Gordon residents angry as Ku-ring-gai Council backflips on original park plan
RESIDENTS in the Ku-ring-gai area are up in arms over council’s decision to look at reclassifying land on Dumaresq St, which was initially purchased for a park as part of the Open Space Acquisition Strategy.
North Shore
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A GROUP of Gordon residents “promised” more recreational space on their street a decade ago are calling for Ku-ring-gai Council to keep its word.
Anne Steele, who has lived in the area for about 19 years, said she was disappointed the council was looking to reclassify 9, 15 and 17 Dumaresq St from community land to operational land after purchasing the lots as part of the Open Space Acquisition Strategy in 2007.
Ms Steele, who wanted the council to extend the public submission period beyond February 2, said she was concerned reclassifying the land would mean it could be developed into shops or apartment complexes.
She said parking was already of concern in the area, and a public open space or park would be beneficial to families, couples and singles already living in apartment complexes around the suburb.
“It was always intended to be a park or some form of open space — for exercising, picnics or a playground for children — and it will impact the area if they reclassify it for development,” she said.
“We’re in desperate need of open space — to the point where I even heard there were children playing shuttlecock in the shopping centre’s carpark the other day from the neighbours.
“I want council to guarantee they’re going to honour their original promise of putting a park on those sites.”
IN OTHER NEWS
According to a council spokeswoman, the reclassification of 9, 15 and 17 Dumaresq St will enable flexibility in the masterplan for the area known as Gordon Hub.
She said as part of the design, the proposed park would be relocated to “a more user-friendly, flatter and more accessible area”.
The spokeswoman said under the strategy, the council had purchased about 23,000 sqm, setting council back more than $50 million, and some of the parks delivered in the area include Greengate Park at Killara, Balcombe Park at Wahroonga and Curtilage Park at Warrawee.
“The change in the reclassification from community to operational land will not affect the council’s commitment to providing a new park in the Gordon precinct,” she said.
“A total of 1500 letters were sent to residents living in the area of the reclassification proposal exhibition inviting their comment — (and) it has an extended exhibition period of 70 days.”
To have your say, visit kmc.nsw.gov.au.