THE Melville City Climate Action Network is rallying residents to attend the council’s May 21 meeting to ensure two controversial park spaces at Canning Bridge get secured funding.

Although funding to turn the old senior citizens centre site on The Esplanade  and another at Moreau Mews into open spaces was originally slated to go through the council’s February meeting, the council almost over-turned it with a rescission motion and eventually deferred the item. 

Staff have put forward designs and a budget for this month’s meeting, and MCCAN has been circulating a petition around coffee shops urging residents to let wavering councillors know the parks have strong public support.

The projects at 13 The Esplanade and 64 Kishorn Road Mount pleasant are expected to cost $1.7 million to build and $80,000 per year for upkeep.

MCCAN founder Paula Samson says councillors’ previous attempt to scuttle the project still had residents nervous.

“There is residual fear in the community… and fear will only be quietened when councillors vote in favour of the funding,” Ms Samson said.

MCCAN chairperson Ian Peacock says there’s no denying the climate was in an emergency and people had to fight hard to preserve and increase the amount of green space around them.

“The provision of Public Open Space in the area is so urgent the conversion of this site to a park should be happening right now”.

Melville mayor Katy Mair wouldn’t be drawn on her position before the upcoming meeting, but said the staff recommendation would be considered.

by ASHLING EARLY