Juc park ‘turf war’ set to end

By Cherie Donnellan
JAN JUC Creek Reserve will reopen this week after an asbestos scare forced its closure in late February, according to RACV.
A spokesperson said RACV would remove fencing and start laying turf as part of “rectification works” at the reserve.
Surf Coast Shire fenced off the reserve between Duffields Rd and Hoylake Ave after asbestos was detected in a topsoil sample in February.
RACV had been installing stormwater pipes in the area to irrigate Torquay golf course.
The company said it would take “a few days, weather permitting” to complete the restoration.
Community groups were frustrated with ongoing delays keeping the park closed.
Council released a statement in March saying the reserve would reopen in the first week of April.
Friends of Jan Juc Creek’s Sid Pope said he was pleased to see the “shameful episode is finally coming to a close”.
“We’ve been lobbying for the reserve to be restored for a long time, so it’s good to see the council and RACV are finally owning up to their responsibilities.”
Friends of Jan Juc Creek’s Octavia Chabrier said council told her works were delayed because RACV refused to pay for turf.
“RACV doesn’t want to reinstate the area to its original greenery, they only wish to throw some grass seed in,” Ms Chabrier posted on a community Facebook page this week.