We are widening our approach to preserve Rushall Reserve.

FIRST, we ask that you object to the proposed bike path planning permit asap.  We recommend that you email your objection to planningadmin@yarracity.vic.gov.au (include PLN18/0456, include the word ‘Object’ and your contact details).  A sample objection can be found here.  Of note:

• Council has provided no fixed cost for the path, originally estimated around $450,000, then updated to cost around $1M (without significant future items included), but it is likely to balloon significantly.
• There is no mention about how the escarpment will be protected during construction or the felling of trees.
• There is no plan for protecting remnant grasses.

SECOND, we believe it is time for a Parkland Masterplan for the Merri Creek Valley (which would also include usage of Rushall Reserve).  To this end we have formed a More Parkland for Yarra working group to lobby Council about the development of an integrated parkland masterplan that would cover High Street to St Georges Road, including preserving parkland, replacing the Walker Street Bridge and Underpass, and new pathways (including the possibility of the Merri Creek trail utilising the Amalgamated Marble site, etc).  We encourage you to participate by:

• emailing moreparkplandforyarra@gmail.com
• going to the group's new website here.

Many thanks for supporting the preservation of Rushall Reserve and our wider approach to a Merri Creek Parkland Masterplan.