Groups in opposition to planned RSL Esplanade development call for land to be rezoned

COMMUNITY groups will fight for the protection of the Esplanade’s future, with hopes it will be rezoned to prevent the RSL from rebuilding on the site.

Community groups part of the Planning Action Network hope the Esplanade carpark can be rezoned to prevent future developments. Picture: Will Zwar

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COMMUNITY groups will fight for the protection of the Esplanade’s future, with hopes it will be rezoned to prevent the RSL from rebuilding on the site.

Planning Action Network convener Nick Kirlew said a meeting with stakeholders last Saturday determined the Esplanade should be rezoned to “public open space” to ensure no structure could be built there.

“We are calling for the rezoning to be done as quickly as possible to provide confidence,” he said.

“The Esplanade is 1.8km long, from the top of the stairs to the top of the stairs.

“We think it should stay that way.”

Mr Kirlew said elected members should be listening to the community’s wishes when deciding how the land should be used.

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“This was a very divisive issue and no one is happy to be up in arms against our own community,” he said.

“I think it’s fair to say my local members as well as my local aldermen should have a good look at what’s being done here.”