The City of Melville is running the workshop from 9.00am to 12.30pm, at the Melville Civic Centre conference room to provide details on the planning process, highlight information captured to date and allow the community to raise ideas and issues affecting the future management of the lower land.

The State Government handed control over of the lower land to the City of Melville earlier in the year. The 2.5ha site, which currently consists of screening vegetation, cleared parkland and river foreshore, is being preserved for public open space. There is also a 2.9ha escarpment, which may form part of the future plan.

Acting Strategic Urban Development Director Kym Davis said the community feedback from the workshop would be considered in the preparation of a suitable and sustainable plan for the lower land. “We want to develop a plan that responds appropriately to environmental and community objectives and encourage all residents and stakeholders to participate in the workshop process,” she said.

Ms Davis said there would be one or two follow-up public workshops to refine the concepts developed from the first meeting.

Mayor Katherine Jackson said the development of a plan for the Heathcote lower land was very exciting. “It took long time to secure this lower land as open space for the City of Melville and now residents have an opportunity to have their say through the consultation process,” she said. “We are going to enjoy this area for a long time to come so it is important that residents have a chance to put forward their ideas, issues and concerns."

Registration for the 23 June workshop will start at 8.30am.

Residents who would like to attend the workshop should phone Deb Slater on 9355 0300 or email deb.slater@estill.com.au by 20 June 2007.

Melville Civic Centre is at 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon.