Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Hosken Reserve

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria Moreland City Council’s intention to redevelop Hosken Reserve, a ‘local’ off-lead 4.9 ha park, for the benefit of Pascoe Vale Football Club (PVFC), against the needs of the local community. In recent years PVFC has been granted growing exclusive access to the park. Currently, local residents cannot access the reserve after 4pm weekdays, and from 8am–6pm on weekends.

In September 2020 Council advertised a tender to fence, formalise and occupy 80% of the Reserve (and install artificial grass and lighting) for the benefit of PVFC. The project, originally costed at $2.7 million was in conjunction with a State Government Sport Grant of $500,000, which was withdrawn, due to failures to consult with local residents and irregularities in the grant application. The Council undertook so-called consultation in 2021 but arrived at a predetermined outcome to continue with the handover of the park to PVFC and to commit $5.9 million to build infrastructure for the sole benefit of PVFC. We are outraged by the lack of meaningful consultation, potential undeclared conflicts of interest, misuse of ratepayer assets and funds, and loss of benefit to local residents.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria require Moreland City Council to immediately discontinue the Hosken Reserve Masterplan Refresh Project, and initiate a public, independent inquiry into the process that led to circa $70 million worth of public land and $5.9 million (inc contingencies) of ratepayers’ funds being assigned to benefit Pascoe Vale Football Club.

We further request that Moreland City Council be required to undertake genuine consultation to develop a new Masterplan for Hosken Reserve that recognises the reserve’s current character as a “local” park, prioritises ongoing, ready access for local residents, and limits the PVFC footprint on Hosken Reserve to the existing southern pitch and pavilion.

By Mr RIORDAN (Polwarth) (1230 signatures).

Tabled.

Ordered that petition lodged by member for Caulfield be considered next day on motion of Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield).

Ordered that petition lodged by member for Polwarth be considered next day on motion of Mr RIORDAN (Polwarth).