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.

July 5th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hurrah!  The parkland, in entirety, has been gifted to the City of Moreland!

Well done everyone!

This is a fantastic result, which our group has been working relentlessly towards since late 2006, and we are over the moon that this outcome has finally been realised.

We know from various events and petitions and letters of support that the users of this parkland are from all over Melbourne’s inner north and we’re sure that everyone is breathing a collective sigh of relief that Justin Madden, Minister for Planning, agrees that this parkland is indeed a special place worth saving.

The years of writing letters to politicians and media, signing petitions, and gathering for shows of support in the parkland have been worth it and all residents should feel proud to have achieved this result.

There has been a lot of work done behind the scenes, with people volunteering all kinds of skills and we’re delighted to be able to thank you all - every single person involved in the campaign - now we have reached this incredibly positive outcome.

Generations to come will be able to appreciate this parkland as we do today - an oasis of green open space parkland available for recreation by all.

Success!

July 3rd, 2010 | Category: flora & fauna, history, recreation | Comments (1)

Residents received a letter from Christine Campbell MP:

I am absolutely delighted to announce that the Edgars Creek parkland has been gifted as public open space by the Brumby Labor Government, as promised at the last State election.

The delivery of this public open space to my electorate and beyond is the highlight of my term as a Member of the Government.

This means that you will be able to enjoy walking, riding, golfing, playing sport and simply “chilling out” in this beautiful natural environment.  Moreland Council will continue to maintain it as permanent public open space.

Edgars Creek parkland will ensure that Coburg retains its liveability as a truly great place to live, work  and raise a family.

In partnership with the community and Moreland Council I have worked to highlight the critical importance of this land for the health and wellbeing of residents.

Thank you to residents who have provided individual support letters, photos of the “flatland” in flood, and helped re-vegetate the area with native plantings.  All of you have greatly assisted in promoting the reasons why the area

should be permanent public open space.

Thank you to Merri and Edgars Creek Parklands Group and Friends of Edgars Creek who have worked conscientiously for today’s result.

Within Government, I particularly want to thank Minister Justin Madden and Minister Tim Pallas and their departments for their support to ensure that this election commitment was delivered for the community.

This welcomed Labor Government decision means that all of us can continue to enjoy this special parkland.

Yours sincerely

Christine Campbell MP
Member for Pascoe Vale

July 2nd, 2010 | Category: government | Leave a comment

A press release from Christine Campbell MP:

“It is with immense pride that I announce that the Edgars Creek parkland has been gifted as public open space by the Brumby Labor Government, as I promised at the last State election,” Christine Campbell, MP, Member for Pascoe Vale announced today.

“The delivery of this public open space to my electorate and beyond is the highlight of this term as a Member of this Government,” Ms Campbell said.

“The community can now be certain that they can continue to enjoy walking, riding, golfing, playing sport and simply “chilling out” in this very special open space,” Ms Campbell said.

“Edgars Creek parklands will ensure that Coburg retains its liveability as a truly great place to live, work and raise a family,” Ms Campbell said.

“In partnership with the community and Moreland Council I have worked to show the critical importance of this land for the health and wellbeing of residents.”

“I thank those who have provided individual support letters, photos of the “flatland” in flood, and helped re-vegetate the area with native plantings.  This has greatly assisted in promoting the reasons why the area should be permanent public open space,” Ms Campbell said.

“I also thank Merri and Edgars Creek Parklands Group and Friends of Edgars Creek who have worked conscientiously for today’s result,” Ms Campbell said.

“Within Government, I particularly want to thank Minister Justin Madden and Minister Tim Pallas and their departments for their support to ensure that this election commitment was delivered for the community,” Ms Campbell said.

“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.”

July 2nd, 2010 | Category: government, media, state government | Leave a comment