Residents say no to loss of parkland

By Vannessa Hearman

MELBOURNE -- Residents in the Parkville and Carlton areas have united to protect permanently reserved parkland at Royal Park near the Royal Melbourne Zoo which is being threatened by the construction of hockey, gridiron and netball stadiums in preparation of the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The site is also home to native grassland.

Royal Park Protection Group (RPPG) convenor Angela Munro said there are many alternative sites for the stadiums, such as the docklands, Fishermen's Bend, Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and Waverley Park. As yet, there has been no consultation with the local community or relevant unions, and no environmental impact assessment.

There has been a community picket at the site. This was stepped up last week when old-growth trees on the site were felled. The RPPG is asking people to come to the park between 8 and 9am to see the site and join in the picket.

The RPPG is demanding the deferral of work until alternative sites have been assessed and an environmental impact study has been undertaken. A rally will be held on May 1. For more information, phone the RPPG on 9347 6560.

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