Brimbank council says plans for a “possible” youth centre at Selwyn Park are proof of its commitment to rejuvenate Albion, despite calls for more timely and tangible actions.
The Albion Neighbourhood Plan, proposing initiatives over a year to five-year timeframe, with some taking longer, was endorsed by the council in October 2013.
Nearly two years on, the council is still advocating planning, pursuing or investigating various elements of its plan, leaving keen council observer Chris O’Neill concerned with the lack of significant, tangible changes.
“If you’ve visited the area recently, you will notice nothing in the plan has been implemented … nada, zilch, nothing,” he said.
“They’ve shown a total lack of fixing even their identified issues. Even the small issues haven’t been addressed, like planting.”
However, city development director Stuart Menzies said new lighting was going in at Selwyn Park Reserve, and new trees would be planted in April around the circuit path.
“Council will continue to plan … the establishment of outdoor gym equipment and a possible youth activity area,” he said.
He said a community advisory group was working with the council to deliver environmental activities at the EcoLiving Centre and undertaking a feasibility study into its potential as a community-managed, environment-focused neighbourhood house.
“Council has been working towards the plan’s long-term vision of guiding the development of Albion and improving it as a functional and accessible place,” Mr Menzies said.
He said works undertaken included bike path upgrades and speed humps, and measures to restrict commuter parking in local streets.
