The Andrews Labor Government has delivered on its promise to keep the Healesville Freeway Reserve as a public open space to be enjoyed by everyone in the community.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane today celebrated the milestone, following the final transfer of parcels of land to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) earlier this month.

The Healesville Freeway Reserve consists of around 35 hectares of undeveloped VicRoads land that runs for 3.5 kilometres from Springvale Road in Forest Hill to Boronia Road in Vermont.

After VicRoads determined it no longer needed the land for road development, the Labor Government announced it would preserve the land as public open space for all the community to enjoy.

DELWP has been working with VicRoads, Whitehorse Council and local residents to ensure the smooth transfer of land and is now working with the community to rename the park.

Previous community consultation led to the creation of a concept plan for a multi-use park including shared walking and bike paths, nature trails, community gathering and activity spaces and dedicated conservation areas.

There will be opportunities for local community and groups to have a role in managing some areas of the park.

Funds obtained by the sale of Government owned land adjoining the new reserve have been placed in a trust, which will be used to develop and manage the park into the future.

To find out more about the process to rename the park, visit engage.vic.gov.au/healesville-freeway-reserve.

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Amborosio

“This is a win for the local community, including the Friends of the Healesville Freeway Reserve, who have worked so hard to ensure this space is kept for the community.”

“We’re keeping this as a public space that will enjoyed by residents for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane

“We said we would reserve this land for the community and that’s exactly what we have done.”

“Residents can look forward to enjoying a new park that will be open to everyone and that will stay out of the hands of private developers.”