Greenwich puts Ballaarat Park on government’s agenda

By Emily Contador-kelsall
The community campaign to extend Ballaarat Park is moving steadily forward with the support of independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.
Mr Greenwich submitted five questions centering on the state government’s plans for the future of the park to the Minister for Planning Rob Stokes in late May.
Mr Greenwich told City Hub he hoped that his questions to the minister “will help get more useful open green space”.
“I’ve met with residents onsite and heard their concerns about limited open space and unnecessary roads that are a magnet for anti-social behaviour,” he said.
But a decision is yet to be made on the future of the park.
A spokesperson for the Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet said, “no decision has been made on this land, pending the review of the Harbour Foreshore Vision & Strategy, which was announced by [the former Planning] Minister Goward in August 2014.”
Despite no decision being made by the state government about the park, resident and co-convenor of the Ballaarat Park community campaign Jean-Paul Markopoulos said Mr Greenwich’s support was “vital” in bringing the campaign to the attention of the government.
“We are receiving tremendous feedback, particularly from the local residents who are fed up with the aggressive drunken behaviour, noise and pollution emanating on Thursday to Sunday late nights,” he said.
Many residents have attributed the ncreased noise and antisocial behaviour around Ballaarat Park to the billion dollar redevelopment of The Star casino, which has increased traffic on surrounding roads.
One of the key aims of the community campaign is the removal of the roads surrounding the park, as it would increase the park’s space by 60 percent and help reduce late night activity.
“Pyrmont is now the most densely populated area in Australia, and residents in apartments need public open space,” Mr Greenwich said.