What does ‘surrender’ really mean, in a legal sense?

Here is a letter from a local resident to the City about the Pennyweight Park issue.

Dear Council Officer,

I am a resident of Ballarat East and have some questions about the City of Ballarat’s letter about surrendering a portion of Pennyweight Park, dated 6 November 2014.

I often walk through this parkland and enjoy the open space, beautiful trees and prolific bird life.

Here are my questions.

What does ‘surrender’ really mean, in a legal sense?

What actual area is under consideration? Can this be shown on a map please?

If this area becomes part of PINARC, what use will it be put to?

Will the area surrendered still be available for public use, or will it be fenced off for PINARC use only?

If in future PINARC is closed and the land sold, can the City of Ballarat return this land for public use, or is is possible that the land could be sold to developers?

Is the soil in he area contaminated, as I believe there was once a garbage tip on the site, or nearby.

What date is set for finalisation of this consultation?

Will there be a public meeting so Ballarat East residents can have their say about this proposal? This would be appreciated by the local people who care deeply about the special character of Ballarat East, particularly the open spaces.

I would appreciate your response to my questions, and assure you that there are many Ballarat East residents who have concerns about the loss of public space in our suburb.

Yours sincerely

Pam Strange