The NSW Government’s newly released 2019-20 budget includes significant investment in open and green spaces.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes, has allocated $162 million to upgrade existing government-owned land and buy new land for public parklands, increase the tree canopy across Sydney and build more inclusive playgrounds.
The Outdoor Living Room
The State Government wants to create outdoor living rooms throughout Sydney to encourage more people to go outside and play.
Mr Stokes said:
“This budget shows that the NSW Government is planning for open space more strategically – through improvements to land we already own and by buying up forgotten land across Sydney to create new parks, playgrounds, green links and cycleways between existing open spaces.”
Everyone Can Play
Funding has also been set aside to continue building inclusive playgrounds across NSW through the Government’s Everyone Can Play initiative. This initiative was started by our local member the Hon Anthony Roberts and one of the first everyone can play parks is Mindarie Park (on the corner of Kullah Parade and Mindarie Street Lane Cove North).
Stage One of Mindarie Park was officially opened earlier this year. The park is a well thought out and planned park and includes equipment accessable for all kids.
When completed Mindarie Park will have:
- Off-street parking;
- Table tennis;
- Play equipment;
- Full size basketball court (at last). This will mean two full sized public basketball courts in Lane Cove the other court is located at Kingsford Smith Oval;
- All abilities access toilet block;
- Serpentine walking path;
- Multi use open lawn area;
- Meeting circle/outdoor classroom;
- Multi use platform/stage;
- Picnic shelter, table setting and barbeque;
- Pump track for skateboards, scooters and bikes;
- Multi use games area;
- New turning facility; and
- Potential community garden
Where Are the Forgotten Places in Lane Cove?
This is a great initiative and Lane Cove Council should get on the front foot and identify some areas that could be new (or improved green spaces). They should seek funding asap.
One area that is crying out to be kept as green space is 266 Longueville Road. This is the site of the old bowling green and Lane Cove Music and Cultural Centre. Lane Cove Council has entered into an agreement with Australian Unity to develop seniors housing on this area. An area that used to be the playground for local school kids. This development has not been popular with locals.
The original proposal comprises 70 residential aged care beds, 90 independent living units (self-contained dwellings), associated facilities, new landscape works, car parking for 137 vehicles and site embellishments.
The proposal was assessed by an independent external consultant and presented to the Sydney North Planning Panel at its public meeting held on 11 July 2018 for determination.
The Panel deferred determination and requested the applicant make amendments to the development and provide additional information.
If the development does not go ahead, a new green outdoor living room could be developed with the NSW State Government. The green area would be next to the Lane Cove Golf Club and would create a wonderful green area. It would also fit in with the Lane Cove Council’s desire to build a sports centre on the Lane Cove Golf Club building (while keeping the Golf Course). The area would become an indoor/outdoor play/activity zone.
What other areas in Lane Cove are forgotten and need to be turned into green spaces?
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