Not even the squally rain and wind on Sunday afternoon stopped residents of Hardie Street and the surrounding neighbourhood getting together to stress their disapproval of losing their reserve to social housing.
East Gippsland Shire Council has earmarked the reserve to potentially be sold to targeted developers to create community housing for the more vulnerable in the community.
The reserve is described by locals as a good family area popular with children, dog walkers and retirees out for a walk.
It attracts those not only from Hardie Street but other streets whose back yards adjoin the reserve.
“It is the only open space in the entire neighbourhood and a popular area to kick a football or throw a Frisbie, it really does get used and is good for our mental health and wellbeing,” one resident said.
The reserve was gifted to the community in the 1970s on the understanding it would always be used for recreation and many purchased homes because of this status.
The revocation of reserve status by the East Gippsland Shire was completed in 2005.
The block was taken off a list of shire vacant land for sale in 2020 after protests from the community at that time.
They now have another struggle on their hands to keep their much loved reserve.
Bronsdon Street resident Kazzy Renwick questioned whether the area should be branded an easement because of drainage and she thinks the main sewers going through there.
Another big concern is access if units were built there, as the street is already congested with cars and is quite narrow.
“When you drive in over the crest and around the corner cars have been side swiped, it is particularly dangerous when the sun hits your windscreen at certain times,” they said.
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Philips Krakellis, who has lived in his home abutting the park since 1993, stated the reserve should be for the children and grandchildren in the whole area.
“Otherwise, where else can they play, on the streets?” he asked.
“How dare they rezone without conferring with the residents, it is appalling, we want it rezoned back to recreation immediately,” residents Gail and Michael Kenny said.
“We need a safe environment for our kids, all residents are feeling fearful and vulnerable and there has been no consultation,” they said.
Bev White has lived right next to the reserve for the past 24 years and when she bought was told that it could never be built on.
“I was totally unaware of any change and was never consulted on the change,” she
said.
“The sale would affect my lifestyle and I have concerns over safety and drainage. I came here for the serenity and now am not sleeping, it is a big impact. We all value the reserve and it is vital,” Bev said.
Fred Nielson has lived in Hardie Street for the past 40 years and his children played on the reserve growing up.
“Even breaking an arm or two there,” he said.
“I am very concerned they will put six or eight units on there, there is no footpaths, the street is very narrow and developers will decide what to do. We have already had some bad situations with rentals and I am concerned at what is to come,” Fred said.
Many elderly residents who live by themselves and enjoy a safe environment are now scared of what is to come as there has been no consultation.
“There has been no contact with us from the Shire other than a letter in the mail, no councillors have been in touch,” they said.
A petition has been started by the residents which will be forwarded to EGSC.
Feedback can be submitted through the council website by August 2.
