Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt, has joined Local Councillor Rob Pyne, in an effort to ensure White Rock residents are not disadvantaged by the loss of Bak Park which has been earmarked for compulsory acquisition by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. 
Mr Pitt wrote to Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace, to highlight the strong sense of community ownership of the park and expressed his concern that the residents would lose a valuable community resource.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has a requirement for the property and to pay compensation. Mr. Pitt said, “Although small in size, Bak Park has played a big part in the lives of many local residents and has long been a focal point for recreational activity for young people in the area – particularly those who play tennis and basketball.”
Mr. Pitt said, “When the property is acquired for the highway upgrade, the Council would be entitled to compensation from the State Government to relocate the facilities to a new location for the benefit of the local community.”
Mr. Pitt concluded, “Compensation would be paid to the Council, however it would be Council’s responsibility to decide how that compensation is used. White Rock residents need an assurance that facilities will be replaced like-for-like or to a better standard in their local area, and not moved elsewhere.”
Councillor Rob Pyne has called on Mayor Val Schier and Council Officers to commit to move the facilities to Khalu Park and Reys Park in White Rock. He said, “Curtis and I agree that Khalu Park, named in honour of the respected local family would be a suitable location to receive attention from any state-funded upgrade.”
Cr Pyne said, “Public consultation would then need to be undertaken with local residents to seek their views on providing new courts at Reys Park or Khalu Park.”
In conclusion, Cr. Pyne said, “I want a commitment from the Mayor on this. Once we have that, I believe the state government may even consider funding the new courts prior to the resumption of Bak Park.”
