Locals have contacted me about trees on nature strips, garbage collection and bike tracks for kids

Several locals in Maling Ward of Boroondara Council have contacted me over the last few weeks. Here are some of their concerns.  If elected, I will raise all these matters on Council.

Street trees: Roots from a Plane tree (Plantanus) on a resident's nature strip are destroying their fence foundations and the footpath and they don't like the fine particles from the tree that cause throat irritation.  While Plane trees look attractive and can provide good shade, they require constant costly trimming when planted under power lines. Residents should have a choice of tree on their nature strip - suitable native trees provide better habitat for native birds and animals.

Plane tree in Theatre Place, Maling Road

Waste collection: More residents have raised concern that the fortnightly collection of the general waste bin will cause problems with odours over the hot summer months.

Bike tracks for kids: there are currently very few bike tracks for children in Maling Ward. The south end of Shrublands Creek Reserve tucked away off Faversham Road has informal bike tracks and is not visited by many people other than locals walking their dogs.  This could be enhanced to provide a good small bike park.  This could also reduce the recent damage to planted areas of South Surrey Park that have been uprooted to form informal bike tracks.

The Hawthorn to Box Hill trail: Several residents have expressed strong support for this shared path safely cycle through Boroondara free from vehicle traffic.

Social housing: Housing developments in Boroondara are very expensive - some social housing should be provided for those that are less well off.

Dog off leash areas: Some residents in Maling Ward have to walk a considerable distance to get to a dog off leash are such as Highfield Park. 

Highfield Park bottom oval dog off leash area

I thank all those who have taken the trouble to contact me.

Authorised by Peter Campbell, 81A Durham Road, Surrey Hills 3127