Three’s the limit for talks, says builder

By Shaun Inguanzo
EASTLINK’S builder has rejected a request by 50 Noble Park residents to discuss a significant wetlands project that they fear poses a drowning threat to young children.
Thiess John Holland has refused to meet with the residents of Joan Court who have signed a petition calling for an urgent public meeting with the builder.
Head petitioner Joanna Mastrangioli said Thiess John Holland would meet with only three residents – not the whole street.
But she said the concerned residents rejected the offer, citing they had differing opinions that could not be represented by only three people.
Thiess John Holland is converting Oakwood Park into a wetland precinct as part of the EastLink project.
Ms Mastrangioli said Joan Court residents living near the wetlands were concerned their children might drown because the project’s playground would be approximately 12 metres from the water.
Other concerns include mosquitoes breeding in plague proportions once the wetlands are finished, and that a lack of carparking might force visitors to clog the street.
But she said Joan Court residents were having a hard time communicating with Thiess John Holland.
“Everybody in the street has contacted Thiess John Holland at some stage,” she said.
“But they attempt to isolate you by telling you that you are the only person they have heard from, which is not so, because everybody has got concerns.”
Thiess John Holland spokesman Anthony Havers said the builder would not meet with the street, but the offer still stood to meet with only three residents, then follow up with one-on-one communication.
“We have found this to be the most effective way of addressing local issues,” he said.
But he warned the petition would have no bearing on Thiess John Holland’s actions.
Mr Havers said mosquitoes should not become a problem because the wetlands would have native plants to attract insect predators such as frogs.
He said the playground would be fenced to contain children within the area, and while Thiess would not build the carpark, there was room for one to be built in the future.
Ms Mastrangioli said she was disappointed that residents could only discover information after Star’s inquiries.
She said residents had since contacted Noble Park North Ward councillor Maria Sampey and Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews to push for a public meeting.