Brimbank Greens party members have slammed a move to update the council’s parks blueprint as “resurrecting a failed plan to sell parks and gardens”.
Consultation has begun to update the council’s Creating Better Parks – Open Space and Playground Policy and Plan.
At its September 8 meeting, the council decided not to sell a reserve in McCoubrie Avenue, Sunshine West, but instead offload land on Melton Highway at Sydenham.
Greens national secretary, and candidate for Sydenham in last year’s State Election, Alex Schlotzer said Brimbank lacked natural spaces. The party had started an online petition to persuade the council to stop selling public space, he said.
“With increased subdivision of properties, having parks and gardens is vital to healthier, happier communities,” said Schlotzer.
“The council has a plan to sell parks and gardens but no plan to ensure additional space is created in place of what’s sold. Once the parks and gardens are sold off, they’re gone for good.”
But council chairman of administrators John Watson encouraged all viewpoints as the council seeks to fill gaps in the park network.
“In the seven years since Creating Better Parks was adopted, we’ve upgraded 83 parks at a cost of about $20 million, including five flagship parks.”
Council’s online survey deadline is 5pm, Friday, October 9.
Visit: www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLX7S3K
