Protest over lack of infrastructure in Edmondson Park at opening of Bernera Rd extension
Protesters have voiced their concerns about a lack of infrastructure and amenities in Edmondson Park at the opening of the $35 million Bernera Rd extension.
Liverpool
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Protesters voiced their concerns about a lack of infrastructure and amenities in Edmondson Park at the opening of the $35 million Bernera Rd extension on Saturday.
Bearing homemade signs, a small group of residents expressed their frustration at the “broken promises” they were sold when they moved into the growing suburb.
Edmondson Park resident Jayda Torony said the protest aimed to highlight the community’s disappointment at being ignored.
“We are tired of the broken promises and misuse of our tax money. Plus, we wanted to show local and state government that their decisions are impacting individuals and families in the community and we, the people, are actively upset and want to be seen as not passive but passionate about creating a liveable community for all.
“We didn’t just want to be faceless and stand behind letters, emails which go undervalued and ignored whilst developers and local and state government reap the benefits.”
Ms Torony said she and her family were promised parks, schools and a liveable suburb when they put a deposit down for their home in 2015.
But those amenities were yet to be delivered, she said, and problems such as traffic congestion and limited commuter parking still needed to be addressed.
“Residents who moved in before us have been waiting even longer with no parks and missed opportunities for their kids to attend a school here,” she said.
“It’s disappointing being sold a family dream when our community isn’t actually family friendly. A road for a playground is not safe or acceptable. Nor is the small new park they developed that has no capacity to look after its residents. The minimal play equipment is quite sad.”
Liverpool Council chief executive Kiersten Fishburn said about 1500 people attended the opening on Saturday, with residents “overwhelmingly enthusiastic” about the road.
“Council notes the views of a small group of about five protesters who expressed their concerns, mainly about the delivery of State Government commitments including schools and parking at Edmondson Park train station.”
The Bernera Rd extension provides a route through Edmondson Park to the train station.
The council will hold a free community barbecue on Saturday, June 1 to discuss plans for upcoming parks in Edmondson Park with residents.
Residents can have their say at Clermont Park from 11am-2pm.
READ LIVERPOOL COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE KIERSTEN FISHBURN’S FULL RESPONSE:
The opening of the Bernera Road extension is a significant event for Edmondson Park.
This $35 million project delivers a crucial piece of infrastructure – a fast, convenient route through Edmondson Park to the train station. It will make life easier and better for thousands of residents.
The section of road between Camden Valley Way and Dalmatia Avenue remains closed due to delays in traffic signal work, which is expected to be completed by Wednesday.
About 1500 people turned up to help celebrate the opening on Saturday, enjoying a great day of free entertainment and food in glorious autumn sunshine.
They were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about both the road itself and the chance to celebrate as a community. Council notes the views of a small group of about five protesters who expressed their concerns, mainly about the delivery of State Government commitments including schools and parking at Edmondson Park train station.
Council continues to lobby State Government for improvements to services and infrastructure in Edmondson Park. Council welcomed the State Government’s recent announcement that a further 700 parking spaces will be provided at Edmondson Park train station.
Council is holding a free community barbecue this Saturday, 1 June to discuss plans for upcoming parks in Edmondson Park with residents. Council encourages residents to come along and have their say at Clermont Park from 11am-2pm.
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