Member Statement by Colleen Hartland in Parliament
Colleen Hartland (Western Metropolitan) delivered a Member Statement in Parliament today.
Ms HARTLAND (Western Metropolitan) – I heartily congratulate and acknowledge the fantastic work of the Merri and Edgars Creeks Parkland Group. It is due to its hard and tireless efforts that Justin Madden, the Minister for Planning, has seen the light and given the park back to the public.
Hon. J. M. Madden — Come on board! It was a good decision.
Ms HARTLAND – I know. I am happy to give congratulations where they are due.
I have been attending community meetings and events in relation to saving Merri Creek and Edgars Creek parkland since 2006. I am glad to see the government has finally acted responsibly in the face of urban density challenges and has supported the community of Moreland and surrounding areas in this way.
However, as I said in March this year, I am astonished that the government, which can take away council planning rights within the blink of an eye, has taken four years to solve this issue. It is clear how important it is to preserve open space in Melbourne’s metropolitan area. Increasing population, more apartment housing and significant challenges to Melbourne’s livability from overcrowding, traffic congestion and a lack of public transport should have made this issue a no-brainer.
Let us hope such lengthy struggles for public green spaces will become a thing of the past. In the meantime every single time I use these wonderful parklands I will be thanking those who fought so hard to save them.