Fred Wear was shocked to learn that Casey Council plans to clear half of Marjorie Eastick Reserve in Hampton Park to build a new playground. By Alison Noonan
A HAMPTON Park man has begun a desperate fight to stop a Casey Council development he claims will destroy significant native bushland.
Fred Wear fears a council proposal to construct a $175,000 community playground at Marjorie Eastick Reserve will lead to the “destruction and complete takeover” of the popular park.
Mr Wear said the reserve had been an important part of his life and brought a great deal of joy to his family for more than 30 years.
He said he could not sit back and watch council clear the land, leaving residents with a half reserve that would be “no better than a sheep track” to walk through from Regans Road to Clive Street.
“This large, flat expanse of land is the only place around where we can enjoy the bush and the freedom to use it as we choose,” Mr Wear said.
“We need this natural land so that our young children can learn to ride their bikes, so we have somewhere to walk our dogs or for large groups to get together.
“On a nice day, it is ideal to just lie down on the grass and look up at the sky and dream our dreams in the quiet of our oval,” he said.
Mr Wear said the reserve was one of the few places in the area where native wildlife still roamed freely.
He said he did not want to see the animals driven away by an influx of new visitors.
“I have had snakes in my backyard and I still enjoy the white cockatoos and rosellas that come and go between the school trees and the reserve over my property.
“As long as I can remember two wild ducks have landed on the reserve every year and last year they even had their ducklings with them.
“From time to time, we have longlegged wading birds that also visit the reserve,” he said.
Mr Wear said council had made no provisions in its new proposal for extra parking on Regans Road and had rejected residents’ requests for barbecue facilities at the reserve.
“A question was asked at the community consultation about the possibility of providing barbecue facilities to better serve the needs of families and older residents who use the reserve.
“However, we were told that we couldn’t have one as it would cost over $20,000 and had to be electric,” he said.
Mr Wear said he had an alternative proposal to save his beloved park.
“I suggest council move the new playground to a much safer site at nearby Cody Avenue.
“This reserve is already fenced on three sides, is within 450 walking paces from Marjorie Eastick Reserve, and has no fast throughtraffic or bus route,” he said.
Casey acting manager of City Living, Liam Hodgetts, said council had acknowledged feedback from residents but would not relocate the playground from Marjorie Eastick Reserve.
“Council undertook community consultation late last year with residents.
“There may be some potential revisions to the plans based on the feedback received,” he said.
Mr Hodgetts said it was hoped construction of the playground would be complete by the end of the year.
