Referring to your article on 1 December 2023 by Sally Jacobs and further mention since promotes the Victorian Youth Arts Precinct and the interests of Albert Park College to have it fully integrated into Gasworks Arts Park. The article describes the opposition to the removal/modification of the brick wall separating the Park from the VYAP site as being the view of a small minority of residents. This is not the case. Unless you are part of the school community the majority of local residents are in favour of the wall staying at its original height to protect the integrity of the Park.

The local community’s view about the wall were sought by Council in its development of the recent Gasworks Park Plan. Council recorded the views on-site from users of the Park and on-line. While many people did not have a view about wall retention or modification, the data shows that over twice as many respondents preferred the wall to stay as existing, rather than being modified or removed. 

The article says the wall hinders the new facility to be fully integrated into the Park. Do we want these very large buildings to be integrated into our bushland Park? The wall remaining limits the expansion of the Parks open space? How does this make any difference to the open space. How does removal of the wall ensure that the Park remains a welcoming and integrated space within the community. The article refers to the wall as being a towering structure. It is only 2- 3 metres high. The height of the new buildings have not been disclosed, but they are at least 2 stories high and they will well and truly tower over the park.

The decision by Council on 6^th December 2023 to reduce the wall to waist height (0.9m) with an opening to the Park failed to properly consider the outcome of its own consultation. Council also decided a modification to APC licence area through the Park would need to be considered. Of interest was the fact that the school community seemed to be aware of this upcoming Council decision on the wall using social media and communication with Councilors prior to the meeting to promote the removal of the wall. The community interested in protecting the Park was not made aware of this matter coming before Council until just prior to the meeting.

Council’s decision and the report to the Council meeting also disregarded the petition submitted last year of over 500 signatures collected from Park users and that sought the retention of the wall at its existing height.   

If the future of the Park is to be ensured the retention of the wall is a strategic priority. The preservation of the bushland setting and use by the community will only be possible if the expansion of APC, with over 2000 students (with VCAHS) and more anticipated, is not facilitated by the intrusion of a large, contemporary structure on the Park edge that is designed to generate extensive use and is budgeted to cost over $30 million. Over time the Park will become part of the larger APC campus that is now surrounding Gasworks Park. Has this been the strategy from the beginning ?

We are trying to protect our bushland Park for future generations. It is a unique Park and it has an existing community arts hub in the historic buildings which complements the bushland setting. It caters for many different needs in a quiet and peaceful natural bush setting in contrast to the built environment outside its walls. 

The reason we are advocating for the wall to stay at its existing height is to protect the park for the future. It should not be an events space or a school ground but a natural environment for all to enjoy 

When should the Council listen to the people who are affected most?