Victorians will soon have access to thousands of hectares of new open space and parklands, with the Andrews Labor Government investing $154 million on a ring of new parklands in the growing suburbs that need it most.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio said the unprecedented investment would help re-establish Victoria’s title as the Garden State, giving families great places to relax, unwind and spend time with their loved ones.

The funding will create up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.

Suburbs like Officer, Clyde, Craigieburn, South Morang and Carrum will get new parks equivalent to more than 3,000 MCGs – creating a ring of new parkland across outer Melbourne.

Plenty River Trail will receive a $19 million upgrade with 17 kilometres of new walking and cycling trails, along with $10 million for new trails across the northern metropolitan area and $4 million for upgrades in Wattle Park including new playground and 3.5 kilometre track.

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 also delivers $8 million for the Greening the Pipeline project, which is creating a long park with more green space and trees along a former sewer pipe, supported by an integrated stormwater system that uses recycled stormwater to irrigate the park.

Twenty-five pocket parks will be created in inner-city suburbs with higher density developments to help green our suburbs and provide much-needed recreation space.

Exact locations for the pocket parks are yet to be determined, but will be in the districts of Prahran, Richmond, Albert Park, Eltham, Bentleigh Brunswick, Northcote, Williamstown, Essendon, Oakleigh, Caulfield and Ivanhoe.

Animal lovers will also be catered for with enclosed dog parks created across 16 local government areas, including Boroondara, Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Glen Eira, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Wyndham.

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

“Victoria was the Garden State and through investments like this, our beautiful, vibrant city can once again be known as the parks capital of Australia.”

“Melbourne is already one of the world’s most liveable cities and we’re ensuring future generations in these growing suburbs have access to open, green space.”

“We’re making sure every Victorian family has a great local park to enjoy a day off and spend time together, no matter where they live.”