Having purchased our block here at Providence about two and a half years ago we eventually finished construction of our house about a year and a half ago. In the time that passed, as you will have noticed, a large fence was erected between the Greenvale Reservoir Park and Providence Estate. This is quite unfortunate as access to the park was going to be one of the nice features of living here.

I have done some research with Hume City Council, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and Oliver Hume and it turns out that even though some paths were put in and it appeared we would have access to the park, the necessary agreements or permits were not put in place correctly and later revoked.

I have spoken to a communications representative at Melbourne Water and they are happy to enter a dialogue with anyone who has any issues with the presence of the fence and who want to have some form of access to the park. From their point of view they have concerns regarding the security of the water supply, containing the kangaroos and the likelihood of additional parking in Providence by non-residents accessing the park.

However, it appears that this may take some time. I have therefore created an online petition to gather support and created a united voice to request action from our local councilor, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and Oliver Hume to install a gate or some appropriate form of pedestrian access to the park.

I would be grateful if you could register your support at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/providence-residents-pedestrian-access-to

You can also drop me an email at shanebrowne@hotmail.com, or your email address or a note in our letterbox at 18 Samos Drive.