Press Release

Australian Greens Victoria Press Release – Time for action on Wolstencroft says Tim Bardsley

Thursday 11^th 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  For some unknown reason, the money was withdrawn and has not been reinstated in any subsequent budgets,” said Tim Bardsley.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)

WAAG website also is advertising the BBQ