Standing in the council’s surplus land zone is Drouin resident Belinda King
The Baw Baw Shire Council has delayed its decision on the subdivision and sale of Bellbird Park land amidst “passionate” protesters growing in frustration.
The decision on the proposed development initiative that would see four blocks of land between Bellbird Park’s sports fields and the rear of existing houses sold and built upon, has been postponed for two weeks.
Local residents have been consistently active in protesting against the sale of this land since they discovered its assessment in July of 2014 whilst the council was completing its evaluation of public assets, it’s the first time that this has been done since its establishment.
The Baw Baw Shire Council has produced four plans for approaching the subdivision of the parkland which have been outlined to the community, providing buffer zones for residential properties and recreational areas.
Drouin resident and frequent user of the Bellbird parkland, Belinda King, said “we are not prepared to compromise, we’re out to save this land”.
The locals in the area are very determined to retain this scenic zone and as Mrs King said “everyone’s concerned that the rural landscape of Drouin is changing, they’re passionate about their trees and their open spaces”.
“It’s everything, it’s the very essence of what living in Drouin is about,” King said.
Residents began their ‘Save Bellbird Park’ initiative last year and have submitted two petitions to the council since, the most recent one collecting 1587 signatures, three people declined to support it.
At the most recent council meeting, on the 13th of May, the protesters officially addressed the councillors in six 3 minute speeches, two of which had the speakers in tears.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor, Councillor Deborah Brown, said “The residents are very passionate about their park, they have every right to be, it’s a beautiful park and area”.
The council has outlined several reasons for selling the land being maintenance costs, public safety and the benefits the revenue could bring to other ‘open space’ recreational projects.
Councillor Brown said “we can’t afford to have little blocks of land everywhere, like pocket parks… we need to be able to connect the community”.
The council’s propositions for the park suggest removing 14 to 35 mature gum trees, in accordance with an arborist report.
The 1:100 year flood risk identified by council engineers is likely to increase with the tree removals, Drouin residents identified the park area as one that becomes inundated with water during the winter months.
Protesters have organised a gathering in Blackwood court Drouin on the 24th at 4pm for those looking to be updated on the matter.
The council’s final decision will be made on the 27th of May.
Harrison Johnstone 