Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Environment.
Will the Victorian Government declare the establishment of the Wallan Wallan Regional Parkland to protect the health of the Merri Creek waterway which runs downstream to Northcote?
This proposed regional parkland would allow for the preservation of these natural wetlands that filter and slow water, providing vital flood protection to the Merri.
Along with my Labor colleagues in the north, we’ve consistently advocated to protect and restore the Merri Creek corridor, working alongside the Friends of the Merri Creek and Merri Creek Management Committee.
In parliament we’ve met with the Wallan Wallan Regional Parkland Alliance to understand and convey the vision and necessity of this parkland. A petition has been tabled in parliament with over 3,000 signatures.
Time is of the essence as a Precinct Structure Plan is in the works to guide development in the area and we need to ensure that new homes and jobs are not at odds, but sit alongside the preservation of natural habitat.
As Melbourne’s north continues to grow, now is the time to safeguard the entire Merri Creek corridor and deliver lasting benefits for our community, our waterways, our wildlife and our futures.
