Federal MP Peter Khalil to highlight loss of Merri Creek park by leading residents walk in Fawkner

MELBOURNE, Australia - Oct. 11, 2017 - PRLog -- Federal Member for the seat of Wills, Mr Peter Khalil has confirmed that he will lead a residents and stakeholders walk through the park adjacent to the Merri Creek in Fawkner in protest at Moreland Council's decision to bulldoze the open space for development said Fawkner Residents Association Mr Joe Perri.

In December 2015, Moreland Council had the opportunity through its Open Space Funds to save the park when Vic Roads, (owners of the area) advised Council it was 'surplus land' and offered it for purchase to Council for the benefit of the Municipality and future generations – but the Council declined to do so.

At a meeting with Mr Khalil, Fawkner Residents Association representatives Ms Sandra Ciccotosto and Mr Joe Perri outlined concerns on behalf of local residents.

In particular, they articulated the issues and consequences the loss of the park and subsequent development for residential or industrial purposes will have on nearby ratepayers and suburb / municipality as a whole.

Of most concern to Ms Ciccotosto and Mr Perri was Moreland Council's reluctance to utilise the nearly $40M of funds accumulated to date in the Open Space Contribution Fund for the purpose it was intended i.e. 'to maintain existing public open spaces and to create new public open spaces'.

Mr Khalil offered to lead a 'Residents Walk Through' the park on Saturday afternoon October 28 to both hear the issues of ratepayers, Merri Creek action groups and stakeholders – and highlight the loss of the parkland.

"It is my intention to listen to the concerns of the participants of the 'Residents Walk Through' and present them to Moreland Council and the State Government.  I hope that common sense, goodwill and genuine concern for nature and the need to combat climate change will prevail", affirmed Mr Khalil.

Former representative for the seat of Wills Mr Kelvin Thomson has also confirmed his support for Mr Khalil, the Merri Creek and residents by joining him on the day.

Details of the 'Residents Walk Through' to save the Merri Creek are as follows:

Date / Time:   Saturday October 28, 2017    to commence at 4:00pm

Departure:    from Hood Crescent Fawkner and walk to McBryde Street Fawkner

Issued by the Fawkner Residents Association

Media enquiries:          Mr. Joe Perri
        Mobile:          +61 412 112 545
        Email:          joe.perri1@gmail.com