Thursday, 8 February 2024

Adjournment

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (17:23): I move:

That the house do now adjourn.

Greenvale Reservoir Park

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (17:23): (686) My adjournment tonight is seeking the action of the Minister for Environment, and the action I seek is in relation to poor access for Greenvale residents to Greenvale Reservoir Park. It is a space which is enjoyed for family and community recreation. Picnics are often held so children can run free with a view of the city skyline despite being immersed in vast parklands which do feel secluded from the big smoke of the city.

Late last year Parks Victoria said on their website the southern section of Greenvale Reservoir Park accessed off Somerton Road remains closed to the public following significant dam wall upgrade works. There is no scheduled reopen date at this time. More recently, that appears to have been removed, but have a look on Google Maps and it says that the parkland is temporarily closed. Locals are astonished that there is no apparent date for when they will be able to access the park from its main entrance. Entry is available through the northern entrance on Venezia Promenade. However, there is little signage advising that the entry to the park is possible, and parking is scarce. Local residents would like to know why a once prominent marvel of the area is now a hidden parkland. Many residents are beginning to forget the significance a simple yet magnificent space can have on an individual’s inherent health and wellbeing, with the parkland being a place to exercise, to catch up with friends and for community events. Many residents have described to me the fact that they would roll up with a picnic basket on a nice day and have a nice little family picnic, with maybe a glass of wine for Mum and Dad. Parks Victoria have stated that their vision is to:

… inspire Victorians to protect and enjoy our unique natural and cultural heritage.

How can the residents of Greenvale and its surrounds conveniently enjoy natural and cultural heritage when the park is so limited? Many significant parts of the park are unable to be enjoyed as they are simply too far for some community members to walk or ride to due to the current entry arrangement. Previously it was possible for locals to drive to the park; that is now no longer an option. The park also has gates on the Kolbe college side, but they are not in use and public entry is not permitted, meaning residents must use the northern entrance. That limits access to many areas of the 53-hectare parklands for many members of the community. So what action will the minister take to ensure that Greenvale Reservoir Park is easily accessible to the local community, and will he update locals on when the park’s main entrance will be open?