A group of Yarraville residents have raised concerns with the level of Maribyrnong council’s consultation and engagement with the community in regards to a master plan for McIvor Reserve and the potential for the construction of an indoor stadium at the reserve.
Friends of McIvor Reserve Facebook group member Miles Gilbert said the council’s responses to public questions during its City Development Delegated Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 28 often failed to answer questions adequately.
“They frequently fell back on the statement that no decisions have actually been made about McIvor and therefore, they couldn’t confirm or deny anything,” he said.
Mr Gilbert said council should aim to be more transparent with the community about their intentions for the space.
“Council should not be asking a poorly informed community whether one particular site like McIvor is the right location, without having furnished us with the knowledge to contribute meaningfully,” he said.
“If council asked the community if they should build such a facility on an existing well-used green open space versus a remediated industrial site, I’m very confident the vast majority in 2022 would side with the environment, even if it costs more.”
Maribyrnong chief executive Celia Haddock said no decisions had yet been made regarding the future of McIvor Reserve or the potential inclusion of an indoor stadium.
“We are currently reviewing the almost 1000 pieces of individual feedback received from neighbours, residents and sporting clubs, to provide a thorough and comprehensive review to be considered by council as part of the master planning process,” she said.
“Until a draft masterplan is prepared and resolved by council to be shared for consultation, there is no certainty that this proposal will proceed.
“Council has been transparent in conversations and responses to all questions from the community regarding McIvor Reserve.”
Resident Dermot Cullen said there had been limited consultation with the community prior to the council canvassing community views about potentially building an indoor stadium at the reserve.
“Engagement has been extremely poor in this matter,” he said.
Council has started work to incorporate public feedback into the draft master plan, which will be released to the public in August.
Matthew Sims
