Why can’t this administration seem to get something right the first time around? Why is so much of public money recklessly wasted? Why is there so little concern for the environment, especially when it involves the expansion of sporting grounds or the building of mega palaces?
All of these questions relate to the announcement of ‘works’ in Caulfield Park (see below). The lowlights are:
- The removal of 39 recently planted and now well established trees and then replanting new ones. How much does this cost?
- Another ‘regrassing’ and sudden need for the extension of the cricket oval.
We note that this is now the second time that ‘corrections’ have been made to Caulfield Park ovals. They built a pavilion only to realise after the fact that ovals had to be ‘reconfigured’ and more concrete poured in. Now the same thing appears to be happening – another ‘reconfiguration’. Either this says that the ‘bible’ – ie Master Plan – was a dud to begin with, or decisions are again ad hoc, and ill planned.
Please click on the photos to view in greater detail the proposed new actions.
Glen Eira Debates 
November 14, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Jesus, they now need to hire a proof reader for the first sign. Can’t even stop typos or maybe they just can’t spell.
November 14, 2013 at 4:22 PM
Okay we’ve now got a Green mayor plus another green councillor. Let’s see how green they are or does the ongoing destruction of trees not come into the position description the greens.
November 14, 2013 at 10:40 PM
For Greens Councillors (one of which is now Mayor) read self-interest. Mission Statements be damned – the focus is on promoting the Greens even if it is at the expense of their reasons for being.
November 14, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Consume scarce Glen Eira Parkland ( lowest ratio per capita ratio in Metro Melbourne) to build the under utilized Caulfield Park Pavillion and expand the car park ($6m without land cost) then realize ooops!!! we need to move the sporting ovals. Six years later another ooops!!! – we need another sporting oval move only this time we also need to cut down 39l!! established trees that we planted for the first ooops..
Having checked with Council I am assured this is all in the Master Plan (which is not publicly available). This requires an act of faith that Council is unable to substantiate with any analysis undertaken in the past or in the present
One begins to wonder if the Master Plan is actually a master plan of ph*ck ups. The resemblance to GESAC’s car parking ever expanding requirements is striking..
November 14, 2013 at 10:45 PM
Dear Anonymous,
the 2001 Master Plan is actually available on Council’s website. It makes for fascinating reading. We simply quote a couple of passages here:
“Existing sporting facilities to be upgraded but confined to existing areas.
While seeking input from all community interest and user groups or
individuals, no one view or interest group must unfairly dominate the
decision making process.”
November 15, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Oh My, My, My.
This Council is certainly on top of things – they are currently going through the motions of replacing the 1998 Open Space Strategy (that’s 15 years between reviews) and the document governing the management of the Glen Eira’s premier park is the 2001 Master Plan (no need to review – it’s only 12 years old).
Where’s that guy that regularly makes posts about “living in the best municipality in the world – lowest rates, excellent management” when you need him?
November 14, 2013 at 11:02 PM
Trees and open space are expendable in Glen Eira. Gesac, Duncan Mackinnon, Centenary Park and now Caulfield, plus countless others that aren’t broadcast, have had trees removed willy nilly and open space has been sacrificed to car parks and road rearrangements. All for a minority – sport.