Pat Spicer

Through the gate Chair, Katrina is not able to attend this meeting and she did put that on her form. So she's asked me to present this on her behalf. Thank you, Pat. My name is Pat Spicer. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today on behalf of. Bodycote. Kate is a long-term resident of Forest Oak Court. Kate speaks on behalf of not just her household but also for many of her neighbours who are increasingly impacted by the current and potential future use of Charles Bennett Park. When Kate and her husband purchased their block nearly ten years ago, they specifically chose their location for its proximity to the park. Expecting it to provide a peaceful, family friendly space for children. At the time of purchase, the park design was incomplete and there was no mention of a basketball court. Since the basketball court was installed, it has become a constant source of noise and disruption. On many days, the sound of bouncing basketballs starts as early as 6:00am. And continues into the evening. Even with homes closed, the noise is persistent and invasive. The court is the only one in the area and is drawing increasing crowds. Given the surrounding residential setting, this level of use is not the development of 62 Lake Macdonald Drive site on Lake Macdonald Drive, residents are very concerned that pressure on the parks will increase even more. Beyond the noise, there have been multiple incidents of lease night activity involving large groups of youths arriving in cars, driving on public land and playing basketball well past midnight and leaving behind litter and alcohol bottles. These incidents have been reported to both the Council and the police. While Council staff did visit the site and express support for escalation, residents have had no follow-up since March. As older residents, they feel intimidated and unsafe confronting such behaviour. Directly. Local residents understand Council may be considering additional amenities as part of park remediation. Does this include barbecues, toilets, shade sails and lighting? Residents respectfully but strongly oppose these proposals. Such additions would only intensify use extend park activity late into the evening and bring even more visitors into what is a quiet residential area. The cul-de-sacs surrounding the park, Forest Oak Court and Red Ash Court, have extremely limited parking and are not equipped to handle large levels of traffic. Residents are not against public spaces. Or community recreation. What they ask is that Charles Bennett Park be managed and developed in a way that respects the amenity, privacy and safety of the residents who live around it. These could include: removing the basket basketball hoop and relocating the facility to a more suitable site such as the existing slag near the skate park in town, or replacing the shooting area with astroturf to deaden the noise while preserving open space. Avoiding any additions such as toilets, barbecues or lighting which would turn the park into a destination facility rather than a local green space. Ensuring that more recreation facilities, play equipment is allocated within the Lake Macdonald Drive development to reduce pressure on existing parks. Kate wants to preserve the peaceful she lifestyle. And her husband moved here for and they trust that Council will consider the impact of these issues not just on future residents but on existing ratepayers and long-standing members of this community. Thank you for your time. And consideration. Why this issue is relevant to Council? This issue is directly relevant to Council because it involves the management and development of Council owned public land, specifically Charles Bennett Park. How this space is being used in a residential setting. It also raises concerns about public safety, amenity and compliance with community planning principles. The current and future use of the park, including the placement facilities, like the basketball court, potential additions such as barbecues, toilets, lighting, and the increase in antisocial behaviour, all fall under Council's responsibility for urban planning, community well wellbeing, being in. Infrastructure, and public safety. Thank you.

Thank you. Through the Chair. Were the tender prices for the remediation work at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy, matching the estimates?

Questions? Two. Is the funding for the remediation of 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy, coming from a grant, a loan, or Council reserves?