Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour is fighting to stop Ausgrid from selling off prime vacant land adjoining Ashbury’s Peace Park.

The 6,600-square-metre site, off Trevenar Street, Ashbury, currently has planning controls allowing for residential development.

Mayor Asfour has written to Ausgrid informing it of Council’s plan to rezone the land to public recreation, which is consistent with the park and prohibits any future residential development.

“Open space is critical to improving the lives of our community and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass through my fingers without a fight,” Mayor Asfour said.

“However, rezoning would force Council into process that could take up to two years, given all of the hurdles set by the State Government.

“So, if Ausgrid genuinely does not require this site, it should hand it over to the community of Ashbury to enjoy as open space.”

Ausgrid is half-owned by the NSW Government.