The issue raised its head last month as Cumberland councillors rejected a staff recommendation to remove three homes in Lidcombe North at 74, 76 and 78 John Street from the council’s Land Reservation Acquisition Map.
The homes border the Chadwick Reserve and have been stipulated for purchase under the Auburn Local Environmental Plan 2010 for nearly 20 years.
However a report to councillors noted that only $1million was allocated for the purchase of the properties and said removing them from the acquisition list would not impact the open space benchmarks for the Lidcombe North precinct.
The issue was triggered after owner of number 74 approached the council asking them to buy the property.
Arguing against the staff recommendation, Councillor George Campbell pointed to the need for more open space throughout the local government area.
He said the site’s proximity to the nearby Wyatt Park was “not as direct as it seems”, and expanding the reserve would turn it from a narrow strip into a “decent sized park”.
“In my view, we shouldn’t be growing our population faster than we can keep up with infrastructure, including public open space,” he said.
His view was also backed by Cr Paul Garrard who said while Wyatt Park served a more regional role, the reserve would service the local area.
A move by Cr Michael Zaiter supported by just three councillors, to begin “active negotiations” with the other property owners and look at options to finance the purchase of all three blocks was rejected.
Councillors also unanimously rejected the report recommendation, leaving staff to negotiate with the owners who approached them.
