A PETITION with nearly 1000 signatures was handed in to Greater Taree City Council on Friday, March 27, in a loud public response to council’s draft Open Space Improvement Plan.
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The petition was handed in on the final day of public comment for the plan, with analysis of public feedback likely to take several weeks.
Under the moniker of Save our Spaces, a group of concerned residents collected the signatures.
“We encountered very little resistance,” said group member George Ball.
“There’s practically a unanimity for this petition.”
George and other concerned locals handing in the petition stated that they felt let down by the consultation process with council.
“As far as we’re concerned, they haven’t included us in their decision,” said George, who added that the information regarding the plan only appeared on the council website and the council notice board, which meant that many residents were unaware of council plans.
The Open Space Improvement Plan seeks to raise revenue and reduce its maintenance costs by selling or dedicating some of its parks and reserves in the Manning Valley.
The petition handed in on Friday specifically mentioned Andrews Close Reserve, Craiglea Reserve, and Dolphin Park in Taree West.
Other reserves in Taree, as well as areas in Cundletown, Wingham, Wallabi Point and Harrington, are also locations being considered for sub-division and sale or dedication.
The petition comes after 120 people gathered at Craiglea Reserve on February 13 to express their concerns about the plan to councilors and the mayor.
