Rosny Parklands, A Thriving Community Hub Under Threat

According to the Department of State Growth (DSG), the Clarence City Council (CCC), and Mayor Brendan Blomeley, one of the reasons the old Rosny Golf Course (Rosny Parklands) was selected for the High-Performance Centre (HPC) is its alleged lack of use. However, recent activities and planned events tell a different story.

On June 19, 2024, Hobart Wheelers Dirt Devils, a volunteer-run organization promoting all levels of cycling within our community, held a highly successful event at Rosny Parklands. This event attracted participants of all ages, showcasing the vibrant community engagement within the park. It was yet another testament to the park’s value as a community sports venue.

Athletics South is set to host an interclub Cross-Country round at Rosny Parklands on Saturday, June 24, 2024. The event will kick off at 10 am, with approximately 150 participants of all ages expected to run or walk. The event will continue with post-race mingling, reinforcing the park’s role as a community gathering spot.

Yet, Mayor Brendan Blomeley and the CCC maintain that Rosny Parklands is underutilised and won’t be missed. This assertion starkly contrasts with the reality of frequent and significant community events taking place in the park.

Recent and upcoming events at Rosny Parklands include:

– **24 May 2024**: Southern Inter High Cross Country Championships

– **10 June 2024**: Cyclocross, a blend of road riding and cross-country mountain biking

– **22 June 2024**: Athletics South Cross Country (as previously mentioned)

– **29 June 2024**: Cyclocross, featuring a “come & try” pre-ride, a race, and social activities such as spot prizes, cake, and chatting

Additionally, the Save Rosny’s Parks Group organises weekly walks every Sunday, which are growing in attendance despite the weather, further demonstrating the community’s dedication to the park.

The community events held in Rosny Parklands are not small gatherings. They often attract between 100 to 200 participants, sometimes even more, illustrating the park’s significant role in fostering community spirit and promoting physical activity.

So, readers, I ask: Where will these events be held if Mayor Blomeley and the AFL proceed with building the HPC?

The proposed HPC appears to serve the interests of a few at the expense of the many who currently benefit from the vibrant community hub that is Rosny Parklands. It’s a decision that could strip the community of a cherished and actively used green space.

ELECTOR POLL confirmed – Community must vote to save Rosny Parks

Clarence residents must vote to save the Rosny Parklands to keep public land for the community in the upcoming elector poll.

An elector poll will be held after the legally required number of residents signed a petition to save Charles Hand Memorial Park and the Rosny Parklands. “We must stop the parks being destroyed for an AFL High Performance Centre in the upcoming elector poll”, said Save Rosny Parks spokesman, Terry Polglase.

The Rosny Parklands are not geologically suited to large football fields and building infrastructure that require level surfaces. The only outcome from the blasting and earthworks required to make the parks fit for purpose will be to destroy the inner-urban parkscape and open spaces unique to the area. Once destroyed, the parks are gone forever.

To ensure you can participate in the elector poll, check your eligibility to vote, and either register or update your details before 6pm this Thursday, 27 June.

Important links:

Check your current listing to check you are enrolled to vote in Clarence.

Update your details to confirm your address if you have moved house, or if your name has changed.

Enroll to vote if you’ve just turned 18 years old or have not enrolled before.

You can also vote if you are eligible to be on the General Manager’s Roll, even if you can’t vote in state elections.

Criteria to be on the General Manager’s Roll are: