The Andrews Labor Government is funding a new playspace at Strathaird Reserve in Strathmore to make sure families have plenty of space to socialise near their homes.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio today announced the funding to turn part of a disused reserve backing onto Essendon Airport into a new park, co-designed by the local community, in partnership with Moonee Valley City Council.
The $1.3 million investment in Strathaird Reserve is part of the Victorian Government's $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will create or upgrade 6,500 hectares of public open space including parkland and trails.
This investment is in addition to $1.7 million in funding for other parks in the Moonee Valley area, including the Pattison Street pocket park, Mount Alexander Road Triangle, and Cliff Whitworth Reserve Dog Park.
The program will also create jobs in industries including construction, design and landscaping as Victoria rebuilds from the economic impacts of coronavirus.
When complete, a total of 29 pocket parks across Melbourne will include community event areas, landscaping and greenery, improved pedestrian connections, seating, shade, play areas and drinking fountains.
As well as providing open space for the community to enjoy, these parks will help to cool the surrounding neighbourhoods and help build resilience to climate change across our growing city.
For more information on the government's investment into new pocket parks visit, environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks/creating-new-parkland-across-victoria/local-parks
The new pocket park in Strathmore is expected to be completed in mid-2023.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio
"By investing in green open spaces in our urban areas, we will ensure that future generations can continue spending time outdoors and Melbourne's reputation as of one of the world's most liveable cities is maintained."
"We're making sure every Victorian family has a great local park to enjoy a day off and spend time together, no matter where they live."
As stated by Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
"Strathmore deserves great places for everyone to relax, unwind and spend times with their loved ones. It's parks like these that make our local community so great to live in."
