Cardinia Shire Council is backing the future Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands by agreeing to give up a small piece of land in Beaconsfield.
At the 21 July meeting, the council voted to start the process of closing and transferring a 375-square-metre section of Trythall Street to the State Government.
The land, valued at around $22,000, will form part of the planned 600-hectare parklands stretching from Beaconsfield to Clyde.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) requested the transfer and asked the council to waive the land’s market value, given it will be used for public open space. All councillors voted in favour, except Cr Nickell who declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in the decision.
DEECA accepted responsibility in line with the Council’s Discontinuance Policy to reimburse associated costs, including valuation fees, surveying, legal, and community engagement costs.
“DEECA have agreed to fund the cost associated with the discontinuance and transfer process estimated between $17,000 and $18,000,” Cr Owen said.
“The market value is estimated to be $22,000. If proceedings as per the recommendation Council will waive the market value of the land transferring the land for $1 and only recover associated fees and charges incurred by Council.”
The Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands plan, released in 2022, outlines a vision to link several existing parks, such as Grassmere Wetlands, Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve, and Akoonah Park into one large open space network by 2040.
“We actually don’t have much time, 2040 is not that far away,” Cr Brett Owen said.
“It’s important that council proceeds with this. It’s our contribution to this future great parkland. So I’m comfortable with foregoing the market value so this can happen.”
Before the transfer goes ahead, the council will begin community consultation. Notices will be published, nearby landowners will be contacted, and the wider community will be invited to give feedback.
“I look forward to Council receiving any submissions or comments,” Cr Owen said.
“But I think it’s positive. It’s one small way that Cardinia can contribute to a State project. It needs to be funded by the State for it to be completed by 2040 so this is one part we can play.”
If no major objections are received, the council will finalise the road closure and transfer the land to DEECA. The land’s official status will then change from “road” to “reserve”, making it ready for future parkland development.
The council also noted that ongoing support from the State Government, particularly funding for land acquisition, trail construction and maintenance will be essential to bringing the parklands to life.
