Community pushes for transparency over Serendip Sanctuary funding

CONCERNS about the delivery of the Victorian government’s $11 million commitment to revitalise Serendip Sanctuary have sparked a community petition urging the City of Greater Geelong to intervene.

Launched on Monday last week, the petition calls for “clear answers” on where the funds have been spent on so far, what works are taking place at the site and greater transparency on how decisions are being made.

It criticises Parks Victoria, the body leading the project, for failing to provide “clear, timely updates” on the ailing reserve’s progress, and calls on the city to “raise a formal motion demanding clarity, transparency and accountability from Parks Victoria and the Victorian government” on a timeline for repairs, a “detailed financial breakdown” of spending on the project to date and a re-engagement plan with the community.

The petition, which has since received more than 500 signatures, was initiated by David Greenwood, the Lara local who has replaced Lara Care Group on the project’s Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG).

Lara Care Group’s exit from the SRG last month followed years of similar complaints about Parks Victoria’s handling of the project.

“For me, it’s about holding both our council and our state members accountable for what they promised and what they’ve been elected to do,” Mr Greenwood said about the petition.

“There’s been no transparency or clarity on how that money is being spent and building works haven’t started for over a year.

 

 

“When you’ve got something like Serendip, you have to try to protect it to best ability as custodians of the land.

“This is going to be my future; this is where my kids are going to grow up and we need to protect what we can.”

He hoped the petition will encourage the city to advocate on behalf of the local community, which he said would be similar to the position taken by the council on the waste-to-energy facility also proposed near Lara.

“They [the city] are supportive, but they realise it’s a state government issue, but where local council can get involved is apply pressure or, at least, try and ask for answers. So, that’s what the petition is all about.”

The petition’s launch follows the release earlier this month of draft concept designs for Serendip Sanctuary’s entrance, education centre, car park and wildlife viewing trails.

Mr Greenwood is eager to learn how the work will be managed, how many local staff will be involved in its construction, and how First Nations representation on the project will be maintained.

The answers to these questions, he says, have also not been forthcoming.

“There’s some gaps there, and that’s why we’re pushing… it’s almost like going to the cinemas – you’ve got a beautiful cinema, but they haven’t got the movie playing.”

The City of Greater Geelong, Lara MP Ella George and Parks Victoria have been contacted for comment.

To view the petition, head to change.org/p/save-serendip-sanctuary