BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
New Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne said the state government has “blocked” the council from submitting development application for a skate park, despite support from numerous government agencies.
The Labor mayor told City Hub last week that the government had stalled on giving consent for a DA for a skate park in Callan Park over the last seven months, and that the park was being “demolished by neglect”.
In July this year, the NSW Government implemented a trust to manage the care and use of Callan Park, after ten years of revolving door management of multiple government agencies.
But now it seems that the council’s ability to spend money in the park has been stymied by the state government.
The skate park would cost the council $900,000 and would involve the demolition of two cottages near the Balmain Road sporting field in Callan Park.
The council said that the design of the park and its location had been decided in consultation with local skaters, park stakeholders and the wider community.
The idea emerged from community feedback, which showed that facilities for young people outside of organised sport were necessary.
Clr Byrne said support for the skate park had been overwhelming.
“This project has already been a long time coming for our local kids and teens. They shouldn’t have to wait any longer just because of red tape,” he said last week.
“Two months ago at a meeting with Minister Speakman and the Minister for Planning Rob Stokes, we asked them both to help make it happen, but at a meeting last week with Environment and Heritage staff there was still no progress.”
However an Office of Environment and Heritage spokesperson told City Hub that the department has “had a role at Callan Park since July 2015”.
“Therefore the 7 months is not correct,” the spokesperson said.
“Leichhardt Council has not requested consent from the Minister for the Environment to build a skate park at Callan Park. Until a request for consent is received, OEH cannot progress the matter.”
“When Council has prepared a proposal, OEH will work with them in seeking the Minister’s consent.”
