Friday, 23 March 2018

Belrose and the surrounding community looks set to benefit from a NSW Government decision to offer land, formerly held by TAFE, to Northern Beaches Council for new community facilities. A decision on whether to accept the offer will be considered by the Council next Tuesday.

Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea said the site, on Forest Way between Wyatt Avenue and Linden Avenue, is no longer required by TAFE and provides a rare opportunity to meet community needs.

“I am pleased to have brokered an arrangement, through strong lobbying of relevant NSW Government Ministers, to transfer certain land areas to the Northern Beaches Council for community use at a cost of $1.

“It is proposed three blocks along Wyatt Avenue will be dedicated to new recreational facilities, with two land blocks next to John Colet School to become sporting areas and an additional block on the corner of Forest Way to become a new park,” Mr O’Dea said.

“The new sporting facilities would be constructed by Northern Beaches Council and include all-weather futsal courts for use by the local community. I understand that toilets, change room facilities and a spectator area will also be built.

“The dedication of land for these new facilities would be a great win for the community,” Mr O’Dea said.

“I especially acknowledge the contributions of TAFE NSW, Property NSW and my Ministerial colleagues as well as the Northern Beaches Council. Without their cooperation and collaboration, the potential new facilities would not be possible.

“It is expected that the new park and sporting amenities would be opened next year, in conjunction with the Council,” Mr O’Dea said.

The remaining TAFE site land will be purchased by Roads and Maritime Services for bio-banking, as it includes high value environmental areas.

“Other than the recreational facilities, the preservation of the former TAFE site will mean Belrose retains a large area of natural bushland for generations to come. This is another fantastic community win and will help maintain the overall amenity of the area,” Mr O’Dea concluded.