DOOMSDAY CLOCK FOR PARKS & GARDENS NOW AT FIVE TO TWELVE
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor John So has called a crisis Council meeting scheduled for this afternoon at 3:30 pm to discuss the dire state of Melbourne’s famous parks, gardens, avenues and street trees which have been damaged by excessive commercial use and drought.
The Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. has long been a critic of Council management of Melbourne’s parks and gardens. Over the past five years we have seen the rapid commercialisation for major events. Even before the drought our major parks and gardens were being damaged by events, which attracted massive crowds when alternative venues were available. Even though there were warnings issued in advance that the El Ninio phenomenon would threaten Australia in 2007, Council failed to take steps to drought proof parks and gardens in advance and only belatedly has reversed its position in an endeavour to save them.
Kevin Chamberlin, President of the Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc., commented:
“We are calling on Council to reverse its position of strong support for major commercial events in parks. Most of the events held in Melbourne city can be easily accommodated in existing facilities specifically designed for accommodating large crowds and properly served by public transport, such as Caulfield Racecourse, the Moonee Valley Racecourse, the MCG and the newly restored and upgraded Showgrounds - just to name four. The long-term damage to our parks has become obvious to all because of the serious drought conditions. We also call on Council to prepare - as a matter of great urgency - a sustainable plan for all Melbourne’s parks, gardens and avenues to help restore Melbourne’s reputation as the capital of the Garden State and to enable us to rightfully claim the title again of the world’s most liveable city.”
The meeting should be well attended by groups who
are PPL VIC members plus Royal Park Protection Group members and are very
concerned over the fate of our parks and gardens.
Contact:
Kevin
Chamberlin President PPL VIC on 9328 3857 or 0417017180
Julianne Bell Secretary PPL VIC 98184114 or 0408022408 Email jbell5@bigpond.com