Hume Council wants to secure a better deal for the former Broadmeadows Primary School site

HUME Council is digging in its heels over having to pay for a park on the former Broadmeadows Primary School site.

HUME Council is digging in its heels over having to pay for a park on the former Broadmeadows Primary School site.

The Leader reported last week that Planning Minister Richard Wynne had asked the council to buy the land for the 0.75ha park at 2-16 Nicholas St.

But Hume Mayor Geoff Porter said the council wrote to the minster last week reiterating that it was prepared to develop and manage the space but not pay for it.

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Cr Porter had previously labelled the move a “kick in the guts” to the community to pay for land that was already publicly owned.

“This outcome would benefit both levels of government and the community, as it means the State Government would retain ownership of the site and council funds that may have gone towards purchasing the land would contribute to the best open space amenities for our residents,” he said.

Cr Porter said the council would continue to negotiate and work with all stakeholders.

It’s not clear how much the government is wanting for the space.

According to the government buying open space is normal practice for councils to secure land.

It comes as dozens of residents last week delivered a letter and petition with 700 signatures to Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire’s office asking him to support their call to halt the sale of the site, which will also be used for private and social housing.

Broadmeadows Progress Association assistant secretary Sonja Rutherford said when they arrived the office door was locked and the police were called.

“Residents were astounded and angered by this extraordinary behaviour,” she said.

“The letter, which had to be slid under his office door, condemned the anti-people decision of Planning Minister Richard Wynne to take away the only open space and impose additional 100 plus housing units in an already over developed area.”

But a Government spokesman said police moved the demonstrators on, after they banged on the windows and doors intimidating staff at the electorate office.

He said centre management security contacted the police because of their concern for the safety of staff and the public.

He said the government was working to rejuvenate central Broadmeadows by providing more open space and boosting housing for vulnerable people near jobs and transport.

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