Putting Your Park Petition To Council

Despite some organisational glitches your 242 signatures petition for a local park in Locksley Road was considered by Banyule Council on 29th May.

A Powerpoint slideshow crafted to support the allowed 2 minute presentation was not embedded in the "webcast" as requested - but after the administration found it late in the day they emailed it to Councillors.

An apology for the mix up was forthcoming, but apparently it was too late in the day for remedial action.

This foul-up distracted somewhat from the polished audio-visual treat - maps and photos illustrating the case - otherwise awaiting the Councillors, the gallery and the webcast viewers.

Pippa also spoke in support of the item.

The report for Council from the administration gave a fair and balanced summary of the situation.

Both speakers were asked by Councillors for insights as to the best location should a local park be achieved.

The principles we put forward  favoured the general area around the Locksley Road and Ashby Grove intersection, because:

• flat land

• multiple streets access

• the underpass allows access from the north side of the rail line

• the concentration of larger multiple dwelling redevelopments with the smallest private space occurs here

• ease of access to the Village shops

• ease of access to the railway station

• if a block backing onto the railway line was secured it would mean only two neighbouring residential blocks, and pedestrian access via the rail corridor laneway.

The critical issue will be how Council and the administration address the merits of the matter, in light of:

• the increasing tendency for multiple occupancies

• the migration of young families into the area

• the low potential for getting safe crossing points over the barrier roads, which are getting busier

• the 2009 predicted population growth figure of 2.4% to now has turned out to be closer to 10%

Councillors showed good knowledge of the area, and were alert to the associated public toilets problem between Heidelberg and Ivanhoe.

Here is the Agenda item as put before Council by the administration, and the Council resolution:

The recommended motion was carried unaminously.

We need to now patiently interact with the Open Spaces team to achieve a proper outcome for the whole neighbourhood.