- Published:
- Tuesday 25 February 2025
The Allan Government is delivering improved and healthier parklands across Melbourne, ensuring families have better places to relax, connect and enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced that $1.14 million in grants have been awarded to five priority projects across marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands and Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands as part of the Labor Government’s $315 million Suburban Parks Program.
The projects will be delivered by managers and land management partners in each parkland, focusing on future planning, conservation and community engagement.
The funding will support the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to lead an archaeological study of Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands.
In the marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands, community events will be delivered by the Merri Creek Management Committee.
Parks Victoria has also received funding to carry out conservation works in both parks to help protect native animals and plants.
Works on the new projects will commence in early 2025, with all projects expected to be completed by mid 2026.
The grants are part of a $6.9 million funding package to develop the parklands in line with the vision and management objectives set out for four regional parklands in greater Melbourne.
Projects that have been completed or are underway include environmental works, cultural studies, and infrastructure upgrades including trails, walkways and visitor amenities.
These projects support the aims of the Suburban Parks Program, which will create and plan for up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, and dog parks across Greater Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“As our communities continue to grow, we’re making sure Melburnians have easy access to green open space where they can exercise, relax or just enjoy the outdoors.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
“These works will help ensure that local communities and visitors can enjoy these special parks and waterways, and help native wildlife thrive.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
“Our local community has important connections to our area and this investment will continue to enhance that whilst delivering new green open space.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward
"Events delivered by the Merri Creek Management Committee will help locals discover and enjoy this jewel in our crown, the marram baba regional parklands, which span an area more than 70 times the size of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens."
Quotes attributable to Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny
"It is so good to see investment in rehabilitating and beautifying our area. More and more families want to enjoy outdoor spaces and these projects mean you don’t need to travel a long way to enjoy nature and all the things our environment and waterways offer."
Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence
“We have some amazing local parks and waterways along Merri Creek and I look forward to the community events that will celebrate these spaces.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Greenvale Iwan Walters
“The extensive Marram Baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands form a huge recreational green space in the heart of the north.”
“With this investment, we’re ensuring that one of the north’s best-kept secrets – with its beauty, significant cultural heritage, and wide open green spaces – can be shared and enjoyed by all.”