Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) -

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)          the 286 small pocket parks and nearly 100 playgrounds across the local government area;

(ii)         the existing small parks renewal program which is a rolling annual asset renewal program aimed at renewal of parks to ensure they are safe, in good condition, are well presented and meet the needs of the community;

(iii)        parks are prioritised for renewal based on:

(a)        asset condition;

(b)        remaining useful life;

(c)         wear;

(d)        defects; and

(e)        risk;

(iv)       budgets for small park upgrades are developed based on benchmark rates with small park renewals usually delivered over a two- to three-year period covering design, consultation and construction;

(v)         Maureen Oliver Reserve located at 112 Erskineville Road Erskineville is named after the first woman Labor Alderman on the Council of the City of Sydney first elected in 1982; and

(vi)       due to an increase in anti-social behaviour and drug paraphernalia, including used needles, increasing being left in the small park, the space has become problematic for local residents, who are requesting by way of petition, an upgrade of the Maureen Oliver Reserve into a useable play space for young children;

(B)        Council note the conditions and usage of Maureen Oliver Reserve has changed, particularly with shifting demographics in Erskineville as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic;

(C)       Council also note the petition lodged with 43 signatures from local residents and business owners calling for upgrades and safety measures due to resident reports of safety concerns; and

(D)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested, in light of changed circumstances and community concern about Maureen Oliver Reserve, to order an updated assessment be undertaken to effectively consider the need for an amendment to the small parks playgrounds renewal timeframe to include an upgrade for the Reserve.

Carried unanimously.

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