Southern community opposes partial McConnell Reserve, Marino sale by Marion Council

A southern suburbs community is rallying for the second time in less than five years to save part of its beloved reserve being sold off by Marion Council.

Local kids Rose, 11, Gus, 4, Kea, 5, Summer, 9 and Patrick, 12, at use the McConnell Reserve in Marino in 2017. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton

The Marino community is hitting back at a Marion Council proposal to sell part of a beloved reserve.

Under the proposal, Marion Council would sell the western portion of McConnell Reserve at Marino and upgrade the eastern side.

David Bagshaw, president of local residents group 5049 Coastal Community, said the proposal was disappointing for locals.

“Whilst currently neglected and underdeveloped it has great potential to be more than just a local reserve, with so little accessible and level open space in our area,” Mr Bagshaw said.

“We are still under provided for with accessible level open space in Marino/Seacliff Park.

Friends of McConnell spokesman Travis Smith, pictured in 2017, said the community was disappointed. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“The diversity of our population and number of young families is increasing in the area.

“This is not the time to sell off precious level open space, given the trends.”

Friends of McConnell spokesman Travis Smith said a community campaign saved the reserve from a similar plan in 2017 so the new proposal was shocking.

“We are extremely disappointed after the tremendous effort by our community in 2017 to campaign and lobby for retention of the whole of the existing reserve, both sides,” he said.

“The council have gone back on their commitment in 2017 to upgrade the eastern side before considering potential sale of the western side.”

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said the council had decided in 2017 to upgrade the reserve and revisit the possible sale at a later date.

“Now that council is ready to design and fund an upgrade of the eastern side of the reserve, council decided to consult on both questions at the same time,” he said.

McConnell Ave reserve court in Marino. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton

“Council has changed its 2017 position but it is a bit unfair to call it a “broken promise” because it is consistent with the spirit of the 2017 decision.

“Given that there are plenty of opportunities for recreation around Marino, it may well be that the community will be happy with a smaller reserve, with upgraded facilities, in McConnell Avenue – but council will wait to see what the locals have to say before deciding.”

The proposal is up for community consultation on the Making Marion website until December 11.