My question is for the Minister for Environment in the other place, and I ask: what is the progress on the Healesville freeway reserve upgrade? When those opposite or beside me were last in government they tried to sell off the reserve to developers. The local community from Forest Hill, Vermont and Vermont South put up a fight to stop the overdevelopment of this wonderful open green space. Ahead of the 2014 election we committed to saving the Healesville freeway reserve, and we have delivered on our promise. The Andrews Labor government has now committed $10.5 million to transform the reserve into a user-friendly space for everyone in our community. Currently the reserve holds 35 hectares of unused space, spanning 3.5 kilometres from Springvale Road to the Morack Public Golf Course. From installing proper walking tracks to playgrounds through the reserve, the master plan will provide vibrant and usable space for those in my district. I know that my constituents are looking forward to seeing progress on the reserve, and I look forward to the minister’s response with an update on this great project.
Minister’s Response:
The Victorian Government is investing $10.5 million to deliver on the election commitment to transform Healesville Freeway Reserve into parkland for the community to enjoy.
I have been advised that Parks Victoria has been working closely with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, the local community, and key stakeholders to develop a park layout plan that will guide design and construction of a new park that will include a 3.5-kilometre shared use path from Springvale Road to Boronia Road seating, play areas, visitor amenities, landscaping and parking.
On 20 April 2023, the Minister for Planning approved an amendment to the Whitehorse Planning Scheme that applied a consistent Public Park and Recreation Zone across the Healesville Freeway Reserve. This recognises that the area is reserved for public recreation and open space, as well as protecting areas of significance.
The final park layout plan was released to the public in August 2023 on the Engage Victoria website. A staged program of construction work will be commencing in early 2024 to deliver the visitor upgrades.
For further information and to stay up to date on project progress please visit Healesville Freeway Reserve (parks.vic.gov.au).
Steve Dimopoulos MP
Member for Oakleigh
Minister for Environment
