Thank you for inviting RoPPA to comment on the Draft Public Open Space Strategy. These comments relate only to the section on the Rosanna Parklands.

RoPPA is very concerned at the statement under the heading 'Open Space Issues' which reads ''Continue to implement the various stages of the Rosanna Parklands Masterplan" . We have already made clear our opposition to various aspects of the Masterplan, including the proposal to build a large picnic shelter at the Thomson Drive end of the park. We are concerned that the Masterplan does not sufficiently recognise the heritage of the park and provides insufficient guidance for future management and development of the park.

The ineffectiveness of the Masterplan has been demonstrated by recent interventions in the park which demonstrate a lack of understanding of the need to minimise the introduction of artefacts in the park and ensure that where intervention is essential, the materials and design fit well into the landscape. The yellow fence in front of the slide and the silver railings on the Hartley Crt. bridge are two examples.

RoPPA wishes to see more emphasis on the conservation of indigenous vegetation in the park, including the indigenous grasses, such as Austradanthonia carphoides (Short Wallaby-grass). Botanist Doug Frood has pointed out that "A.Carphoides is considered Regionally Significant (especially on sedimentary soils) and is extremely rare in Banyule." This emphasis should be part of a long-term management plan which includes elimination of weeds and new plantings designed to enhance the landscape.

Councillor Tom Melican has established a consultative committee for the parklands to foster dialogue between the community and Banyule City Council and create a cooperative approach to the management of the park. The value of the committee has been demonstrated in the creation of the memorial garden for Jean Baker, which is favourably regarded by parkusers because of its attractive and appropriate design.

RoPPA requests that the Public Open Space Strategy not be finalised until the Rosanna Parklands Consultative Committee has provided advice on the future management of the park and that this advice be included in the final version of the document.