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Peachester park fight continues
P is for Peachester P is for Park
Photo by Kathy Hill, Whisper Images
P is also for perseverance … which the people of Peachester have in profusion.
More than 100 people recently gathered at the land on the corner of High Street and Peachester Road for a cheerful community protest to show their continued resolve and overwhelming support for a new park in their town.
The land is a state government owned block slated for sale but the locals had been promised it would be protected as a community park.
Since early April, residents have campaigned to stop the sale and have Sunshine Coast Council take control of the land as part of its open space network.
A letter from Dr Anthony Lynham, the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, has indicated that a meeting has taken place between his department and council officers and that the department will continue to actively work with the council to have the property transferred as a reserve for recreation.
While being optimistic, residents remain cautious until a formal resolution is handed down and they are keen not to let their patience look like complacency.
Cr Rick Baberowski, who attended the community gathering, told the residents how positive he was about the likelihood of securing the land and the next steps that would be taken.
Judy Tomlinson with Cr Rick Baberowski
Photo by Kathy Hill, Whisper Images
A petition undertaken to show the passion of locals for a parkland, with almost 700 signatures garnered, will be presented to Dr Lynham by local resident Judy Tomlinson and Andrew Powell, the Member for Glass House on Thursday.
Residents are now working on a concise briefing document for the Minister that includes a timeline of events outlining all action and communication between the community of Peachester and the council over the past 30 years. It also outlines their aim to utilise and improve the High Street and the sport and recreation ground as park locations.
Residents who have been part of such discussions and actions are urged to come forward to build the most accurate timeline possible to present to the Minister.
