Tuesday, 2 May 2023

 Jackson TAYLOR (Bayswater) (19:13): (136) Construction is underway on the massive reimagining Blind Creek project, which is the largest environmental project in Knox’s recent history. In short, it is unpiping close to 2 kilometres of waterways not seen for decades and creating loads of exciting new open space along Blind Creek from Fairpark Reserve through to Lewis Park in Wantirna South. It is fair to say I am excited about this project, as I have mentioned it a million times, and it is because locals are excited too. So I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Water, and the action that I seek is for the minister to visit one of the sites of construction on the project and to see firsthand the huge, positive impact we are making to the local environment and amenity for Knox locals. Indeed I remember all too well helping to deliver the previous, albeit smaller, revitalisation of Blind Creek near Fairpark, which unpiped a few hundred metres of waterways and created an amazing new space for locals.

This project is much, much bigger than that. It is so big that construction literally spans three suburbs. The project that I refer to as creating the green heart of Knox, proudly being delivered by the Andrews Labor government, will see the creation of three new wetlands, over 6 kilometres of new walking paths delivered, nearly 700,000 new plants, improved waterway quality and more flood storage. It will unpipe 1.65 kilometres of waterways from Scoresby Road to Lewis Park; plant nearly 2000 trees; and activate 17 MCGs of open space, a boardwalk through the new wetland system at Lewis Park and lots of community infrastructure to engage with the reimagined space, such as stepping stones, benches, viewing platforms and more. All in all, it is an amazing outcome for the community that will create recreational opportunities for locals that never previously existed and will help create a healthier local environment.

I am proud to be part of a government that has put its money where its mouth is when it comes to the environment. Whether it is huge projects like this, delivering a container deposit scheme, moving to net zero emissions by 2045 or bringing in government-owned renewable energy, the Andrews Labor government is getting on with it. For those of you watching at home, for more details check the comments below.