Residents raise concerns at the proposed Cosmos Park upgrades

By Alistair Gray 

Residents may know that the City of Moreton Bay plans to upgrade the Cosmos Park at Banksia Beach into a district regional park.  

The park currently caters for several users: the Bribie Island Croquet Club, Solander Lake Bowls Club, an off-leash dog area and a large, grassed park area that is generally unused. A concept plan was produced with the community invited to comment. Community feedback closed on September 9, after being open for one month. 

For more information, please go to www.yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/cosmos-park 

Residents are now expressing concern that insufficient time has been allowed for consultation and that the council is not listening to the concerns of the community. A petition is being presented to Councillor Brooke Savige by concerned residents Yvonne Bishop and Tony Longland, with more than 332 signatures collected.  

Looking objectively, how does the council notify residents when seeking feedback on a proposal? Is a month adequate time for proper consultation? If the council relies on a notice on its website, in the newspaper or on social media, its message may not get through. The only effective way is a personal letter, email or flyer to each residence. I am not sure if the council has done this. However, if you are a resident who didn’t know about these changes, now is the time to communicate your concerns to your local Councillor Brooke Savige. 

In summary, the proposed changes include- 

• Relocating the off-leash dog area; 

• Adding four new pickleball courts, basketball hoop and outdoor fitness equipment; 

• New accessible pathways; 

• New picnic shelters, seating and shade tree planting; and 

• Improvements to drainage. 

Some of the concerns raised by residents include- 

• Inadequate shelters and shade, particularly in the off-leash dog area; 

• Poor use of space; 

• Environmental issues around sustainability, biodiversity, not providing habitats for pollinators and not considering natural drainage solutions; 

• No extra toilet facilities; 

• Inadequate parking; 

• Moving the dog park will make it difficult for older people and their access to toilet facilities; and 

• Unhappiness with the consultation process. 

Many of the concerns raised are valid and need proper consideration by the council. It is important residents feel their concerns are heard and understood as part of the process. For now, I am getting the impression they don’t feel this way and perhaps the process needs review.