SHANE Rattenbury has encouraged Lyneham residents to provide their feedback on a proposal for new sporting facilities on land at the Lyneham Neighbourhood Oval.

“Since the initial Development Application was withdrawn in 2014, the ACT Government has been working with Brindabella Christian College, the Lyneham Community and, in particular, the Lyneham Community Association in relation to a revised proposal to extend the sub-lease held by Brindabella Christian College (BCC) Lyneham Campus,” Shane said.

“BCC have now submitted a second revised proposal to build a sporting pavilion, publicly available outdoor sporting courts and other facilities, including the upgrade of existing public car parking along Brigalow Street.

“The proposal would also see the recommissioning of the irrigation system for the Lyneham Neighbourhood Oval improving its usability for both formal and informal sports use.

“The ACT Government is not funding any aspect of the proposal however the proposal does require the endorsement of Sport and Recreation Services (as custodians of the land) in order to proceed.

“While this proposal has potential value to a range of different user groups, including the three schools that neighbour the oval; I am very aware that there are a range of views within the community.

“The purpose of this survey is to determine the level of community support for the proposal, to inform the Government’s decision as to whether or not to endorse the lodgement of a Development Application and Territory Plan Variation.

“If there is community support for this proposal, a development application will be lodged and an application will also be made to vary the Territory Plan to remove any ambiguity about the use of the oval.

“As the Lyneham Neighbourhood Oval is a facility for the entire Lyneham community, it is vital that local residents and regular users of the oval should have a say as to the future use of the area. This consultation seeks to ensure the community is given the opportunity to fully understand and give feedback on the proposal.

“The ACT Government, through Sport and Recreation Services, is committed to ensuring that the oval is maintained for community use, and what we are seeking through this consultation is feedback from the Lyneham community to determine whether this proposal has community support.

“The survey is open to residents within the Lyneham area, and parents/carers of children who attend any of three schools,” Shane concluded.

Much as the proposal might look like a good deal the natives are unhappy.

The Lyneham Community Association is calling on the Brindabella Christian College and the ACT Government to abandon plans to sub-lease and develop a portion of the Lyneham Neighbourhood Oval.

The call follows a petition of over 1500 residents opposed to the proposal by Brindabella College to take over part of the oval to construct an indoor sports facility.

“I’m not surprised so many people signed the petition”, said one petitioner. “At almost no cost the College wants to get access to over 10,000 m2 of land. That’s far more than the 7200 m2 of the nearby Lyneham Motor Inn site which is worth millions of dollars.”

“Given the clear voice of the community against the proposal, one has to wonder why Mr Rattenbury’s department continues to proceed,” said petition organiser Trevor Vickers.

“We invited about 1700 residents to sign the petition against the proposal, and over 1550 of them signed. How much clearer does the community voice need to be for the College and the Government to abandon the proposal?”

“The Lyneham Community Association stands clearly and firmly with its community against the proposal.

“The Association calls on Mr Rattenbury to listen to his constituents, and step in to prevent the unwanted sub-leasing and development of our oval”, said Mr Vickers, who is also the association’s spokesman on the issue.

Further details about the Lyneham Community Association’s objections to the proposal can be found on its website at lyneham.org.au.