Wednesday, 15 November 2023

Sydenham Park

Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Women) (10:42): I am thrilled to rise today to announce that Sydenham Park in my electorate is finally open to the public. Thirty years in the making, and we have a beautiful and unique open space now available to the general public on Wurundjeri land where Jacksons Creek and Deep Creek meet and the Maribyrnong River begins. Sydenham Park – its interim name, because it is currently having other names, Aboriginal names, considered for a renaming – has been revitalised thanks to the Victorian government’s investment in open space through the suburban parks program.

For over 30 years this open space has been closed off to the public whilst Brimbank council explored multiple options for its use. Unfortunately, one of those options considered was selling it to Melbourne cemetery. Thank God that did not happen, and now we have a fantastic open park. It has been a journey of many advocates, and can I thank the Friends of Sydenham Park for their ongoing advocacy and preservation of this space. It is really important to local residents to have as much natural open space as possible. I have written to Brimbank council seeking to make sure that the commitment to the park is inclusive and that accessibility to the fantastic lookouts is there. I am also looking forward to the next stage of upgrades, including a new sports precinct for which this government, the Allan government, has provided $50,000.