By Brendan Rees
More than 100 residents have signed a petition to build a play area at a newly developed Cranbourne East estate.
Families are campaigning for the play area, which they say was promised by a real estate group before moving in.
A petition calling for a playground at Brindalee Estate was signed by 113 residents who have sought Casey Council’s help to meet the needs of the growing community.
Cr Amanda Stapledon, who supported the need for a playground, tabled the petition at a Casey Council meeting on Tuesday, 20 February.
She said many were young families who needed somewhere for their children to play, adding “Every child should have an opportunity to play.
“I have been approached by a pro-active and respectful group of residents who simply want somewhere for their children to play and somewhere for all residents to sit whilst enjoying the outdoors,” she said.
“It is a complex matter due to some of the land not being owned by council but this is something that we are committed to working through.”
Casey council will meet with residents around Genevieve Circuit to discuss the need for a playground, maintenance of grass-cutting, traffic issues along internal streets and a foot path to a nearby school crossing.
A Brindalee resident, who asked his surname not be revealed, said about 200 kids were forced to play on the streets every day.
“Three and four year olds are riding their bike on the road,” he said. “Kids have jumped in front of cars with their bike.”
He said Victorian House Land Specialists made him a promise that a playground would be built when he bought his family’s house.
“We paid extra because we thought we were getting a facility in front of our house. We were made a false promise.”
Cr Stapledon also raised an issue of safety with an open space at the estate.
“There is an easement that requires the grass to be cut on a regular basis otherwise; snakes are sited and this is a safety risk for children.
“The open space in part owned by council and in other parts, by a State Government authority,” she said.
Victorian House Land Specialists director Anand Woodhoo said no promises were made of a playground to people buying land, nor were they charged a higher fee.
“Would you promise anything? It’s not our land, we just sell it,” he said.
“If we sell something we sell it according to plan of subdivision. So how can I say next door there will be park when there is a block of land?”
He said the developer had to meet council compliance requirements, adding “He doesn’t go there and start digging and put a road or a house or whatever he wants.”
