Cr Hogg, while a member of the ALP, ran against Labor-supported candidate Jason Murray and was threatened with expulsion from the party for doing so.
When the Advertiser visited Comben Reserve last week, there were mounds of dirt and waste, signs covered in graffiti, numerous used condoms near a playground and evidence of alcohol consumption and hoon activity.
Mr Morgan said noone knew exactly what the dumped piles of waste and rubbish contained.
He said someone had dumped leftover cement, dirt, rubbish, timber and building material in an area that had easy access for children.
"It's not the sort of place you'd want your kids to come and play, and yet hundreds and hundreds of kids are here every weekend."
He said the $150,000 allocation for the corner of Queen and Merton streets was curious.
"The favoured Labor councillor and ministerial employee gets $150,000 for a very small park that's only used as a walk-though - versus the bad boy of the ALP getting only $20,000 for a massive facility that's used by hundreds of people every week."
Mr Morgan said the residents of Seabrook Ward called it "the forgotten ward".
Cr Grigorovitch said Comben Reserve was likely to get more after the master plan was developed.
"In relation to the land on the corner of Queen and Merton street, the council overwhelmingly endorsed to make this parcel of land a gateway following the sale of land on the opposite corner. The budget reflects that decision.
"The $150,000 has been set aside to provide a gateway to Altona Meadows and will include landscaping and a public art installation."
Cr Hogg said he was committed to developing and implementing a master plan for Comben Reserve and looked forward to discussing plans with residents and other stakeholders over the next 12 months.
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