Australian Greens Victoria Press
Release – Time for action on Wolstencroft says Tim Bardsley
Thursday 11th October,
2012
Despite the
icy weather, a community BBQ will go ahead tonight at Wolstencroft Reserve,
Cnr. Wolstencroft and Beebe Streets, Bendigo, at 5.30 p.m. to highlight the
broken Council commitment to develop the neglected reserve.
Tim
Bardsley, endorsed Greens candidate for the Eppalock Ward, has called on
Council to follow through with the development of the Wolstencroft Street Park
Land.
“The
previous council adopted the Master Plan for the development of the site in
June 2008, and it was substantially funded in the following budget. For some unknown reason, the money was
withdrawn and has not been reinstated in any subsequent budgets,” said Tim
Bardsley.
“The
previous Council did all the right things in consulting the community
thoroughly, and came up with a plan for the open space that would be a
fantastic asset for community health and wellbeing. But all we have is a pile of weeds that are
an eyesore and an impediment to safe play for the many young families
hereabouts,” said Mr Bardsley.
“It is a
complete waste of time, effort and rate payers money spent in developing the
Master Plan to see it shelved for the past 4 years,” he continued.
“There has
been a very active community group, WAAG (Wolstencroft Area Action Group) that
have held regular events to highlight the need for the construction of the
Master Plan, but their calls have fallen on deaf ears,” said Tim Bardsley.
“When the community wants something done and
is prepared to fight for it the council should listen. The sporting facilities around Bendigo have
seen major upgrades over the life of this council, which is great. Now it is time to improve this reserve in
line with what has been promised, and look at other areas of open space that
need attention,” said Mr. Bardsley.
“I have
organized this community BBQ to listen to the concerns of local people and to
show that if elected I will strongly support funding to see the Wolstencroft
Master Plan through to fruition” Tim Bardsley said.
For more
information contact Tim Bardsley on (m) 0428 649 631; www.facebook.com/tim4eppalock;
or Wendy Radford on (m)
