Thursday, 24 March 2022

Public land acquisition

Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:31): My question is directed to the minister representing the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. The Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee’s recent inquiry into the environmental infrastructure requirements for growing populations raised some significant issues. Victoria’s environmental infrastructure is considered fundamental to the livability of urban Melburnians, particularly in times of COVID, for outdoor open space, physical activity and a wide range of health benefits. Will the minister be embracing these recommendations, particularly those relating to the sale of surplus government land which could be instead used for public open space, increased funding for Parks Victoria and a consistent reporting framework for tree canopy targets?

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (12:32): Thank you, Mr Hayes, for the question. That was a question directed to the minister for the environment, and I will make sure she gets your question and you get your response in line with what is prescribed in the standing orders.

Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:32): Thank you, Minister. Rapid population growth in inner and outer Melbourne continues to be an ongoing challenge. As the population grows, so does the demand for existing open space grow. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning submission raised concerns about urban areas where only fragments of native vegetation and natural habitat remain, stressing the importance of our parks, gardens, waterways and urban forests to support our remnant biodiversity. The real loser of this urban sprawl has been our green wedges and western grasslands, which remain under urban development pressure. I am interested to find out from the minister if she will consider recommendations 34, 35 and 36, which ask the government to consider bringing forward the acquisition of land required to establish the western grasslands and to develop a tree protection policy for adoption in all growth areas.

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (12:33): Once again, thank you, Mr Hayes, for your supplementary. I will ensure that the question, which is directed to the minister for the environment, is sent to her and that you get a response in line with the standing orders.