Jim Parkes Reserve upgraded
I’m delighted that the highly valued Jim Parkes Reserve in the heart of Beaconsfield has been revitalised and is now officially open for all to enjoy.
The upgraded Jim Parkes Reserve features a new play space, accessible pathways, seating, sheltered gathering areas including barbeque and picnic tables, interpretive signage, bins, improved drainage, and enhanced landscaping.
This significant community project, supported by matched funding from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and Cardinia Shire Council, has transformed the reserve into a vibrant and well-
connected space for all residents to enjoy.
As a local resident, I’m thrilled to see the transformation of Jim Parkes Reserve. This project has truly been a combined effort, and it is wonderful to see families and friends enjoying the new amenities. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, especially the Beaconsfield Progress Association, for their dedication and hard work.
For more information: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardiniaoutdoors
Fieldstone Boulevard upgrades
Council is completing vital safety upgrades along Fieldstone Boulevard, Beaconsfield as part of the Australian Government’s 2024-2025 Blackspot Program and Council’s Local Area Traffic Improvement program.
Stage 1 construction has recently been completed, and included lighting upgrades along Fieldstone
Boulevard, spanning from Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd to Holm Park Road.
Six heritage-style light poles were installed to meet current Australian Standards and to support the new speed humps proposed as part of stage two works.
Five of these lights replaced existing heritage lantern style poles, and one brand new heritage style pole
with a 0.9m outreach arm were installed as part of stage one works.
During the initial design process, a lighting assessment determined that the existing heritage lantern-type poles did not provide sufficient illumination for the new speed humps to meet Australian Standards. Council investigated a replacement globe for the existing light poles, however, were unable to find an appropriate modern day LED equivalent to match the twenty year old aging infrastructure.
Wanting to preserve the heritage feel of the Berwick Views Estate, Council has worked to find new and
similar alternative lights that match the original street lighting design from other areas of the estate,
with enhanced functionality.
The new lights will now be activated by Ausnet in the coming months and after this, Council will continue with stage two upgrade works, installing speed humps and traffic management devices along Fieldstone Boulevard.
To stay up to date with projects in your local area, head to www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/majorprojects
Mercury vapour lighting replacement program
Cardinia Shire Council commenced a program to replace mercury vapour light fittings in 2022 to comply with the Minamata Convention, which bans the import, export, and manufacture of mercury vapour lights.
Council intends to replace mercury vapour lights with LED hardware in areas of the shire where the new lighting is the same as, or similar in appearance to, existing lights to ensure an even appearance in
these areas.
This will include replacement of 403 mercury vapour lights in Beaconsfield and Garfield. Council commits to engaging with affected residents in these areas before upgrades are undertaken, which is expected to commence later this year.
There are several benefits in replacing the mercury vapour lights with LED products, including improved
safety and visibility for residents, lower energy consumption, and reduced management and maintenance costs.
Children’s Clothing and Toy Swap
Residents can refresh their children’s wardrobe and toys for free at the upcoming Children’s Clothing and
Toy Swap event.
Cardinia Shire Council has partnered with The Clothing Exchange to provide an environmentally friendly way to help parents/guardians of children aged 3-8 years tackle how quickly they grow out of their clothes and toys.
Parents/guardians simply need to bring up to 6 good quality pre-washed items of clothing and/or 6 good
quality toys to the event. These are then traded in for tokens to use as ‘currency’ for other clothes and
toys.
The event will be held on Sunday 13 April from 10am to 12pm (swapping starts at 11am) at Pakenham
Hall, 6E Henry Street, Pakenham.
To register and for more information, go to www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/wasteworkshops
Free volunteer training sessions
Free volunteer training sessions will be held throughout 2025.
The sessions, designed for both current and prospective volunteers, aim to support Cardinia Shire’s many volunteer groups and organisations, including sporting clubs, neighbourhood houses, community asset committees, and volunteer clubs.
Sessions will run until June and will cover a range of topics. For more information or to register, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/volunteering
Green waste drop off
Council’s free Green waste drop-off events are a great way to clean up your yard and reduce your fire fuel load throughout the year.
We started the year off with dropping off nearly 60 tonnes of green waste at the green waste drop-off in February. That is the equivalent of 15 African elephants! All this valuable green waste was given a new life by being turned into mulch!
Council’s green waste drop-off events are accepting residential amounts of green waste including garden prunings, tree branches and trunks (up to 30 centimetres wide and 1 metre long), weeds, grass clippings, leaves, and flowers.
Next event:
Saturday 5 to Saturday 12 April
Future Recycling Transfer Station, 30-32 Exchange
Drive, Pakenham
Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 4pm
Saturday: 8am – 2:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Residents must present photo ID as proof of residence within Cardinia Shire to access the free service.
Waste will only be accepted from residential vehicles and trailers; commercial business operators cannot use this service.
For further information, please check out www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/dropoff
Cr Brett Owen
Cardinia Shire Office, Beacon Hills Ward
Mobile: 0418 993 370
Office: 1300 787 624
Email: b.owen@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Web: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au
P.O. Box 7, Pakenham 3810
