Hobsons Bay Cr Matt Tyler
Hobsons Bay is blessed to have great open spaces. From coastal trails, scenic reserves, meandering rivers, sweeping grasslands and beloved neighbourhood parks – we are truly spoilt for choice.
This is not just geographic good fortune – it’s thanks to protection and remediation efforts of generations before us and those that continue this work today.
Open spaces are places we can all enjoy. One of my favourite spots is Truganina Park. It’s beautiful; 25 hectares of recreation and conservation areas that were once a landfill tip.
What we enjoy today is the result of proactive community members working in collaboration with council. We now reap the seeds they sowed. This remediation is a success story and will hopefully set the tone for other contaminated sites, across our community.
COVID-19 has highlighted the value of open space and this is reflected in the draft council plan.
Amidst the backdrop of ongoing anxiety and uncertainty, connection with nature has provided solace for many. That’s, in part, why I’m so supportive of council’s investments in open space.
The Love Laverton Parks project is rejuvenating eight parks catering to people of all abilities.
Work is progressing on the design of the southern end of Bruce Comden Reserve, and the McCormack Park Master Plan is open for community consultation.
Thanks to the efforts of community groups, in collaboration with council, preservation efforts continue including at Truganina Park and Skeleton Creek.
I look forward to working with our community to progress the proposed Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre.
There are also unanswered questions: How can we best engage, recognise and value the knowledge of our First Nations people? What opportunities could emerge from ExxonMobil’s commitment to remediate their site in Altona? How can we protect and celebrate the biodiversity of our unique grasslands?
I welcome ongoing discussion about how to improve open spaces including for the benefit of generations to come.
