Blacktown City Council - Media Release -Toongabbie Residents Applaud Council At Community Forum

MEDIA RELEASE

16 August 2018

Blacktown City Council’s commitment to respond to residents’ concerns was ratified at the Toongabbie forum on Monday night.

The construction of a section of footpath on Metella Road was met with clear delight by Prospect resident of over 50 years, Joseph Gauci.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “We can see the value of engaging with our community when we see results like this.”

Ward 3 residents, including some from Toongabbie, Seven Hills and Blacktown attended Council’s most recent Have Your Say forum on Monday night at Metella Road Public School in Toongabbie.

Mr Gauci attended Council’s community forum in May 2017,where he raised concerns about the lack of a footpath on his street.

At the time he challenged Council about the allocation of funding for road improvements over the five decades that he lived in the area. “All I want is a footpath outside my house. I hope I get to see one before I die,” he said.

In response, Council allocated funds for the footpath on Metella Road in the 2018/2019 budget in and construction commenced two weeks ago (work is expected to be completed this week).

“I thank Council so much for my footpath. It makes me happy to see that Council listens to us,” an elated Mr Gauci said.

Mayor Bali said: “This is the purpose of our community forums, closing the loop and coming back to the community with an answer.

“As Mayor, I am very proud that we were able to deliver the footpath in just over one year, making a loyal resident very happy.”

Other issues raised at the meeting related to street lighting, community services for the elderly and maintenance of parklands.

Council’s next community forum is in Ward 5 on Monday, 29 October, 7pm at Willmot Public School, Discovery Avenue, Willmot.

“These forums are great opportunities for people to come and meet Councillors and Council staff face-to-face, and I encourage more people to attend,” Mayor Bali said.

“Council wants to hear from you about issues in your neighbourhood.”

Next forum details:  
Monday, 29 October, 7pm at Willmot Public School, Discovery Avenue, Willmot. Email: Forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - New Toongabbie Playground Opens

MEDIA RELEASE

20 October 2017

Toongabbie locals are enjoying the chance to slide, rock and swing with the new and improved $135,000 upgrade to Valencia Park. 

The new park boasts a hill slide, spinner, rocker, swing, climbing elements and an imagination play corner.

There is also seating using recycled timber logs, a concrete ramp for wheel-chair and pram access, and rubber soft-fall in the toddler play area.

“A highlight of the new playground is the 4-metre long slide built into the hill, which older kids are sure to love,” Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali said.

“Residents told Council they wanted a play space that responded to the unique nature and terrain of the site.

“We’ve responded by creating a hill slide, using recycled timber as seats and steppers, and by planting more native trees. 

“I want to thank everyone who had their say as part of the community consultation and worked with Council to ensure we designed the best playground possible.”

Toongabbie resident and mother of two Suzette Meade said the new playground had brought the community together.

“It’s created this wonderful community cohesion,” she said.

“We live just across the road and we see all the people walking and driving to the playground.

“It shows just how vital green space is for the community and residents.”

Ward 3 Councillor Kathie Collins said Council is hosting a free barbecue at Velencia Park on Saturday, 28 October, to celebrate the playground opening.

“I encourage residents to come along and see for themselves the great new facilities on offer at Valencia Park,” she said.

Fellow Ward 3 Councillor Susai Benjamin said local residents were excited about the new

playground, which replaces old equipment at the site. 

“There has been a growing number of families moving to the area and they needed access to a high quality playground,” he said.

“Now, thanks to the combined efforts of Council and the community, local residents have a wonderful space to meet, play and spend time together.”

Suzette Meade, Matilda Meade (aged 3), Councillor Kathie Collins, Ebony McGuire (aged 4) and Katie McGuire try out the new Valencia Park playground.

Clara McGuire, 2, has fun on the new toddler playground at Valencia Park.