By Tyler Wright
‘Absolutely disgraceful.’
That is how locals are describing the state of Bobs Park; a haunt in Menzies Creek that once used to be a gathering place for people across the eastern suburbs.
However, the land, leased by Parks Victoria, has become a hot spot for dumped rubbish and ‘drug deals’ since its closure in 2008.
“We used to come out and have barbecues down the back and mum and dad would bring us and we’d go kayaking out there we had a rope off the tree,” local resident Kate Young said.
“It was great – families would use this park, now you can’t come down here, there’s so much rubbish.
“I wouldn’t bring your kids down here because you don’t know who’s coming in and out.”
Community members, who met at the park on Thursday 14 December at the site, are calling for the site to be restored as a park, with overgrowth and fuel sparking fire concerns.
There are hopes that a committee formed by a group of residents will be able to source money for its upkeep.
Local Morry Van De Leur said he has not gotten anywhere with the agencies involved in the maintenance of the park in finding a solution.
“I’ve been in contact with all these departments and never got anywhere and they always said ’oh when money comes available,’ I said ’look we’ve got two problems; we’ve got a health hazard here, we’ve got a fire hazard and something’s got to be done because all this rubbish ends up down into the creek,’“ Mr Van De Leur said.
“45, 50 years ago, that was a beautiful park and people came from all over Melbourne and had barbecues there; barbecues are still in existence here but rack and ruin.
“It was lovely; you could bring your kids, they’d swim in that dam, and that dam now is polluted, so you can’t swim in it anymore.“
In 2019, the Star Mail reported on the felling of three trees at Bobs Park after concerns were raised about CFA access during the instance of a bushfire.
Then Gembrook MP Brad Battin spoke in parliament at the time.
“If a fire starts in Bobs Park, it puts the entire Dandenong Ranges at risk,“ Mr Battin said.
In a statement, Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said illegal dumping of rubbish whether in our local parks, or on private land, is “harmful to our environment and health“.
“I encourage everyone to report illegal dumping activity that happens in our parks on 136 186,“ Ms De Martino said.
“More information can be found at vic.gov.au/forests-are-no-place-dumped-rubbish. Illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour can also be reported to Victoria Police on 131 444.“
Parks Victoria Area chief ranger Darren Mitchell told the Star Mail there have been persistent issues with “large-scale rubbish dumping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour“ since the park’s closure.
“We’re conscious of the impact this has had on people who remember the park when it was open,“ Mr Mitchell said.
“We continue to work with the shire, local fire brigade and other stakeholders on a long-term solution.
“Littering and rubbish dumping are ongoing challenges for Parks Victoria rangers. Our forests and parks are there to be enjoyed by everyone, and dumping rubbish has significant impacts on the environment and people’s health.”
It is believed Parks Victoria has spent around $10,000 this year removing rubbish illegally dumped at Bobs Park.
Penalties for people caught littering or dumping rubbish can include fines and prosecution resulting in convictions and even possible imprisonment.
