Torquay North residents want new park

RESIDENTS in Torquay North are pushing the Surf Coast Shire to turn vacant land in the area into a park. The petition with 11 signatures was formally presented to councillors at their meeting on Tuesday, and refers to land located near Mirri Drive and Dya Avenue, next to the existing soccer pitch at Banyul-Warri Fields.

An accompanying letter presented with the petition notes there are no facilities in Torquay North for residents “to meet in ‘a serene, park-like’ situation”. The petition asks the shire to use the land to create a space with trees and shrubs to encourage birds to come back to the area, as well at least four picnic tables and benches, and at least two barbecues and an open structure (such as a gazebo or covered pergola) so food and drinks can be prepared undercover.

“Due to the fact we all have very small back yards, this would give all residents the extra space to hold a family barbecue or a place to meet with visitors and friends.”

The letter also takes aim at the planned petrol station to be built next to The Dunes Shopping Centre in Fischer Street, noting the desire to “sit in a parklike space and listen to the birds chirping and breathe in the clean air, save for that disgusting, stinking diesel smell that could waft over from time to time from that completely hideous petrol station going up in the other end of the highly and densely populated residential street”.

The petition will be referred to shire general manager of culture and community Chris Pike, and a report will be presented to councillors at their May 22 meeting.