​The community is being encouraged to provide feedback on the future of a major precinct in Canterbury-Bankstown.

A draft master plan for Parry Park, in Lakemba, will be placed on public exhibition from today (Wednesday 13 December) until Tuesday 27 February 2018.

Mayor Khal Asfour said Lakemba was long overdue for a highly accessible and functional open space precinct.

"Our Canterbury Open Space Strategy and Needs Review identified a significant gap in open space in the Lakemba area," Mayor Asfour said.

"It also recognised the potential for the park to be enhanced to become a major recreation destination and sports hub, which this community deserves."

Mayor Asfour said he wanted to upgrade the precinct for the 30,000 community members who would be using the area, and encouraged community feedback.

"I invite residents, including athletes who use the playing facilities, sporting organisations, and parents of young families, to comment on what they would like to see incorporated in the final master plan," Mayor Asfour said.

The master plan proposes:

• Parkland, including a playground, picnic area, exercise equipment and a potential water playzone;
• Additional walking and cycling paths;
• An events precinct, complete with parking;
• Improvements to existing sporting fields;
• Additional community facilities; and
• Street parking.

Four community consultation sessions will be held at Parry Park, Greenacre Town Centre and Lakemba Town Centre in early February.

The Draft Parry Park master plan can be viewed at haveyoursay.cbcity.nsw.gov.au, Council’s Bankstown and Campsie Customer Services Centres and Council’s nine Library and Knowledge Centres.

Submissions must be received by 5pm 27 February 2018 and can be lodged by:

• Post – The General Manager, City of Canterbury Bankstown, PO Box 8, Bankstown, NSW 1885;
• Email – council@cbcity.nsw.gov.au
• Phone – 9707 9000; and
• Online – haveyoursay.cbcity.nsw.gov.au

Council is also set to develop a site-specific master plan for the former Hurlstone Park Bowling Club site and Hurlstone Park Memorial Reserve, after receiving community feedback.

And residents are invited to have their say on Council’s Draft Heritage Incentives Policy, which offers up to $5,000 in funding, to restore, preserve and maintain heritage-listed property.

"Our City’s historical properties need special care and attention to maintain their heritage significance," Mayor Asfour said.

"Protecting the 234 heritage-listed properties in our City remains a priority, which is why we’re proposing to allocate more than $60,000 to the fund, and remove development application fees in certain circumstances."

The Draft Heritage Incentives Policy will also be placed on public exhibition early next year.