A couple of years ago Hurstville City Council initiated the process toward redeveloping Penshurst Park, a large grassy tree-lined park in the southern suburbs and St.George area of Sydney.  Now the owners and occupiers of adjoining land have recently been notified of a Development Application (DA2016/0171) by the newly merged Georges River Council, to the same Georges River Council, to make this park into a "Sporting Hub".  The deadline for submissions regarding this DA is Friday 5th August 2016.

I have lived in the St.George area all my life, and I moved into a unit across the road from this park about 10 years ago. In a world of turmoil and difficulty, this lovely green park has been my calming space, and an escape from the cramped quarters of my unit. I am sure it is for many of the other unit-dwellers that live along our street too, especially those with young children, and also the recreational groups and individuals who visit it.  The growing unit-dwelling population of Hurstville needs more spaces that are open and relaxing, not crammed with facilities.  When I heard that the park might be resurfaced with artificial grass, and that buildings and more car-parking would be creeping further across the parkland, I knew that I had to ensure that all the residents and users of the park had the opportunity to know about this and respond.

I know that there are many different views on what should happen with Penshurst Park.  Many want it to stay just as it is.  Others are ambivalent about some aspects of the proposed changes, while others again are all for the redevelopment.

I have summarised the themes that have most commonly arisen when talking to people on the park over the last couple of weeks. Whatever happens to the park, I think there are some over-arching principles that are consistent and important to strive for. And these are;
 
- that the DA deadline be extended to make the consultation period and process more fair, in light of (a) incomplete process having been applied to the broadcasting of this DA, (b) late, incomplete , inaccurate and conflicting information being supplied to stakeholders for comment, and (c) the potential magnitude of this proposed project, the space it covers, and the breadth and number of community stakeholders that it impacts.

- that written assurances be given by council and all parties involved that the whole of Penshurst Park remain available for free public access, with no fencing-off, not only now, but permanently into the future.

- that space be evenly, equally committed to the two purposes of 1. unstructured recreation, relaxation and physical activity for the general community of all ages (including children and the elderly), and 2. structured sport, exercise and training for elite athletes, sports people and teams (which usually comprises youth and young to middle aged adults). i.e. that there is not an unequally predominant emphasis and dedication of space to 2. at the expense of 1.

- that no public space is handed over to private commercial interests or sporting bodies, even if it appears to be in the form of supporting sporting activity.

- that the surface of the park be repaired - preferably with natural grass - and that it be made even, and drainage improved to ensure the grass's ongoing health, longevity and safety for users of the park.

- that, if artificial surfaces (such as artificial turf or pavements) are employed on some parts of the park, then at least equal space (or more) is dedicated to and laid with natural grass.  And that the use of such artificial surfaces are not used as a justification for restricting access to the park by fencing and fees.

- that expansion of parking space not be harvested from park land, but rather from efficient use of existing parking space. eg. by subterranean or multilevel parking within existing parking boundaries.

- that council reconsider redeveloping all or parts of Penshurst Park as a garden and natural environment space, as a contribution to population mental and physical health, and environmental care.
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The notification period for DA2016/0171 was extended to Friday 5th August.  This has now closed, but you can still view the Development Application documents electronically on the Georges River Council's website; www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au  Go to "Hurstville City Council" > "I Want To" (top of right side menu) > "Find It" > "Applications Online" and, after accepting the terms, fill in the application details; DA2016/0171

Alternatively, I downloaded all these documents in case they went offline, so you can find all the council's documents that were on display in a Dropbox folder;  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9wsaouz0a4gljr3/AAA630pcl8gbnQ1peCrLJEJJa?dl=0

If you are concerned about the park, there is no rule to say you cannot still send your comments to council.

Council has an online electronic submission form (E-Form) available at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au that you are welcome to use. Go to "Hurstville City Council" > "I Want To" > "Submit It" > "Make a Submission on a DA".

Or you can email your submission, quoting the Application Number (DA2016/0171) and address of the property (643-643A King Georges Rd Penshurst NSW 2222); to mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au  

I have set up a couple of other avenues to broadcast information about this DA;
Facebook group - "Penshurst Park Development Plan Discussions"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/637707403052289/

Web blog - www.penshurstpark.wordpress.com
Please visit them regularly for updates and additions, share them with others, and make your comments.
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Although it would be very helpful if many people submitted comments directly to council, you are also encouraged to sign this petition if you are concerned about the current proposal by Georges River Council, so that collectively we can give the community a louder voice.  

Your comments below will be most welcome.
Kind Regards
Kathryn Skelsey
Resident of Cambridge St, Penshurst NSW 2222 Australia
PO Box 327 Allawah NSW 2218
k.skelsey@bigpond.com
0408-912-248