Scouts Victoria, two politicians, a newly formed bowls club and disability service provider St John of God Accord are at odds over a piece of land in Sydenham the council wants to sell.
Brimbank council signalled in April its intention to offload the land at 541-547 Melton Highway, with a submissions hearing set for July 20 at the council’s Keilor offices.
The Accord, which manages intellectual disability services nearby, is keen to buy the land, which the council says was acquired in 1976 from trustees by the then Keilor council for just $1.
“If the opportunity to buy the property … were to be realised, this would enable Accord to develop and grow intellectual disability services to Melbourne’s west,” the Accord trustees submitted.
However several community groups have called for the council to hang onto the land. Scouts Australia’s Victorian branch is keen to use the space, saying the lack of available, suitable land “severely restricts” its capacity to provide a full program.
“[It’s the] perfect opportunity for Scouts Victoria to develop our services across the city, and particularly areas of Sydenham, Taylors Lakes and Delahey,” Scouts Australia submitted.
And the newly formed Sydenham Bowls Club hopes to construct two covered, artificial greens and partner with community groups, including the Scouts, to construct a clubhouse and parking lot on the land.
“There are not enough community facilities in this particular area. Currently, youth have to travel to Sunshine to access services,” club president Richard Carthew stated in a submission to the council.
Calls for the land’s community use were also backed by federal Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou and state Keilor MP Natalie Hutchins. Ms Vamvakinou said the land would service residents in Taylors Lakes, Hillside, Taylors Hill and Delahey. Mrs Hutchins said it was apparent that the land was not surplus to the needs of the community and the council should reconsider its sale.
However, the council believes residents of the area will still continue to live within 500 metres of a play area, recreation and open space, even if the site is sold for other uses.
