We are delighted to announce an organisation which was formed on 7th December 2018 – the “Elsternwick Park Community Alliance Incorporated” (EPCA). This organisation has been formed with the sole purpose of representing the broader interests of the community in Brighton, Elwood and Glen Eira in relation to protecting and preserving the passive open space currently known as Elsternwick Park. All members of this organisation were involved in the lobbying to ‘Save Elsternwick Park’. In a very short time a large petition of over 3,800 park users was presented to ‘Say No’ to the reactivation of Ovals 3 & 4. Numerous submissions were made, as well as presentations to the Special Council meeting of September 19. We acknowledge the decision made by Council at the Special Council Meeting on the 19th September 2018, even though we do not agree with it. The long-standing community users of this passive open space continue to be dismayed by the process and the outcome, yet their passion to protect and preserve this parkland is clearly evident, and stronger than ever. We draw particular attention to the Bayside City Council (BCC) motion that was also passed at the Special Council Meeting on the 19th September 2018 that included to: Leave Elsternwick Park (South) Oval 3 unchanged Investigate opportunities for improved facilities for non-sporting users in Elsternwick Park South, including dog walkers and dogs. EPCA endeavours to work closely with the community and the Bayside City Council to ensure that the above decisions are implemented as well as: working to ‘Rename Oval 3’ that reflects its role of open space for the community; looking at ways to improve the beauty of Oval 3; seeking a formal invitation to EPCA to be involved in the planned development of Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve in the north and specially to see how better integration can take place in development of north and south parks; seeking a formal invitation to relevant committees and working parties that are discussing water management and flood mitigation as this impact greatly on residents in the south. working together with BCC to minimise disruption to nearby residents and passive recreational users of the park, not only during the football season but also with sporting pre-season training carried out on Elsternwick Park (South) Oval 4; seek an undertaking that EPCA, and the community, receive timely notification of any works planned to be carried out, in particular ‘Oval 4’. Finally, we are urging Bayside City Council to direct its staff to undertake a high priority formal review of the Southern Metropolitan Football Facility Strategy (SMFFS) report of May 2018 and particularly its recommendations to look at various alternate strategies of improved utilisation of existing ovals, and alternate playing surfaces. EPCA looks forward to a healthy relationship with BCC in protecting and preserving the passive open space – Elsternwick Park (South) – for the broader interests of the community. Join EPCA now to help preserve & protect Elsternwick Part for the generations to come…