Queanbeyan residents fight for open space
QUEANBEYAN — The Henderson Road Residents' Action Group is pressing ahead with plans for a community barbecue on Sunday, October 19, although NSW State Rail has refused permission.
"We are going to take whatever action is necessary to have the old railway goods yard rezoned so that it can become community open space", says Yvonne Francis, convener of the group.
In the 1970s the Queanbeyan City Council pushed through hundreds of flat developments in west Queanbeyan between Uriarra Road and the railway line. It failed to include sufficient recreation space.
Now, many small families, forced to use the flats, find that their children have nowhere to play.
In a recent survey of recreation needs, the council admitted there is a pressing need for recreation space there. It also revealed that as many as one quarter of households do not own a car. Police are called to the area frequently because of noise complaints.
The group hopes to get the abandoned railway goods yard opposite the flats in Henderson Road vested in the council. Council has agreed to plant a few trees and seats but doesn't want to spend any money acquiring the land.
FreightCorp, an arm of the NSW State Rail Authority, is in charge of the land and wants to make money out of it.
Things took a turn for the better three weeks ago when the Historical Society used the land for the celebrations of the 110th anniversary of the railway station. It showed how easily the land could accommodate the needs of the community — it was used for car parking, train rides and inspections and displays of historic fire engines.
All residents want is a safe fence near the line and council management of the land on their side. "A few shade trees and it would be perfect", says Francis. "Asphalted areas are already there, good enough for roller blading and riding bikes, and plenty of space to walk the dog and play games.
"Each flat pays about $1000 per year in rates and charges, and there are thousands of them. To spend a bit of money could hardly be called charity."