Coburg park saved from development
Simon Craig, Moreland Leader, 05 July 2010
From http://moreland-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/coburg-park-saved-from-development/
THE largest parcel of open space in Moreland is now permanently off-limits to developers.
Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden last Friday declared the entire Edgars Creek parkland, in Coburg North, crown land.
The announcement follows a long community campaign to keep the 10.7ha site - most of which had been owned by VicRoads since the 1970s for a once-planned freeway link - in public hands.
It also removes long-held fears that part of the parkland’s fringe could be sold to developers.
Moreland Council, which has maintained the site for decades, has become its permanent custodian. The elevated northern area of the park near Newlands Rd is expected to become sport grounds.
Friends of Edgars Creek founder Stephen Northey said he hoped the announcement would spark native regeneration projects.
“Some parts around the creek we couldn’t get funding for because of the uncertainty about the site’s future,” he said.
“We can’t wait to get out there and plant trees.”
Pascoe Vale state MP Christine Campbell chaired the Edgars Creek Taskforce, which had been charged with developing a case for permanently protecting the parkland.
She said Friday’s announcement was the highlight of her 14 years as an MP.
“We can look forward to enjoying this wonderful parkland in the certainty that it will always remain public open space for us and future generations,” she said.
The announcement, just months before a state election, is likely to stem a rising tide of anger in Moreland against Mr Madden following a series of recent controversial planning decisions in the municipality.
Mr Madden said that with redevelopments at Pentridge, Kodak and Coburg High, it was “important we complement this additional housing”.
“Cyclists, pedestrians, residents and sporting enthusiasts can now be assured this land will never become anything other than natural parkland,” he said.