Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Bronwyn HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (17:31): (670) I wish to raise a matter with the Minister for Environment, and the action I seek from him is to visit with me the site of a new dog park in the growing suburb of Wollert. The dog park is one of several local commitments our Victorian Labor government made at the last election. Recreational spaces are very important to residents living in new suburbs such as Wollert and North Epping. In fact right now we are involved in a campaign urging the City of Whittlesea to urgently develop land designated for recreational activities. There is a dire lack of sport and recreational facilities in the north of the Thomastown electorate. The only basketball and netball courts in the area are those the state government has built at schools. Residents are crying out for ovals to kick or hit a ball, run around with kids or let their dogs off leash, not to mention all the registered cricket, soccer, AFL and rugby league clubs that are looking for a place to call home. It is very pleasing to see the state government contribution start the ball rolling with the off-leash dog park to support the many households with dogs. The City of Whittlesea needs to step up and take on their responsibility to build the ovals, courts and pavilions that residents desperately need.