Charles Hand Park saved again in 2025!
Council voted on 17 March 2025 to remove the proposed affordable housing element in Charles Hand
Memorial Park from the final City Heart Plan, and affirms that housing
will not be considered for Charles Hand Memorial Park in the future.
Background
At its last meeting of 2024, Council finally dusted off the Draft City Heart Plan which had stalled some 18 months earlier.
And despite 64.4% of residents (over 17,000 people) voting no to Charles Hand Memorial Park being developed for a high-performance centre in August 2024, council left the medium density housing proposal in the park. (in the Riawena/Bastick Corner of the Park - item 9). Going out to consultation in December 2024.
There were over 400 representations including 98 written submissions from a relatively even representation across the age groups.
The key themes were preservation of open space and biodiversity, opposition to housing in Charles Hand Memorial Park, dog owner considerations and recognition of aboriginal heritage.
What has the community's message been since 2020?
The consultation report is expected to be presented to council at either the 17 March or 7 April council meeting.
"The most common theme throughout all stages of community consultation was the need to retain public, green open spaces for the enjoyment of the community, now and in the future."
The Timmins Ray Consultancy, November 2020
"The key elements are reconfirmed as priorities by the community in line with what we heard in 2020", 89% valuing Open spaces and the environment."
Clarence City Council, December 2022
Responses to the Concept Report again showed the Parklands as the highest priority "For yourself" as well as "For strongest community benefit".
Stage 3 Consultation Summary, May 2023