Kingston calls on the Government to find alternative site to keep the Chain of Parks alive
Kingston has called on the Victorian Government to work with Council to provide an alternative site for a much-needed and long-planned regional sporting facility in our Green Wedge, after it was announced that land earmarked for the Chain of Parks since 1994 will instead be acquired for the Suburban Rail Loop stabling yards.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said while the Government’s decision to acquire the Kingston Road site in Heatherton for stabling yards was disappointing, Council understood it was required for the major city-shaping project.
“We are naturally disappointed, and we are urging the Government to secure an alternative site in Kingston’s Green Wedge for the important regional sporting facility,” Cr Staikos said. “After significant work by Council, the Old Dandenong Road site was clearly identified in our Chain of Parks Masterplan as the perfect site for this unique new regional facility.”
While Council will not be the deciding planning authority on the proposed stabling yards, Council is asking the Government to listen to local residents and work to address concerns.
Cr Staikos said the loss of the Delta site meant it was vital that the State Government took urgent action to purchase the neighbouring Henry Street property to secure the Chain of Parks.
The Victorian Government earmarked the Delta site and the neighbouring Henry Street site for public purchase over two decades ago but has not yet acted to secure them.
“It is now more important than ever that the Government use the $25 million promised at the last state election to purchase land for the Chain of Parks,” Cr Staikos said. “Council is doing its bit having opened the Spring Road Reserve in Dingley Village and is now currently constructing a new park at Elder Street South in Clarinda. It’s time the Government honoured its commitment and bought the Henry Street site.”
The Chain of Parks will create linked open spaces for the community to enjoy all the way from Karkarook Park to Braeside Park. For more than 30 years, successive Councils have advocated for changes to put an end to landfills in Kingston and replace them with much-needed parkland for the community to enjoy.
