People power wins battle to save park

People power has saved a Trafalgar park.

A strong community campaign over the past six weeks sent a clear message to Baw Baw Shire Council that neighbours and the wider community did not want the linear reserve sold.

Councillors unanimously voted not to sell any part of the linear reserve.

An earlier report to council indicated the section of land – bound by Edward Cres, Rose Crt and Cross St – was surplus to council needs and could potentially be sold for residential development.

But, the community did not agree, particularly descendants of Edward O’Meara who originally donated the land as part of a subdivision of his farm almost 40 years ago.

Sarah Davey said to them, it was “grandpa’s park.” “It is more than an open space to us, it’s our family’s legacy.”

“It was handed to council on the understanding it would always be used for recreation and green space,” she said.

Nine-year-old Mikaela Graham was a voice for the children, past and present that use the reserve.

“Please don’t sell our park as we use it. Where are we going to play if it is sold.

“Mum knows we are safe and close to home because she can see and hear us…she won’t let us go anywhere else,” she said.

Community members said it would be nothing but a cash grab by council at the expense of a well-used reserve.

Councillors agreed the reserve was utilised and encouraged the community to maintain its use of the park and protect it from sale by future councils.

Cr Murray Cook said the park was identified as one of many parcels of council owned land that was underutilised.

However, he said the community had proven different.

“You have won the battle but by no means have you won the war. Other councils and government authorities might be interested in this parcel in the future.

“It is important that you demonstrate this land is used and very much needed.

Cr Cook said this linear reserve was unique and he encouraged the community to develop the space as something the community wants for generations to come.

“You have to show it is much needed and that’s how you can keep that piece of land in the future,” he said.

A number of councillors congratulated the Trafalgar community members on their respectful and thorough way they lobbied to save the reserve.

The report to council said the community had been “vigorous in their campaign to retain the area as open space.”

A petition signed by 523 people was presented to council and 426 copies of a template letter were received.

Thirty letters were received by post and email. Main concerns raised in the letters were the loss of a unique piece of open space.

“The area has been described by residents as a type of village green. “Feedback has been provided of it being used for family gatherings, community cricket matches, particularly on special occasions such as Boxing Day.

“A statement made is: ‘while the area may be surplus to council’s requirements, it is not surplus to the community’.

“Other local parks such as McGregor, Balfour and Brindlewood are not considered as suitable for games such as football or cricket.

“There was little support for the sale of the freehold corner allotment and no support for any alternative subdivision of the area,” the report said.

Officers recommended council not sell the reserve.

Cr David Balfour suggested council should also carry a motion to rezone the land for public use and park. Despite cheers from the gallery, his suggestion was not supported by council.