Fears regional park may be sold to developers

There are fears the State Government may sell a major South West Sydney regional park for housing and local residents are concerned enough to start a campaign demanding answers.

State Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong has joined them in demanding the Berejiklian Liberal Government come clean on why Leacock Regional Park in Casula has been so neglected in recent years.

Resicdents say the neglect raises serious questions about the park’s future.

The 38-hectare park, managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, provides a vital green buffer and is within walking distance of the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. The site is home to critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland and other unique flora and fauna.

Historically, Leacock Regional Park has been a popular picnic spot for local families, with a variety of recreational opportunities such as walking tracks along the banks of the Georges River and a cycleway connecting to Liverpool and surrounds.

Local residents and regular park users are furious about the park’s inadequate maintenance.

They fear the State Government will sell-off their beloved green open space to developers.

Mr Chanthivong agrees and says the park’s decline has all the hallmarks of another potential Liberal Government greedy land grab.

“Leacock Regional Park is a valuable community and environmental asset that must be protected now and into the future,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“The sad state of Leacock Regional Park is typical of this Liberal Government.

“Sydney’s south west is crying out for more green open space and they can’t even look after one of our oldest and most treasured regional environmental treasures.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Given the reputation of this Government, concerned residents have every right to fear the worse.[/social_quote]

“All this government sees is more dollar signs, and we’ve had enough,” Mr Chanthivong said.

The park’s decline is clearly visible. Sections of the popular 1.6-kilometre Bellbird Walking Track are so badly deteriorated that they are potentially hazardous.

Existing information signage at the park’s two entry points are urgently in need of repair, while regulatory signage is severely limited.

Motocross bikes frequently access the park damaging walking trails and destroying the park’s fragile environment.

Residents also claim that in recent times there has been no ranger on site to patrol the park or to oversee ongoing maintenance.

“The park is in ruins and we demand answers. I call on the Berejiklian Liberal Government to stop Leacock Regional Park’s demise before it is too late,” Mr Chanthivong said.

Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley, said the park had been allowed to languish for too long.

“It is sad to see Leacock Regional Park in its current state, as it has the potential to be a beautiful oasis for residents and an attraction for visitors.”