What does Friends of Caulfield Park do?
We were recently asked “what the Friends of Caulfield Park (FCP) actually does other than to oppose things”? Here are just some of the ongoing range of ongoing activities undertaken over the many years since we were founded in 2007. Concerts and Social Activities. For over a decade, FCP have worked with Glen Eira Council (GEC) to organise concerts around the bandstand. Some years, there are several, but the onset of Covid interrupted this, and currently, we are limiting it to one concert (around Valentines Day) each year. Some other social activities we have organised are tree-walks, where a knowledgeable arborist has led a group around the Heritage (western) end of the park, identifying and pointing out trees of particular interest. We also organised a well-attended exhibition of Artists in the Park in the Pavilion. Tree Brochures and Labelling. You are probably aware of the Caulfield Park Tree Brochure, which has been available for many years, so that interested people can explore the trees of the park. This was designed by FCP (printed by Council), for use by park users. Labelling of trees in the park was also an FCP initiative, and we are currently discussing with GEC officers how this labelling can be extended. Regular contact with Council Officers. Each year, the FCP undertakes about a half a dozen extended walks around the park with Council officers, discussing the pros and cons of possible Council initiatives, identifying things that need attention such as the malfunctioning fountain, the state of the lake, the Wisteria Arch, the types of tree that should be planted, the need for irrigation in the park, the state of the play areas, trees that need pruning, re-staking, or replacing for the long term the state of the paths, and the many other aspects of preserving this park in its highly valued state. Following the removal of the Conservatory, Council built an Living garden and attractive adjacent stand. We regularly ask Council when the unsightly Depot will be removed. It is important to note, that unlike any other organisation or group associated with the park, FCP has no axe to grind; we obtain no material benefits from our activities. FCP is here on behalf of our community, seeking to preserve and enhance the nature of this wonderful park, (formally identified by Council as the Premier Park in the whole of Glen Eira) for those who come to use the park in the years to come. We hope that they will find it, as we have, and hopefully appreciate and enjoy it as we all have over these many years. |
Newsletter WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW, TO PROTECT YOUR LOCAL PARK!! On 22nd January FCP goes toes to VCAT to attend a Compulsory Conference to try and find a way to resolve this conflict. We hope the outcome will be that the Sports Club agrees not to build this monstrous roof. Its not likely! From the 22-26th March, we again go to VCAT to present our position and seek a just VCAT judgement. The Sports Club will bring its legal team and planning experts to try and overpower the material we present (see below). Please donate to help us fight this proposal. (For details of how to donate, see below) Background On July 4th, ignoring many community objections, a petition, and the Glen Eira Council Officers’ Report and recommendations, Glen Eira Council approved the building of a monstrous roof over a bowling green at the Caulfield Park Bowls Club with a 6 to 3 majority. Higher than a 2-storey building, it would be visible from virtually anywhere in the park In their Summary, the Council Officers stated: “The proposal does not provide an appropriate built form response to the surrounding context and would inappropriately impact directly adjoining open space areas”. “The height of the roof will result in sightlines to the structure from almost all aspects across the adjoining landscape, including the interface of the site with Balaclava Road to the south, and from parts of the heritage area of Caulfield Park to the west. The permanent nature of the proposal will inhibit the ability of the open space to be adapted to change to community needs if required in the longer term reflective of this being a public park”. “It is therefore recommended that Council issue a notice of refusal to Grant a Planning Permit”. The Friends of Caulfield Park have lodged an application with VCAT to seek to overturn the Council’s decision. Going to VCAT is costly, so please help share the cost. Also, we need money for professional support to help us succeed. Please donate to help us!! We all go to Caulfield Park regularly for fresh air, recreation, exercise and open space. If you don’t want to have to see this monstrous roof every time you go to the park, then please help us fund our challenge to overturn Council’s inappropriate decision Please make your donation to FCP VCAT Fund at Bendigo Bank – 633 000 130 561 871 We again thank those of you who have already sent donations to help us challenge the Council’s decision. You can read the full 33-page Officers Report at page 530 of Council Agenda (4th July) at: https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/media/files/Agenda04072023.PDF For more information contact Friends of Caulfield Park at caulfieldpark@gmail.com or call 0426 773 100 Friends of Caulfield Park have a
"Vision" for Caulfield Park This roof in a Heritage public park is not a part of it! |
Values with respect to the Park
The Environment
Caulfield Park is a very large open park space in south-east Melbourne. It provides recreational opportunities for a wide range of users. These include casual users as well as tennis,bowls, soccer, cricket, lacrosse, recreational walking on a surrounding walking track and a leash-free area for dogs. The park contains pavilions, a conservatory, childrens' play areas. and a heritage-listed arboretum for those who simply like to meander through its unstructured, non-enclosed vistas.
Principal Value Statement
The value of Caulfield Park is that of a multi-functional ‘PARK’.
This includes the maintenance of the present diversity of Caulfield Park, together with a balanced respect for the recreational values of all users including all those listed above.
The principal values of Caulfield Park include the retention and maintenance of:
Green space and uninterrupted vistas by ensuring that all future building and parking developments are park-sympathetic, in colour, shape, and location.
Historic and significant artifacts such as the rotunda, conservatory, bronze statues and heritage-listed arboretum at the west of the Park
Sporting amenity including the principle cricket ground, the grassed sports pitches at the east end of the park, and adequate sporting facilities
Children’s play areas
Preservation of the park’s values and options for future generations (employing the precautionary principle – don’t waste what you can’t get back)
Park integrity
Relates to the retention of the existing park ambiance and includes:
Minimal loss of Green Space including:
No further extension of car parking that results in the loss of Green Space.
No further construction of excessively large buildings that encroach on Green Space.
Minimal loss of Vista
No compromise of the uninterrupted soft green views from inside or outside the park by either multi-story or landscape-intrusive buildings
Non-severance of space due to roads crossing the walk path around Caulfield Park
Non-severance of park concept by the inappropriate positioning of large buildings (e.g. across its centre).
Park Users
FoCP acknowledges the needs of all park user types including:
Recreational Walkers and Dog Walkers
Casual Users from near and far, including those who appreciate the “existence value” of the park in its current form.
Sports People
Children
Residents of multi-unit developments in the immediate area who rely on the park for outdoor activities (their de-facto backyard)
Car parking
FCPresists the use of park land in an area recognised as deficient in open space for any new car parks
Management and Amenity
FoCP is concerned about the impacts of:Noise – impact on surrounding residents
Lighting – impact on surrounding residents
People in park at night – safety issues
Existence Values vs. Usage Values
Many people use the park from a large regional catchment. Many others value the existence of this large area of green space even if they do not use it.
This site is prepared and maintained by the Friends of Caulfield Park and is currently undergoing some changes. Our apologies if you cannot locate the information you are after.
