A week after its Save Our Park Community Rally, the Suffolk Park Progress Association (SPPA) has launched a change.org petition asking that the NSW Government transfer the land title of Lot 60, Beech Drive to Byron Shire Council as a gift.
If the council is successful in obtaining ownership of the land, mayor Simon Richardson said it would be designated as ‘community land’ and retained in perpetuity for community use.
A plan of management would be developed in consultation with the Suffolk Park Community to determine the preferred uses of the site.
Byron-based NSW MLC Ben Franklin (Nationals) has been in discussions with education minister Adrian Piccoli after spending time at the park with community representatives.
Mr Piccoli subsequently had the land removed from public auction but so far there has been no word on the price tag for Byron Shire Council.
Ballina MP, Tamara Smith believes minister Piccoli, is considering gifting the land to the Suffolk Park Community, after she spoke with him before Question Time last Thursday.
‘It’s looking positive, with most political players now sharing a similar vision. We know that we can’t be complacent though – hence the second petition,’ said Patsy Brosnan, vice president of SPPA.
‘This land title transfer would secure Lot 60 as community land for generations to come. ‘Held in perpetuity, no future Byron Shire Council nor potential amalgamation of northern rivers councils could remove it from Suffolk Park’s Community’s hands. It is and should remain as, the heart of our community.
‘I hope Adrian Piccoli does the right thing by us. I can’t think if a better Christmas gift to over 4,000 residents in our Suffolk Park Community,’ Ms Brosnan said.
https://www.facebook.com/SuffolkParkProgressAssoc/
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