Don't let this once in a lifetime opportunity for a Stadium in Banyule go !

In 2013 the Banyule City Council purchased three former school sites (Bellfield Primary, Haig Street and Banksia Secondary College.)  The Council indicated that it did so to preserve these sites for use as schools.  Later in 2014, the Council indicated that it would sell to developers the Haig Street and Bellfield Primary sites but restore a stadium that remained on the old Banksia College site for the use by the community.  The funds from the sale of the school sites were to fund the construction/renovation.  Both Haig Street and Bellfield Primary sites have been developed with medium density accommodation.  With those sales that public land has been lost to the community.  Only part of the Banksia College site remains for public use (potentially).

This was promised for use as a multi-court hi-ball sports stadium.

The old stadium at Banksia College was poorly maintained and protected. Subsequently, it was damaged by water and casual vandalism to the extent that Council recommended that the buildings be demolished.  This occurred in 2015.  This part of the site has remained vacant since.

Council has recently announced that it will give $5M of the money previously allocated to the construction of the stadium to Latrobe university which plans to build a multi-court facility in the city of Darebin just 400 metres from an existing stadium (Darebin Leisure Centre).

Unless this stadium is built at the Banskia College site the opportunity to build a substantial multi-court facility in Banyule will be lost.  Council has been silent about its plans for the site but absent the stadium the temptation for further mid-density residential development will be strong.  If that occurs (even with a token community use component Banyule will have lost 3 schools worth of public space and facilities only for Darebin CC to receive funding to expand its sporting facilities.

This is once in a lifetime opprotunity to create a lasting community use stadium in the heart of Banyule where there are currently no such facilities.  The Banksia College site is perfect for this purpose.  Help us convince Council to rethink its position regarding this stadium.