A new funding opportunity to enable the restoration of playgrounds in the Hamilton South social housing estate has opened up.
While it’s arrived too late to resurrect the Neill Terrace facility, which was knocked down in March despite protests from the local community, other recreational areas could be safeguarded.
Following advocacy from Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp, the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has expanded its eligibility criteria for the Everyone Can Play grant program so state government departments can apply.
Originally, the initiative only provided funding to councils, as the usual custodians of play equipment, to replace or upgrade playgrounds to create inclusive and accessible community spaces.
In March, Mr Crakanthorp wrote to the NSW Minister for Planning, Rob Stokes, about the disgraceful state of the playground adjacent to the Hamilton South community hall and the recently-demolished Neill Terrace playground, seeking a mechanism through which these sites could be funded through this program.
Neither outdoor area is owned by City of Newcastle, so money couldn’t be obtained under the original eligibility criteria.
In response, a DPIE representative said Mr Crakanthorp’s suggestion would be considered.
Now, a round of funding has opened for applications with eligibility expanded to include state government agencies, meaning Land and Housing Corporation can apply to fund the restoration of the playgrounds in Hamilton South.
“While we weren’t able to save the existing infrastructure on Neill Terrace, I’m not giving up on this playground or this community,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“When I saw the Everyone Can Play program, I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask – after all, the worst that can happen is that they say no.
“I’m thrilled Mr Stokes has accepted my suggestion.
“I’ve now contacted the NSW Minister for Housing Melinda Pavey and urged her to direct Land and Housing Corporation to apply for funding to restore these playgrounds.”
Mr Crakanthorp was extremely disappointed when pleas to protect the Neill Terrace facility went unanswered.
Unfortunately, it had not been maintained to a basic safety standard, which allowed the government to tear it down without installing a replacement.
He even delivered a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament in regards to the issue.
“It’s a disgrace that they [government] can’t find the cash to replace a dilapidated playground in a disadvantaged community,” he said at the time.
“There are 1000 people in this estate with a significant number on aged or disability pensions.
“Asking them to walk close to a kilometre with their children or grandchildren to another facility is not a solution.
“Whether they are in private, affordable or social housing, everyone deserves access to community infrastructure and while this playground may be going away, I certainly won’t be.”
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