Five new parks featuring nature playscapes, picnic and barbecue areas, revitalised creeks, wetlands and frog habitats are on the way for Melbourne's growing outer suburbs thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt today released the plans for new regional parks at Clyde, Kororoit Creek and Werribee Township today, which will create 720 hectares of green open space for their communities - more than 350 MCGs worth of space.
The parks will provide new walking and cycling tracks delivering tourism and education opportunities and improve Melbourne's liveability.
Urban green spaces play an important role in protecting Victoria's precious biodiversity, creating habitats for our native plants and wildlife while also helping reduce emissions and building Melbourne's resilience to climate change.
Kororoit Creek Park is situated between Deer Park and Melton in Melbourne's north west to enable easy access and connect growing communities in surrounding areas.
The new park at Clyde will be co-located with the Clyde Park Sports Precinct, creating one large community space, enhance Clyde Creek and surrounding areas for recreation and help protect biodiversity in the former Koo Wee Rup swampland.
Werribee Township park will join up with Presidents Park along the banks of the Werribee River and provide one continuous parkland through Wyndham Vale.
Plans have also been released for the expansion of Toolern Creek and Werribee River Regional Parks, including new and improved visitor facilities.
The Labor Government is working closely with Traditional Owners and local councils to ensure the parks will meet the needs of growing communities and preserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage.
These parks are part of the Government's $315 million Suburban Parks Program which will unlock 6,500 hectares of new and upgraded green space across Melbourne - more than 170 times the size of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
For more information or to view the five park plans, visit engage.vic.gov.au/parks.
As stated by Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
"These new park will be fantastic assets for growing communities, providing open outdoor spaces families can enjoy for years to come."
"These parks will become an important place for the community to meet and enjoy nature as well as provide critical habitat for many native wildlife species."
