Parks are vitally important to the quality of life in neighbourhoods, ensuring the health of families and youth, and contributing to the overall well-being of the community, providing connection points and a sense of belonging.

Richmond Valley Council is currently considering a plan to sell 5 parks in Casino: RSM Park, Dan Phelen Park, Sunnyside Park, Melaleuca Park, and Russell Park. We the undersigned call on Richmond Valley Council to halt plans to sell these parks and to seek funding to reinstall park equipment in the above parks.

The fact is that councils claim, that the sale of the five parks will help to address housing concerns. is just not plausible. The council have previously opened up estates such as Settlers estate and should look at similar options going forward. There is significant land available at Nammoona which is identified by the Council as the next suburb or Casino.

Residents of Casino have seen cuts to the parks across the town as tables, chairs, toilets, swing sets and other park furniture has been removed over the years. . Council says the parks are unused and should be sold. Once these parks are sold it would be long before they look to sell off other parks.