Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:06): (1237) My question is for the Minister for Environment. Wattle Park in my electorate was originally set up by the tramways board as a way to convince citysiders to come to the leafy suburbs of Burwood and Surrey Hills as a destination. Wattle Park was born empowered by the Melbourne to Burwood Tramways Act 1915. Under the control of Parks Victoria, Wattle Park’s two iconic trams, the present W-class trams that are used for picnics and seating, are in total disrepair. These trams have been enjoyed for generations, but the current lack of repair and maintenance is looking more and more like neglect. It has been raised with Parks Victoria more than once. I recently visited and contacted numerous local residents who are worried about the unsightly display and how it invites vandalism et cetera. Will the minister please expedite the repair works on the trams at Wattle Park and direct Parks Victoria at Wattle Park to inform this Parliament and the community of the timeline for the works to be completed.