Wednesday, 31 August 2022

Healesville freeway reserve

Mr ANGUS (Forest Hill) (19:21): (6524) I raise a matter of importance for the attention of the Minister for Environment and Climate Action. The action I seek is for the minister to provide directly to me a written update as to the latest detailed plans for the future use of the land in the Forest Hill district known as the Healesville freeway reserve (HFR). I have asked for this information numerous times in this place and I am yet to receive the information requested. This land, which is more than 30 hectares in size, runs east–west from Springvale Road, Forest Hill, in the west to Boronia Road, Vermont, in the east. Again I note that I have repeatedly and unsuccessfully asked various ministers for this information on numerous occasions.

It is now over 8½ years since 24 February 2014, when the current Premier visited the HFR and stood on a tree stump to make the announcement that he would preserve the HFR as public open space. We now know that the government broke this promise and in fact sold off parcels of the HFR land, and they have done little else since. I continue to have constituents asking me about what is going on with this land. Sadly, I can only advise them that I am still awaiting formal advice from the government about what is happening. It is very obvious to my constituents that the much-promised walking and cycling path does not exist despite assurances many years ago that it would be constructed. It is also clear that land for additional grounds for Vermont Secondary College that are desperately needed by this terrific local school has not been set aside for this purpose.

This land has tremendous potential for the community, particularly as a place for recreation and exercise, as well as having important environmental aspects. Minister, can you please finally provide me with the detailed written plans and time lines that you have for the use and development of this very important local land so that I in turn can advise the Forest Hill community?