Wednesday, 14 August 2024

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (19:13): (778) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Environment, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me for a sod turn at ngarrak nakorang wilam park. ‘Ngarrak nakorang wilam’ is Wathaurong language and means ‘mountain meeting place’. I take special pride in knowing that we have found such a fitting name, one in the language of the traditional owners of the land. Formerly known as Healesville freeway reserve, this expansive piece of land is larger than 18 MCGs worth of parkland, and clearly it would be an incredible waste if this magnificent space was underused. The Allan Labor government is stepping in with a $10.5 million investment, transforming this area into amazing open space. New parking, new public toilets, new signage and improved lighting are just some of the upgrades that will make this park a more visible and accessible place. There is so much more: new barbecues, new picnic facilities, new bike trails, new playgrounds and play spaces, new gardens, new plants and new vegetation. It is vital that we have green and open spaces for our community to enjoy. It is good for the environment, it is good for jobs and it is good for bringing people together. I want to thank everyone involved in making this project a reality. I know that the Glen Waverley district residents and surrounding suburbs of Forest Hill, Vermont and Vermont South are incredibly excited about this project. What a win it is for the residents of the Glen Waverley district and Melbourne’s east, and it is a win that is proudly being delivered by the Allan Labor government.