Momentum of goodwill building to save Fawkner Merri Creek Park but concerns continue says Res Assoc

By: Fawkner Residents Association
 
MELBOURNE, Australia - Dec. 6, 2017 - PRLog -- Federal MP for the seat of Wills Mr Peter Khalil agreed with a delegation of Fawkner residents meeting at his office on Friday that the voices and concerns of residents and Merri Creek action groups is generating a momentum of appreciation and goodwill required to save the Merri Creek parkland from development said Fawkner Residents Association Mr Joe Perri.

Commenting further Mr Perri said the meeting was the first opportunity to reconnect with Mr Khalil since he led the residents and stakeholders 'walk through' the Fawkner parkland in late October to bring attention to the matter.

Mr Khalil and MP for Broadmeadows Mr Frank McGuire have met to discuss the matter. Mr Khalil has also made formal representation to the Moreland Council and Victorian Government on behalf of the local residents, Merri Creek action groups and the broader community who have expressed their support to save the parkland.

Mr Perri acknowledged Mr McGuire has inspected the site and thanked him for meeting representatives of the Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) and Friends of Merri Creek (FOMC) at his office to discuss their concerns and aspirations for the Fawkner parkland.

Mr McGuire said Moreland City Council has the jurisdiction over the site and has made the decisions concerning its future.

Mr Perri also acknowledged and expressed his appreciation to former Moreland Councillor and now State MP Samantha Ratnam for adding her voice by raising a question in Parliament asking the government to either gift it to Moreland Council as Public Park and Recreation Zoned land, or maintain ownership and let the council manage it.

At the November Moreland Council meeting, a resolution was passed unanimously to write to VicRoads to explore how Fawkner Merri Creek parkland can be retained as open space.

There is a resolution (DCS72/17 McBryde Street, Fawkner – VicRoads land D17/416587) at this week's Moreland Council meeting regarding the Fawkner Merri Creek parkland at which five of options will be discussed.

Of most concern to the MCMC, FOMC and Fawkner Residents Association is the recommendation that if the State Government declines to gift the land to Moreland is the option to proceed with an unacceptable 35metre strip land swap.

MCMC, FOMC and Fawkner Residents Association are steadfastly united in their disapproval of the 35metre land swap option.

Ms Luisa MacMillan speaking on behalf of the MCMC and FOMC was adamant they would prefer the entire parkland stays open space and hope that the options that secure this outcome will be successful.

"Our preferred options are those that result in the land staying open space and parkland in perpetuity for the benefit of Merri Creek, environment and Moreland ratepayers", affirmed both Ms MacMillan and Mr Perri.

"Our other preference would be for the Victorian Government to undertake a similar arrangement with Moreland whereby a comparable sized area of open space was sold to Darebin Council at an open space/parkland rate."

Mr Khalil concluded, "Much has happened since the concerns of Fawkner residents, Moreland ratepayers from nearby suburbs (including neighbouring municipalities) and the Merri Creek action groups participated in the 'Residents Walk Through' and I'm especially heartened by the response this matter is receiving at all levels of Government.

"I am confident that common sense, goodwill and genuine concern for nature and the need to combat climate change will prevail".

ENDS

Issued by the Fawkner Residents Association

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Source:Fawkner Residents Association
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Tags:Merri Creek Parkland, Saving Environment, Moreland Council
Industry:Environment
Location:Melbourne - Victoria - Australia
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Page Updated Last on: Dec 06, 2017
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