Our community in Schofields

There are over 1000 residents in 'Oaklands Estate' and near by developments (area between Schofields Rd and Grange Av dissected by Argowan Rd). Map given below.

 

 

 

 

Our community demographics

Our community has a thriving and diverse mix of people from all walks of life. Many families with young children have been living in the estate since 2017 and many more have moved in recent past. 

The issue

Over the past six years, to access a local park, we either have to drive to Altrove or to a park in Alex Avenue all the while knowing that we have two reserves earmarked for development and left unused.

Parents in the community do not feel safe to leave kids on their own to cross Schofields Rd and access Altrove park and as such children are restricted to their backyards or streets. To access a park with BBQ facilities, we have to drive to Altrove or Rouse Hill both of which are not available in most cases. 

To address this lack of recreational facilities in the community, we've made several representations to the council to expedite the delivery of Reserve 973 and 976 but to no avail. We've sent many emails to the council but the standard response we received is it will be considered in the future. 

It is essential that the development of these reserves be taken up immediately so that residents are not restricted to their backyards with not much room to move and can access these open facilities to stay fit and healthy. This will also mean that instead of driving a vehicle to a facility away from the estate, residents will walk to our own local facility. This is good for the environment and for one's own health. 
 
Our call for immediate action

Considering the size of the community and how much has been invested in this area by families to secure a home, it is extremely disappointing not to have a recreational area and a Childrens play area in this development. The community has been without a basic amenity for over six years and it is time that this changed!

As such, we request Blacktown Council to prioritise the delivery of these two reserves (Reserve 976 followed by 973) and deliver the parks to the community now without any further delays.

Also, we request the council to hold a community consultation session to receive feedback on the facilities the community needs such as play equipment, barbeque facilities etc.

Reserve 973 and 976 are mentioned in 2022_23 BCC Works Improvement Program Page 349. However, they are not prioritised or supported at this stage.

Link here: Works Improvement Program - Blacktown City (nsw.gov.au)