A GROUP of Robinvale residents has accused Swan Hill Council and property owners of showing “total neglect and disregard” for the “dirty” and “unkempt” centre of town.
A petition submitted to the council this week claimed the general appearance of key streets was “unpleasant and unwelcoming” and there had been negative feedback from visitors about the state of its main thoroughfare, Perrin Street.
The petition was co-signed by 24 members of the Robinvale Op Shop, following a recent meeting at which it was decided to express their concerns about the current state of the Robinvale retail and business district.
“As a group of volunteers, we take pride in the appearance of our shop and receive positive feedback from visitors to the town,” the petition read.
“Sadly, this is too often followed by negative comments about the main street.
“The general appearance of Perrin Street and, to a lesser extent, Herbert Street and Latje Road, is unsatisfactory.
“There is rubbish on the streets, the pavements and footpaths are dirty, shopfronts are unkempt and the general appearance is unpleasant and unwelcoming.
“The hotel has stood in ruins for an unacceptably long period of time.
“Both council and many property owners have shown total neglect and disregard for the town of Robinvale.”
The petition said the Robinvale community had a proud history of civic responsibility having been built from virtually nothing by Returned Service men and women.
“This legacy is currently being significantly devalued,” it read.
“In contrast, the development of Bromley Road has created a welcoming entrance to the town.
“This progress shows what can be achieved with some commitment, investment and care and needs to be replicated in Perrin and Herbert Street(s) and Latje Road.”
The petitioners said a walk-through to see the areas of concern and identify how council can act to rectify the situation would be a good starting point.
“Council leadership could take the form of liaising with property owners and ensuring by laws are adhered to and requesting action plans for property maintenance and cleanliness.
“Funding for internal window screens depicting Robinvale’s history would be a cost-effective way to overcome the problem of unsightly shopfronts.
“We … request that council takes urgent action to work with freehold and business owners to address the issues above.”
Councillors agreed to refer the petition to the council chief executive officer for a report to a future council meeting.
