The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $14.5 million in parks and trails across Melbourne, creating jobs and ensuring everyone in the city has access to quality open space.

Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the funding today as part of the launch of a bold blueprint for managing Melbourne’s open spaces – the Open Space for Everyone Strategy.

Melbourne’s north is set to benefit from six new cycling and walking trails through $4.7 million in funding, with $10.2 million being delivered to give 41 of Melbourne’s suburban parks a fresh new look.

Residents of Melbourne’s northern suburbs can look forward to new and improved cycling and walking trails with better connections in Bundoora, Campbellfield, Epping, Mill Park and Thomastown.

Park upgrades could include new seating, barbecues, toilets, fencing, landscaping, lighting, shading, path upgrades, as well as water features and new playgrounds.

The trails and park upgrades are funded under the $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will ultimately create 6,500 hectares of public open space, including parkland, trails, pocket parks and off-leash dog parks.

Construction of the trails and park upgrades will create jobs in industries including construction, design and landscaping as Victoria rebuilds from the economic impacts of coronavirus.

The Open Space for Everyone strategy identifies the need for state and local governments, Traditional Owner groups, communities, volunteers, researchers and businesses to work together to address current gaps in the open space network and identify future planning reform and investment opportunities.

It was developed in response to the growing and changing needs of Melbourne’s community, and will ensure all Melburnians have access to open space for generations to come.

For more information about Open Space for Everyone strategy, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/open-space-for-everyone.

For more information about the Suburban Parks Program, including a list of grant recipients, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Melbourne’s open spaces are at the heart of our city and bring enormous benefits to local communities.”

“We are investing in projects to improve and boost our open space network now, to ensure we meet the needs of the community in the future.”

“By partnering with councils, we are ensuring we are investing only in projects that meet the unique needs of local communities.”