Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull weighs into debate over youth recreation facility proposed for popular park

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has intervened in Woollahra Council’s controversial plan to build a youth recreational facility and skate park in Rushcutters Bay Park.

Angus Kilgour, Alex Higgins-Titsha and Rory Doyle are disappointed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has raised concerns over the proposed youth recreation facility at Rushcutters Bay Park. Picture: John Appleyard

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PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has written Woollahra Council’s saying its plan for skate park in Rushcutters Bay Park was not sympathetic to how people used the area.

In a letter sent to the council on Sunday as part of its public consultation, Mr Turnbull raised concerns about the proposal to build skating facilities on green space which was used by locals for recreational activities, picnics, outdoor sports and dog walking.

“Adding hard surfaces and concrete structures is not sympathetic to how the park is currently used by its visitors,” Mr Turnbull wrote as the Member for Wentworth.

“These facilities also raise noise concerns for local residents that neighbour the park. Furthermore, there is an exceptional skate park in Bondi Beach that is available to everyone in the eastern suburbs.”

An early concept design of what the skate park and youth facility could look like.

Paddington’s Alex Higgins-Titsha, who spent four years researching the best location and campaigning for the facility, said the park catered for most age groups and dogs but not teenagers.

“I feel like (Mr Turnbull) is mocking our ideas without understanding us,” he said.

Alex, 16, said the proposal included a basketball court, ping pong tables and new seating which would be used by younger children as well.

“The location is not used by the public,” he said, “Bondi skate park is 30 minutes away.”

The red dotted line shows where the youth facility would be built (1). It would be bordered by the existing exercise area (5), the canal (9) and the existing sports field (4).

Woollahra Mayor Toni Zeltzer this week raised concerns about the proposal, despite signing off on a press release in August in support of the council initiative.

“With such a shortage of spaces for passive recreation, I think we need to look at a more appropriate location ... but I’m still considering the submissions,” Cr Zeltzer said on Monday.

Alex said: “I’m disappointed the mayor is saying this only after Mr Turnbull writes a letter.”

Cr Zeltzer, who is a Liberal mayor, said she was “absolutely not” buckling under pressure from Mr Turnbull but she had to consider the views of local residents.

“I’ve only had one email in support and dozens against.”

A skate park in Dubai that was designed by CONVIC, the company which will deliver the skate park in Rushcutters Bay Park.

Cr Zeltzer’s concerns were at odds with an official response from council staff this week, who said the facility would complement existing recreational activities.

“The park is very large — over 5.3ha — and the proposed concept would impact less than 2 per cent of this space,” a spokeswoman said.

She said the facility would be created in an under-utilised section of “no man’s land” in the park hemmed in by the canal, a line of trees and the outdoor gym.

Paddington councillor Matthew Robertson said the proposal would enhance this “underused” section of the park for more to enjoy.

“The last thing we want is for our open space to sit there as white elephants that are rarely used,” he said.

Fellow Paddington councillor Peter Cavanagh said the facility would plug a service gap for teenagers in Woollahra.

“We provide plenty of spaces for young children to socialise and play — we even have several spaces dedicated to dogs — but what are we providing for our youth?” said Cr Cavanagh.

The council has extended the consultation period until September 30. Email your say to [e-mail].

The proposed site in Rushcutters Bay Park is a narrow strip of land between the canal, outdoor exercise area and existing sports field.

PM UNDER FIRE

MALCOLM Turnbull faced criticism for weighing into the youth recreational facility issue while staying silent on bigger issues in the electorate since he became PM.

Woollahra Greens councillor Matthew Robertson questioned why Mr Turnbull was “meddling in such a small issue” when it was “rare” for him to speak out on local issues since he became PM a year ago today.

“It is not surprising he is focusing less on local issues since becoming PM but in that context, it beggars belief he would take such a strong position on such a micro issue in the absence of saying where he stands on the biggest issue facing the council, which is amalgamations,” said Cr Robertson.

Waverley Labor councillor Ingrid Strewe accused Mr Turnbull of being reluctant to “cross” Waverley mayor Sally Betts by failing to comment on local issues such as the Bondi Pavilion and high rise plans for the Waverley Bowling Club and West Oxford St.

“Should a prime minister be frightened of a mayor and unable to intervene on his constituent’s behalf?” said Cr Strewe.

Before becoming PM, Mr Turnbull voiced his concerns through Wentworth Courier on issues including proposed extensions to Rose Bay Marina, the Moore Park stadium proposal and the Sydney Harbour Heliport.

Mr Turnbull’s office did not provide another example of when he had sent a letter to the council or state government with concerns on a local issue since he became PM.