Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid, has secured the future of Sibbick Street Reserve in Russell Lea to ensure the park remains a local community greenspace for future generations.
“Whether it’s families enjoying the play equipment or residents making use of the basketball court, Sibbick Street Reserve is a hub of activity in Russell Lea,” Dr Martin said.
“From the beginning, I have worked alongside the community, the Commonwealth Government and local Council to make sure Sibbick Street Reserve will be a place that residents can enjoy into the future.”
In June 2019, the Commonwealth Department of Finance presented the City of Canada Bay Council with an opportunity to purchase Sibbick Street Reserve as the land’s long-term lease approached expiry in 2025.
The City of Canada Bay Council initially offered a nominal fee for the transfer of the land, which did not meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy.
“In the absence of a reasonable offer from the Council, the property disposal policy requires the Commonwealth to sell the property on the open market,” Dr Martin stated.
“Members of the community feared that the land would be sold off to developers once the lease expired, but I was never going to allow that.”
Dr Martin worked alongside Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, to ensure Council took appropriate steps for the transfer of the land to take place.
“I’m pleased to share that the sale agreement stipulates that this land must remain a community greenspace and can never fall into the hands of developers,” Dr Martin stated.
“Sibbick Street Reserve will remain a community park under the stewardship of the local Council for generations to come.”
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