The CFMEU has placed a green ban on a proposed site of an indoor sports stadium at McIver Reserve in Yarraville that will reduce the provision and access to open space for the local community.
McIver Reserve is a key community hub for recreation and leisure. The proposed reduction of open space in a council with already limited provision of open space shows a lack of regard to the views of local residents by Council.
The development would see over 150 trees removed, and the closure of the Yarraville Footscray Bowling Club for the period of development, which could be two or more years.
A fenced dog park is proposed to be built around the north-east perimeter of the baseball diamond to offset the reduction of the current dog park, impacting residents who immediately back onto the proposed site.
Councils own consultation documents show residents value of open space, with 45 percent opposing the development and 12 percent unsure.
City of Maribyrnong has one of the lowest provisions of open space in Victoria, and despite residents' concerns around reduction in access to open space and environmental impacts of the development, council has chosen to ignore community feedback.
The main reasons for residents opposing the development were:
- To protect open space
- Traffic and parking concerns
- Sport is already well catered for.
Adjoining McIver Reserve is the Bradmill Precinct Development site which will include approximately 1300-1500 new dwellings and a Neighbourhood Activity Centre that will integrate with the existing urban environment.
"The Bradmill Precinct Development site will inject thousands of residents into the area, but the Council is proposing to reduce access to open space in the surrounding area," said John Setka, Secretary of the CFMEU Vic-Tas.
It would be inappropriate to build an indoor facility on open space when there are other sites within the City of Maribyrnong more suitable for the development of an indoor sports stadium that would not come at a cost of reduced open space.
This is a cash grab by Council to build a facility that makes them money at a cost to resident's provision of open space.
The union stands by the residents of the City of Maribyrnong who have not had their voices heard.
