Community speaks against Nillumbik Council’s plan to sell 17 reserves to fund “legacy projects”
MORE than 100 people have spoken in favour of saving 17 cherished Nillumbik reserves, which have been earmarked for sale.
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MORE than 100 people have spoken in favour of saving 17 cherished Nillumbik reserves, which have been earmarked for sale.
MORE than 100 people have spoken in favour of saving 17 cherished Nillumbik reserves, which have been earmarked for sale.
The impassioned pleas were heard across three marathon council meetings last week, with not one person speaking in favour of the council’s sell-off.
The council wants to sell the reserves to fund a string of sports facilities and a recreational trail, which council labelled “legacy projects”.
At the explosive meetings, infuriated speakers hit out at council’s “scare tactics” threatening a 30 per cent rate rise if the land wasn’t sold, a lack of consultation and pitting community groups against each other.
Natalie Duffey said it’s “illegal” to increase the rates that much following the state government’s 2.5 per cent rate cap.
Meanwhile, Graham Fides said it was “shameful” council had promised to complete projects without adequate funding and Cathie Nederveen said “you shouldn’t rob Peter to pay Paul”. “Priorities need to be made,” she said.
One speaker suggested council increase rates for those with less trees to raise money instead of selling the land.
Angered parents pleaded with council to hold onto the parklands which allowed young children, too young for team sports, to absorb the fresh air, birds chirping and playing among nature.
Simone Cusack lambasted council saying she was “blown away by the heartless process”.
Eltham Liberal candidate Nick McGowan and Eltham state Labor MP Vicki Ward weighed in on the debate, both demanding council to abandon the project.
“I urge the council to do what is right, abandon in its entirety, this inappropriate plan and instead unite the community behind the quest to find funding from alternative sources,” Mr McGowan said.
“That’s a stand and a fight I’d be prepared to join.”
Ms Ward said: “Find yourself on notice, take this community seriously, please take the needs of this community seriously, and take the hurt of this community seriously”.
People demanded council to not “antagonise” the state government or use the land sales as a “political football”.
During the meeting Cr Brooker quizzed Mr McGowan on funding prospects while Cr Clarke said he was meeting with federal politicians in Canberra this week to snare a slice of the $15 million the state government returned from the North East Link project.
“This is a community that has shared values, shared values go across the political spectrum no matter what colour you fly to your mast,” Ms Ward said.
“This community will not be divided, they will not be a political play, unite and fight for what they hold dear and care about.”
Peter Clarke, Jane Ashton and John Dumaresq rocked up to all meetings while Karen Egan, Grant Brooker and Bruce Ranken showed up to two while Peter Perkins turned up to the final meeting.
Christian Kuhlmann pleaded with council to keep the land and said you could even call them Peter Clarke or Ranken Reserve. “If they’re gone, you can’t do that,” he said.
Submissions will be heard on 34 Raglan Rd and 4 Raglan Court in Research will be held on Tuesday, April 3 from 7pm while any remaining submissions will be heard on Thursday, April 5 from 5.30pm.
A final decision will be made at the Nillumbik Council meeting on Tuesday, May 1.
COMMUNITY REACTION
John Fecondo: I’m astounded we have to have this conversation. I’m supportive of building new facilities but we have to live within our means. Stop antagonising the state government and work together for the community.
Merily Yates: I have lived in Research for 50 years and this is the first time I’ve come to a council meeting. I’m astonished by the emotion and anger tonight. You haven’t considered future generations. Putting kids in units will change the way they live. In my generation If we didn’t have the money, we didn’t buy it. It’s a stupid thing to do and they’re not pieces of land you can sell to make a few quid.
Dr Andrew Lemon: “Why so deceptive? In the advertisement it said ‘intention to sell’, rates notice said ‘will sell’ and tonight you’re saying “consider to sell”. With more people and more houses you need more open spaces.
Sue Diet: This site (20A Henry St) falls within the Eltham Activity Centre and it’s an opportunity for council to retain one treed block. There is no negotiating with developers and VCAT so council should preserve whatever they can.
Trish Edgoose: It’s a green oasis ... which has an important function of filtering out air pollution. Requests for sports facilities upgrades is a bottomless pit. What about the next round? It goes on and on. Respectfully scale back projects to suit budgetary requirements.
Christine Winkett: Land is rich in aboriginal culture/heritage. Shortsighted and flawed decision to see. It would be an act of vandalism.
Nerida Kirov: I organised the rally. Bike trail people are distancing themselves ... You’ve chosen to go through this process, what the hell for?
Laura: I wonder how council came to the conclusion and suitability of the land for sale? Councillors drove past the land. Why haven’t signs been posted on the land? Not good enough. It’s gut-wrenching and turned people’s lives upside down.
BECAUSE WE ARE ELTHAMITES
— as sung by Christian Kuhlmann at one of the special council meetings
No, we don’t all live in a hand-built mud brick home
And didn’t all grow up with Montsalvat when stoned
Though we share our steps where the Walking Withers roamed
And we cherish our scenery
Where we relish in greenery
Flourishing our community.
Chorus:
So together we take a stand
For saving our open land
We will fight for what is right
Because we are Elthamites
Growing stronger as Elthamites
Because we are Elthamites
And we’ll be marching straight down Main Rd since we must
To show the council “green wedge” Eltham’s more than dust
Not the place for developments that weren’t discussed
So just preserve our scenery
Keep our reserves of greenery
For our growing community.
Repeat chorus.
Fight to preserve our scenery
Save our reserves of greenery
Keep the land free for you and me
Repeat chorus.
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