Petition Establish the wallan wallan Regional Park

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that immediate steps must be taken to establish and deliver the wallan wallan Regional Park (the Parkland) as presented in the State Government commissioned study, Feasibility for wallan wallan Regional Park Report 2022, in the face of accelerating growth in Melbourne's north. The Parkland will protect 3,000 hectares in the upper reaches of the Merri Creek, including wetlands and waterways that will provide habitat for wildlife, and support migratory populations of threatened bird species.

In the face of increasing urbanisation, the Parkland will provide a place for the community to explore nature together. Shared trails will enable cycling from Melbourne to Wallan. Importantly, it will also mitigate the impacts of flooding, by including space for water containment and treatment. Without this, disastrous flood impacts and deterioration in water quality will affect both the Wallan region and the entire catchment. The State Government is moving ahead with housing and industrial projects in this region. The same focus should be shown to the provision of parkland, and conservation of natural areas and it should be included within the 2026-27 State Budget and in future years prioritising hydrology, Indigenous cultural values and stony rises.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to commit to the establishment and adequate funding of the 3,000 hectare wallan wallan Regional Park, undertake research studies to address knowledge gaps and ensure well-informed holistic parkland planning.