Work is under way on a $4.7 million Maidstone child and family services hub.
The Dobson Kindergarten and Burns Street Maternal and Child Health Service are being redeveloped into an integrated hub at Rogers Reserve, due to be completed late next year.
Deputy mayor Grant Miles said the project would feature maternal and child health services, kindergartens, a toy library, and community and consultation rooms.
Maidstone resident Wendy Lang said the community welcomed the new facilities but was concerned at the possible impact on Rogers Reserve.
“In 2006 when this was raised, the community indicated it didn’t want it to go further into the reserve and the assurance was given that this wouldn’t occur.”
Ms Lang said the first residents heard about the latest plans was at a community barbecue earlier this year when they were presented by Maribyrnong council with a “done deal”.
Cr Miles said there should be no further encroachment into the reserve than was currently the case.
“We’re looking to increase our green space,” he said. “We’re certainly not looking to take any away.”
■ The council’s maternal and child health and immunisation nurses seeking a 4 per cent pay rise have voted to take protected industrial action from today.
