The following is a letter that I wrote and published in this week’s Maroondah Leader to express my appreciation for the residents who have taken the time to write a formal objection to the sale of the park located at 47a Maidstone Street in Ringwood.

Unfortunately there was a scurrilous attempt to denigrate the efforts and commitment that these people have shown for their local community. My letter aimed to reassure people that their views are taken seriously and to congratulate the many people who took the time to voice their concerns in regard to council decisions:

I WOULD like to thank the many residents who have taken the time and the effort to lodge objections in regard to Maidstone St.

Contrary to the comments of Carol Hunter (Maroondah Leader, June 26), I assure these people that they are not “fighting a losing battle”; rather each submission reinforces the value that the community holds for our unique community parks such as Maidstone St.

According to my records, I have not yet received an objection from Carol Hunter in regard to the proposal surrounding Maidstone St. I encourage Carol to follow the actions of her local community and to take the time to lodge a submission to ensure that her voice is heard. There is little point criticising processes if people fail to take advantage of the opportunities available.

It is wonderful that the community surrounding Maidstone St Park has rightfully used this process and I certainly encourage further residents to do likewise.

Objections to Maidstone St need to be lodged by July 6, so please ensure that you take this opportunity to make your voice heard.

Cr. Alex Makin

Loughnan’s Hill Ward