After months of campaigning to save the only playground in the Sydney inner west suburb of Russell Lea, City of Canada Bay Council has secured the important green space for generations to come.
Mayor, Angelo Tsirekas has announced the federal Department of Finance accepted Council’s offer for Sibbick Street Reserve.
“I am over the moon that we have been able to lock in the future of Sibbick Street Reserve for our community.
“This is a huge win for local residents who have campaigned on this issue for many months.”
Since raising the issue in August last year, Council has worked hard to negotiate for the future of the land.
Local resident Tony La Rossa spearheaded the community campaign to save the reserve since he heard of the threat to Russell Lea’s only park.
“Congratulations to the City of Canada Bay for getting the job done and stepping in to lock in the future of this important local green space,” La Rossa said.
In 2019, the Commonwealth Department of Finance advised Council that the future of
Sibbick Street Reserve would be up for review as its long-term lease came to a close.
Since Drummoyne Council entered into a lease with the Federal Government in 1975, Council has undertaken substantial capital improvements to the reserve, including over $120,000 of investment in the past ten years alone.
Following the approach from the Department, Council made a reasonable request that the Department transfer the land to the City of Canada Bay for a nominal figure.
“With the Finance Department officially accepting our offer, the City of Canada Bay will now get back to work investing in and maintaining the park for community use into the future,” Mayor Tsirekas said.
