Submissions for and against the proposal, including a 336 signature petition opposing its removal, were discussed at an extraordinary meeting of Edward River Council yesterday.
Six dedicated locals gathered outside the council chambers in further protest against plans to remove the wall.
Two of them — Greg McDonnell and Kathy Smits — were granted an audience with council to put their case before a decision was made.
Mr McDonnell said the final outcome was ‘‘disappointing’’, and showed that council did not appreciate the historical value of the wall.
‘‘We presented to council a protest with 336 signatures, which were gained within 48 hours,’’ he said.
‘‘It is noted that plans and the development application were posted, yet it failed to gain public support when works started.
‘‘Obviously, council has their timeframes, but their process is flawed if 336 people have said ‘‘no’’ within such a short time.
‘‘And evidently, the manner in which the development application was presented to council failed to gather a true connection with the people of Deniliquin and their wishes regarding the little brick wall.
‘‘This wall has been seating for generations for events like Anzac Day, parades and has been a gathering place for car lovers on summer nights, or children to sit and wait in the shade as adults shopped.
‘‘Our little brick wall has played host to many a heart.’’
Mayor Norm Brennan has again refuted comments the community was not properly consulted on the project.
‘‘The designs are a part of the Deniliquin Masterplan, which underwent extensive community consultation,’’ he said.
‘‘The development application specifically for the removal of the wall gave locals an opportunity to submit their feedback this month, which was then compiled and assessed by an independent assessor before being presented at yesterday’s meeting.
‘‘The final decision was made as per the recommendation made by the independent assessor, from Albury City Council.
‘‘This means 35 metres of the wall will be retained near the cenotaph and the rest will be carefully demolished.
‘‘The contractor will keep as many bricks as possible from the wall to use in the Waring Gardens for future projects and maintenance.
‘‘I understand some people are against the decision, but the wall is substandard and its integrity is in question, particularly in the section that will be demolished.’’
Cr Brennan said no councillor voted to retain the wall.
‘‘When it was time to decide, I asked each councillor individually what they thought council should do and the decision was unanimous,’’ Cr Brennan said.
‘‘Not everyone is going to agree with it, but we have been through an extensive process to come to this decision.’’
Upgrades on the Deniliquin Waring Gardens started earlier this month.
A small section of the wall was demolished after yesterday’s announcement, near the public toilets. It has not yet been confirmed when the rest of the wall will be removed.
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