Tuesday, 2 June 2026

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (19:17): (1676) My adjournment matter this evening is directed to the Minister for Environment in the other place, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me on a visit to Jells Park and ngarrak nakorang wilam park in my electorate. Jells Park is one of the great community assets of Melbourne’s south-east, located in the south-eastern corner of my electorate next to Caulfield Grammar. It is a place where generations of local families have grown up. It is where children learn to ride their bikes and where families gather for barbecues, celebrations and community events. But Jells Park is also an important environmental asset. Its wetlands, lakes and native vegetation provide habitat for local wildlife and strengthen biodiversity across our suburbs. In the middle of a growing city, places like Jells Park allow residents to remain connected to nature close to home.

That is why I am proud of the investments our Labor government has made into improving this much-loved community space. Last year I joined the then Minister for Environment to mark the beginning of construction of the new sporting ovals at Jells Park. This $4 million investment is upgrading the Ashes and the Oaks into high-quality multipurpose sporting fields, including synthetic cricket pitches for local clubs and families to enjoy for years to come. An additional $5.9 million investment has delivered new shared-user trails. We have replaced ageing jetties and revitalised the Oaks playground. These are practical upgrades that improve accessibility and create better spaces for local families.

I also want to acknowledge the exciting progress being made on ngarrak nakorang wilam park, which stretches from Forest Hill, Vermont and Vermont South all the way to Dandenong Creek. Along with upgraded play spaces, these 35 hectares of open space will have picnic areas, barbecue facilities and areas of passive recreation. Importantly, it will also deliver major environmental benefits through native plantings, habitat restoration and biodiversity improvements that will preserve green open spaces for future generations. These projects demonstrate the Allan Labor government’s commitment to investing in parks, open spaces and community infrastructure that growing suburbs need. Parks like these are not luxuries, they are essential community assets that support healthy lifestyles, social connection and community wellbeing.

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy the facilities at Jells Park alongside the member for Mulgrave and the local Wheelers Hill residents. Over dumplings and a barbecue we had fantastic conversations about how valued our local parks and open spaces are by families across our community. I look forward to welcoming the minister to Jells Park and ngarrak nakorang wilam to see firsthand the difference these investments are making for the community of the Glen Waverley district.