More than $1 million will be spent on conservation, community engagement and future planning at two regional parklands across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the government would provide $1.14 million in grants for five priority projects cross marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands and Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands as part of its suburban parks program.
The marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands will encompass over 2700-hectares of parkland from Campbellfield to Beveridge.
When completed, the parklands will be among the biggest in Melbourne and expand the Merri Creek path that begins at the junction with the Yarra River, according to the government.
Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands will span over 1000 hectares and stretch along Jacksons Creek from Sunbury to Diggers Rest.
The government said the five projects will be delivered by managers and land management partners in each parkland, focusing on future planning, conservation and community engagement.
In the marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands, community events will be delivered by the Merri Creek Management Committee.,
Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward welcomed the opportunity for events to be held in the marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands
“Events delivered by the Merri Creek Management Committee will help locals discover and enjoy this jewel in our crown, the marram baba regional parklands, which span an area more than 70 times the size of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens,” she said.
The funding will support the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to lead an archaeological study of Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said, “Our local community has important connections to our area and this investment will continue to enhance that whilst delivering new green open space”.
Parks Victoria has also received funding to carry out conservation works in both parks to help protect native animals and plants.
Works on the new projects will commence soon, with all projects expected to be completed by mid-2026.
