Sign sparks off rift

By Kath Gannaway
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has stymied plans to move the Warburton Recreation Reserve sign closer to the Warburton Highway.
Warburton Sports Club treasurer Rob Morter wrote to the shire requesting that the sign, which is currently about 50 metres off the highway at the entrance to the reserve, be moved to a more prominent position.
He also requested that the sign include recognition of the Mac Sparke Oval, which is part of the reserve.
“It makes sense to move the sign to where people can see it, and we’d also like to see a local identity who has been part of the area’s heritage given a bit more recognition,” Mr Morter said.
He told the Mail the naming of the Mac Sparke Oval 20 years ago had been overwhelmingly supported by community groups and that there was popular support now from a number of local people and organisations for raising the profile of someone who was part of Warburton’s heritage.
In support of his request, Mr Morter said the reserve sign could not be seen from the highway, and added that the reserve was identified as “Mac Sparke” in both the Melways and Gregory’s street directories as well as by organisations such as the CFA, DSE and Melbourne Water.
The shire says the signs at Warburton are consistent with standard signage practice throughout the shire.
They have however offered to move the ‘Mac Sparke’ sign to a more prominent location.
James Martin, Shire of Yarra Ranges manager of community relations said the matter had been discussed with Mr Morter.
“There are currently two prominent signs relating to the Warburton Recreation Reserve on the highway. Signage for the ‘Mac Sparke Reserve’ is located by that particular oval,” Mr Martin said.
“We have two other ovals that are named after individuals and are sign posted in the same way.
“We have offered to move the ‘Mac Sparke’ sign to a more prominent location as you drive into the complex, however, it is not our intention to move the sign onto the highway.”
Mr Morter is maintaining his call, however, for the shire to give Mac Sparke a sporting chance.