Late last week it was brought to my attention that there is a proposal to not only erect a fence around Miles Franklin Primary School but to also include an adjoining oval that is used by families in the local community. Consultation has been lacking and as a consequence, I urge families of St Monica's to rally to prevent the fence being erected around the local community section of the oval. As a school, we would also like to have access to the oval as we do with the area we refer to as the 'Green Space'; an area we currently take the children to at lunchtimes, several days a week, as a reward for positive behaviour.

Refer to the flier attached that indicates where the fences will be located should the plan be approved. This flier was circulated by a concerned resident.

oval_issue.pdf. 

The following email was received today by one of our St Monica's parents in response to the concern raised with Elizabeth Kikkert MLA, Member for Ginninderra,

Shadow Minister for Families, Youth and Community Services & Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about the proposed fencing of the South West Evatt Oval. The Canberra Liberals understand and share your concerns.

During Question Time this week, I asked the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development about the lack of consultation. Ms Berry attempted to distance herself and the Education Directorate, and seemed to contradict the information provided to the school’s P&C.

Based on these statements, I feel it is essential that we place the feelings and thoughts of local residents on the record to ensure they are heard and respected.

I will be hosting a petition on my website and will also be looking to distribute paper copies at local shops. You can sign the petition online and share it with your neighbours using the following link: https://www.elizabethkikkert.com.au/save-evatt-oval.

I will present this petition in the Assembly. I believe it is important that we make sure the Minister and ACT Government hear what Evatt residents really think about this proposal.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions. I am also very happy to help with any other local issues.

I will ask Luke Donnelly to keep you well informed as we hear more about this issue in the coming weeks.

Kind regards

Carmel Maguire