Thursday, 21 March 2024

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (10:02): I recently had the opportunity to represent the Minister for Outdoor Recreation in the other place, Minister Dimopoulos, at the reopening of Alma Park. There we officially launched the completed revitalisation upgrades in the heart of my community of St Kilda. Every Victorian deserves access to quality open space, particularly in the inner suburbs of Melbourne where space is vital and less common. That is why the Allan Labor government is committed to ensuring we maximise every spare space we have. Thanks to our $315 million suburban parks program we have done just that, funding 29 new pocket parks and 14 new dog parks as well as new tracks and trails. I am pleased to let the chamber know that we have delivered on our investment of $10 million to revitalise 41 local parks across metropolitan Melbourne, many of which are in Southern Metro, and the 39th is the great park at Alma. Thank you to the member for Albert Park in the other place, Nina Taylor, for joining me on this great day. Now future generations of families will be able to enjoy upgraded furniture, landscaping and nature play elements and, importantly, a renovated barbecue. I am sure my colleagues who represent Southern Metro will join me today in celebrating its opening.