35 HECTARE PARK TO BE DEVELOPED IN MELBOURNE'S EAST
05 Jun 2024
Originally part of the Healesville Freeway Reserve, Parks Victoria is developing one of Victoria’s most complex collection of open spaces. Enveloping 35 hectares of undeveloped land, there are unique opportunities and challenges in creating a new linear park for Melbourne's East.
The $10.5-million proposed park will include new play areas, picnic tables, shelters, BBQs and nearby amenities such as toilets and water fountains. It will also feature a 3.5 kilometre shared-use trail which will run the length of the park. The trail will also have seating, drinking fountains, signage and lighting at key points to help cyclists, runners and walkers along their journey.
Meanwhile, a major vegetation strategy will support the area’s biodiversity. Gang Gang Cockatoos, kookaburras and echidnas are some of the wildlife that will benefit from new plantings. Weed removal programs and habitat support, such as nesting boxes, will further boost the area's environmental values.
The new park is to be named ngarrak nakorang wilam park, meaning ‘Mountain Meeting Place’, and was chosen by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
The creation of ngarrak nakorang wilam park adds to Melbourne’s amazing network of green spaces. In addition to boosting liveability and supporting healthy communities, urban parks provide essential habitat for native plants and wildlife, supporting biodiversity while also helping reduce emissions.
View the Healesville Freeway Reserve Concept Design Report here.
