Campbelltown
Council decided on 24 January  2006
decided to consult the community as to whether a carve up of Oakdale Ave
Reserve to pay future debt, to develop a pocket park and to replace an asbestos
fence was acceptable.

 

Results of the consultation

A petition of 356 signatures contained 200
signatures from Newton stating that Council should follow the Open Space
Strategy. 32 other local residents signed a 192 signature petition stating that
they were happy to sell the majority of the Reserve to pay debts. There were 28
Newton residents who filled in the questionnaire and supported council’s
“intent”.23 others did not support council’s “intent”.

Of the wider
community 28 supported council’s intent and 53 were against it. A public meeting stated that 100% of the
Reserve should be saved for the community.

The Council’s Youth Advisory Committee put forward the recommendation that 20% of the Reserve should be
sold to pay for the development and upkeep of a park and new fence. Newton Ward Forum discussed potential
requirements for the community.

 

The original
decision has created tension and friction in the local community which was
happy and united. The decision has not achieved Council’s stated outcome of  “A Community that is cohesive, supportive and
embraces cultural diversity” from its Strategic Plan 2005-2010. It has been a
sad and angry journey instead.

 

Listening to the community

Councillors
have the opportunity to listen to the community. Newton residents are fair and
are prepared as a group to sell part of the Reserve to pay for the development
of the rest of the Reserve. The residents have clearly stated that they want to
retain as much space as possible.

 

 

Council will consider 5 options

1.                 

Do nothing

2.                 

Provide a local Park and maintain
the balance as open space

3.                 

Provide a local park and sell
enough of the balance to pay for the development

4.                 

Develop a local park and sell the
remainder

5.                 

To sell the whole reserve with no
local park

None of the
costed options are truly representative of resident’s viewpoints ie that a park
is developed consisting of most of the Reserve paid for from a small land sale.
If you wish to look at the report
including costs and a designs for a park, copies will be available at the meeting and can be requested in the
library beforehand. You can respectfully ring councillors with your views
before they make a final decision. The final decision has to be agreed to by
the Minister of Local Government before council can proceed with sale of any
portion of the Reserve.