DECADES old promises of beautification works in Taylors Ward has left many residents cynical about Brimbank City Council’s proposal to upgrade all parks and open space in the municipality.
Concerns about the council’s draft Brimbank open space and playground policy plan — a $34 million proposal to upgrade all parks and open space over eight years — were raised at a public meeting on Tuesday night at Sydenham Library. About 60 residents and Brimbank City councillors attended the meeting, which was the final of three held as part of the council’s community consultation process, with 26 at the Sunshine meeting and six at the St Albans meeting.
Residents said they were now cynical of Brimbank City Council because of a 15-year-old promise to carry out of beautification work along Taylors Creek between Parnella Dr and Kings Rd and a 30-year-old promise to beautify Taylors Creek Linear Park (adjacent to St Augustines Primary School).
Other issues raised included how the council proposed to maintain the upgraded parks when it struggled to maintain existing parks, curb trail bikes being ridden on grassed areas, tackle rubbish being dumped in Taylors Creek and how money would be spent in each area if the plan went ahead.
Council officers told residents all the issues raised in relation to Taylors Creek were Melbourne Water issues.
Urban design manager Nick Mann said the council had been communicating with Melbourne Water about the matters.
A Melbourne Water spokesman said it was working with council and residents regarding these issues.
“We have previously attended a meeting with residents and council officers onsite. We will continue to work with council and residents regarding their concerns,” the spokesman said.
Residents said the reserve has become so popular that vehicles were being parked right up to corners of roads, on grassed areas and in front of driveways.
Council’s community regulations manager Joe Watkins said council was unaware of any complaints regarding this area.
However, she said the council would have officers patrol the vicinity when on normal duties and on weekends.
