RE: Objection to Planning Permit PLN18/0456 - Rushall Reserve
To all Yarra Councillors
Please add my objection to the granting of a Planning Permit for PLN18/0456 Rushall Reserve.
I object on the following grounds:
(1) Where is the Masterplan covering ALL of Rushall Reserve?
There is no Masterplan that indicates how the proposed shared path fits into the overall plan for the improvement of Rushall Reserve for the community.
Prior residents and their Councils have over the last 30 years converted this former dump site into the Rushall Reserve that is loved and enjoyed by the community.
This plan is an ill-considered negative impact on the current area that is NOT even supported by Council Staff let alone City of Yarra Ratepayers.
Why are Councillors supporting this project against the advice of Council Staff and against the wishes of many Yarra Ratepayers?
(2) Why are we reducing green open space?
Green open space will become of increasing importance to the ever growing population of Yarra.
Green open space like Rushall Reserve are our 'back yards' especially for the increasing number of Yarra residents living in apartments.
This project reduces this open green space with an expensive and unnecessary path that duplicates existing paths.
Why are our Rates being used to reduce green open space rather than being used to acquire more green open space?
(3) Why does this new path cost so much?
As per the recommendation of Council Staff at the 24 April 2018 Council Meeting, the Planning Permit should NOT be pursued.
The current cost estimate is $1,299,440 with all likelihood of more costs to be imposed by Metro Trains Melbourne.
This is a lot of money for approximately 200 metres of shared path.
Surely there are better uses for this amount of Ratepayer money?
(4) Why is Council duplicating existing paths?
There are already two EXISTING shared paths (off-road and on-road) connecting Holden Street and Queens Parade so why is a new third path costing at least $1.3 million required?
Aren't there better uses for this amount of Ratepayer money?