Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (19:43): (2207) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Environment. The action I seek from you, Minister, is a commitment to the protection of wallan wallan regional park following the feasibility report, which identified 2800 hectares of land for preservation and restoration of terrestrial and wetlands ecosystems for inclusion in the wallan wallan regional park. Minister, as you may already be aware, this has been an ongoing issue that has garnered strong community support and interest. Many groups have come together over the years to advocate for the protection of this regional park. I recently visited the site in Wallan at an invitation from the Merri Creek Management Committee, Friends of Merri Creek and Wallan residents to see for myself this mosaic of wetlands that is home to endangered native species of birds and a mecca of flora and fauna. With the housing development now established in Wallara Waters, residents are expressing serious concerns about your government’s approach to planning in the northern corridor. They worry that the wallan wallan regional park will be left unprotected and overlooked as planning decisions are made for this part of the Northern Metro Region.

A regional park in wallan wallan would create a landmark intergenerational legacy, restoring a wetland of national significance and linking it with planned trail networks throughout Victoria. It would serve as a key destination for wildlife moving along the Merri corridor and provide permanent habitat for a wide range of fauna species whilst supporting aquifer recharge and improving the local watertable. The park would also become a regional hub for nature-based recreation and ecotourism, enhancing livability and complementing the major developments planned for the area. Importantly, it would function as a flood buffer, containing the fivefold increase in stormwater run-off expected from urban development and helping to prevent downstream flooding. The regional park would soften the effects of the intermodal transport hub planned for Merriang and act as a green buffer between Wallan and Beveridge. While we are on climate mitigation, Minister, the regional park would also reduce the impacts of the heat island effect of massive hard surfaces in tight urban areas. Minister, it is clear the regional wallan wallan park delivers a variety of benefits to the community, the environment and the climate. Will you please assure residents and environmental groups that wallan wallan regional park will be protected in your whole-of-government plans for the northern corridor?