By Esther Lauaki
A regional park 60 times the size of the MCG is planned for Toolern Creek as part of a major election promise.
Labor will get on with planning and design work for a proposed Toolern regional park as part of a $150 million pledge to create new parkland and improve existing reserves throughout the state if re-elected later this month.
The park, to be designed in consultation with the Melton council, will give families in Toolern, Melton new space to enjoy the outdoors.
Energy, environment and climate change minister Lily D’Ambrosio last week said the proposed Toolern Regional Park was part of Labor’s plan to create dozens of new parks across the state for suburbs that need them the most.
“Labor will create thousands of hectares of new parks and bike and walking trails to make sure that no matter where you live, every family has a great local park to enjoy,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
The announcement comes after a
$10 million pledge to help local councils upgrade underutilised suburban space and local parks with new playgrounds, landscaping, toilets and picnic facilities, transforming them into better places for locals to enjoy.
Melton’s Labor candidate Steve McGhie said he was committed to ensuring that residents
had access to local park, no matter where they live.
“Toolern Creek is already enjoyed by locals who want to get outdoors, and planning for a new park will only enhance the area even further,” Mr McGhie said.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the multi-million dollar investment represented the biggest boost to suburban parks in the state’s history and would create 6500 hectares of new parkland – equivalent to more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.
