Green space needed for a lasting legacy on the Coast
THERE has been considerable column space from objectors to the filling of “Black Swan Lake” in the Gold Coast Bulletin, when an easy alternative of infield vehicle parking at the Gold Coast Racecourse would have been a far better, win win option, as adopted in most of the mature racecourse planning in other cities in Australia.
The Mayor is quick to make statements such as: “At all times we must focus on the goal of putting the community’s best interests first.”
Citizens in general are conscious of the need for recreational spaces. By way of example, a recent survey undertaken by the NSW Government indicated predominant values by residents in Sydney features natural environment (views, vegetation, topography, water, wildlife) as paramount. The next most desired factors in their preferences were parks, street trees and footpaths, and included in that cycle pathways.
The “Greenie Whingers” our Mayor often refers to wish to see the preservation of water and wildlife such as Black Swan Lake, trees and parks such as those at Evandale Parklands.
Then there is The Spit, the Southport Bowling/Tennis and Council car park precinct, Appel Park and no doubt there are other issues in the southern sector - Burleigh to Coolangatta.
This NSW survey (yes I acknowledge that it is from NSW, but they are similarly, Australians, and targets for tourism and real estate.) further identifies the required adequacy of public transport, and a sense of neighbourhood safety, from crime and traffic. Each of these issues feature as local concerns regularly in your columns.
Importantly the reduction in green space has a direct correlation to local temperatures. Green spaces absorb heat, just as they absorb rainwater (essential for groundwater storage). .
Surely it’s nearing the time when all councillors need to give a bit more consideration to what our city is likely to become, requiring more mature and rational planning, or risk comments from future generations, such as: what were they thinking?
The population is now beyond 500,000, a great percentage mature, level-headed constituents. The majority are ratepayers who are relying on elected officials to look after their interests. At the risk of repetition, and a reminder to our elected officials of the Mayoral statement: “At all times we must focus on the goal of putting the community’s best interests first”.
If the Mayor and his colleagues want to leave a positive and lasting legacy, get the infrastructure right before you sign off on more massive residential development, and preserve our green spaces.
BRIAN HARDIMAN SURFERS PARADISE