GIULIA Jones says the government needs to treat the community with more respect and conduct genuine consultation on playgrounds

“The recently announced closure of the Rocky Knob playground in Narrabundah was done without any community consultation. Mums and kids discovered a sign on the equipment one day saying it was to close, and that was that, no consultation,” Giulia said.

“Only after pressure from residents, the media and the Canberra Liberals did the government change its mind on the Rocky Knob playground and decide to undertake rectification works. It’s a sloppy process which isn’t in the best interests of community users like parents with young children.

“Local playgrounds are very important for families and the government should have a more considerate approach. I’m moving a motion in the Assembly today calling on the government to:

• Publish a meaningful maintenance schedule, along with a renewal plan and the list of playgrounds intended to be removed across the city.
• Conduct genuine and meaningful community consultation for each playground that is scheduled for maintenance, an upgrade or identified for removal.

“The government needs to understand the value local communities place on their playgrounds and not just treat them like it doesn’t matter,” Mrs Jones concluded.