The Hidden Grove Residents Group faces criticism from some members of the community.
By Melissa Meehan
KEYSBOROUGH residents have hit back at a proposal to rename two-thirds of the suburb to distance the newer estates from older parts.
After reading last week’s article headed “Suburban split”, several residents contacted the Star expressing their dismay at plans to rename part of the suburb bounded by Springvale Road, Hutton/Greens Road, Eastlink, Southern bypass and Cheltenham Road.
A spokesman for the Hidden Grove Residents Group, who put forward the proposal, said that the plan to create a new suburb was not meant to divide the community, but to provide a boost for the proposed area.
“The houses we live in don’t represent the area we live in,” Paul Dimascolo said.
“We are trying to separate ourselves without trying to upset anyone.”
One woman, who contacted the Star and asked to remain anonymous, said she was “disgusted with the snobbery of the whole thing” and suggested the new suburb be called “Snobsville”.
Another said she was “absolutely appalled” that the council would even consider splitting Keysborough.
“I was going to suggest they go and live in Brighton or Toorak, but that won’t do as both of those suburbs also have some elite and some old properties as well,” “Save Keysborough” wrote.
Councillors Peter Brown and Roz Blades said they had also been inundated with calls and emails from concerned residents.
“I received a number of phone calls and angry emails on Thursday afternoon and Friday,” Cr Brown said.
“In my experience, emails and calls to councillors are only the tip of the iceberg.
“Normally people will ring customer service. To go and look up a councillor’s address or phone number means that they are going to the effort of being heard.”
Cr Brown said residents were highlighting two issues: They were worried about old Keysborough being left out of direct consultation, and that new residents didn’t think Keysborough was good enough for their property values.
As a result Cr Brown said he would move a notice of motion at Monday night’s council meeting that would see the council include all Keysborough residents in the survey seeking feedback about a proposed name change for the area.
It would afford all Keysborough residents the same opportunities provided to the residents of the new estates in Keysborough in the council resolution of 13 July.
“A significant error was made by councillors last week,” he said. “It is important that we consult all Keysborough residents, not a select few.”
Cr Blades said she had received similar responses to Cr Brown.
“People are not happy,” she said. “They are telling me that they (the residents group) knew they were moving into Keysborough when they moved there.”
While Cr Blades said it wasn’t her point of view, she said it was the view she’d be representing as councillor.
Last week councillors voted for a 28-day community consultation period, from 17 July to 14 August.
