Brimbank council’s about-face over its intention to sell a much-loved reserve in Sunshine West should set a new standard for local government, its chairman believes.
The council aborted plans to sell the reserve at 5 McCoubrie Court following a special committee recommendation for it to be retained as part of Brimbank’s open-space network.
The committee also advised the council to work with the local community to investigate the land’s future use.
Late last year the council deemed the land surplus to requirements and foreshadowed that it would sell it, a decision that prompted almost 100 objections.
RELATED: Sydenham land slips through community’s fingers
Council chairman of administrators John Watson said the hearing process used to determine the land’s future set a precedent for communities fighting for important issues.
“This decision sets new standards for councils dealing with these often-difficult matters,” he said.
“It’s something other local governments could well contemplate.”
The committee found: “[The reserve] provides a safe, proximate play and meeting point which is valued by residents.”
Submitter Raj Cummings said the outcome “has kinda restored our faith in democracy”.
