Did you know that Moonee Valley City Council (MVCC) in partnership with the Victorian Government are developing Montgomery Park, Essendon, by putting a 37.8m x 23.4m modular building on the Hilda Street frontage of the park.  A further 15m x 10m (approximately) is to be enclosed in unattractive fencing.  A significant area of Montgomery Park is to be lost to development.

Yes, the development is a 3-room kindergarten which is needed to meet the future needs of families in the City of Moonee Valley.

But did you know:

• 19 mature and young developing trees are to be removed. Home to many species of birds and wildlife.
• 316 cubic meters of contaminated soil is to be removed. That is asbestos contaminated soil.
• Works to commence mid-August. Yes, that is correct, mid-August. Like now!
• Residents close to the park were only advised of the development 2 weeks ago.

If you are as shocked by this situation as I am please keep reading.

Like many locals, Montgomery Park is an extension of our back yard, a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Essendon. Its significance goes beyond personal affection—it is zoned as a Public Park Recreation Zone and holds a deep cultural heritage that should be preserved and nurtured for future generations to appreciate.

But this park is not just for locals. Young, old, families, friends, dog lovers, kite flyers, ball kickers, bike riders, walkers and joggers from all areas visit this park. 

Alarmingly, this beloved park is under threat from inappropriate development plans that disregard its importance as a public recreation space and cultural heritage site. This proposed development would diminish the quality of the park, and the rich heritage tied to it. 

Essendon is already experiencing the pressures of urban development, with a projected growth of more than 20% in population by 2036 (Source: Victoria State Government). Open spaces like Montgomery Park become even more essential as population grows. They offer residents places to unwind and relax, engage in outdoor sports and activities, and provide vital green spaces that contribute to our overall well-being.

We urgently need to emphasize the effects of the proposed development plans on the area's local heritage, wildlife, and recreation options, and the potential negative impact on the sanity and the spirit of our neighborhood.

Yes, the education of our children is a priority, and I recognize the need to expand and improve infrastructure.

But did you know:

• Montgomery Park is on the Eastern border of the municipality and is not a central location for parents.
• The proposed new Montgomery Park Kindergarten is required at the beginning of 2025 to meet the enrolment pressures created by the closure of 3 Kindergartens being redeveloped.
• The proposed new Montgomery Park Kindergarten is not required to meet local growth. It is required to meet the needs of other further afield suburbs in this municipality.

 

Once the other Kindergartens being redeveloped are open, that is 4 x 3 room kindergartens, what will the enrolment be for this out of the way kindergarten? Maybe an expensive underutilized facility? I only pose the question. This below document is interesting reading. 

www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/childhood/providers/funding/Moonee%20_Valley_KISP_Signed.pdf

MVCC has assured local residents that they will redevelop the old kindergarten footprint and return as open space. But interested residents are yet to receive any timeline or confirmation that funds have been allocated. MVCC does not have a good record when it comes to allocating funds to Montgomery Park so my confidence is low that this will eventuate. 

It is a complex project so let me direct you to the MVCC and VSBA sites for plans of the development. 

(Heavy reading so grab yourself a cuppa.)

https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/live/my-family/families/kindergartens/kindergarten-redevelopment/montgomery-park-redevelopment/​

www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-grants

 

So, let us rally around our beloved park! It’s not too late!

• Stop the 3-room kindergarten being built at Montgomery Park.
• Find a location which better meets the needs of the community. Better location, better public transport, better parking, better traffic management, better services for families. 

In order to preserve Montgomery Park for future generations and maintain the quality of life in Essendon, we have to act now. The public has a say in the destiny of our parks. Let us use that power to reject inappropriate development and stand up for Montgomery Park. Sign this petition to protect our park and preserve it as a public and cultural asset.