Essence estate residents playground petition gets approved

Jasmine John (second from right) and fellow Essence estate residents are getting the playground they’ve asked for. Photo: Shawn Smits

Moorabool council has heeded the call by residents of a Bacchus Marsh estate for a playground in their neighbourhood.

More than 100 residents of the Essence estate in Maddingley signed a petition, created by mother-of-two Jasmine John, in January for a children’s playground at the reserve at Parkside Avenue.

At its July meeting, council approved a playground for the reserve with a $20,000 contribution from the developers.

“I’m so excited and so happy,” Mrs John said.

“I was almost in tears when I heard the news. It just goes to show what people can achieve in a community. We had so many people support the petition.”

Mrs John with her husband and their two daughters, aged four and five, moved into the nighbourhood 18 months ago.

“There are a lot more houses being built in the estate and a lot more families moving in,” she said.

“A playground will give many of the families in the estate a place to play, relax, entertain and meet other local families … to help build a friendly and welcoming local community here in the Essence estate and surrounding Stonehill estate.

“It will be a great addition to our estate and make the reserve a much more usable space for all members of our local community.”

Cr Tonia Dudzik congratulated the residents on Facebook.

“Well done to the petition organiser,” she said.

“Sometimes it pays to go to the effort of writing a petition on an issue. Enjoy the new playground.”