Healesville Freeway Reserve
Project status
A report that summarises feedback from the public about the draft park layout plan has been published on Engage Victoria.
Environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments continue through the park while work is also underway to finalise the new park plan.
The above timeline is subject to assessments, on-ground and construction industry conditions.
Last updated: May 2023
The project
New parklands are being created in Melbourne’s east from more than 35 hectares of former freeway reserve.
Establishment of the new park follows community consultation between 2016 and 2018 on a future direction for the undeveloped parcel of land. Feedback from the public at that time supported access and trails, nature and biodiversity, and a suitable Aboriginal name for the new park.
To be completed in 2024 and managed by Parks Victoria, the new parklands will extend between Springvale Road in Forest Hill and the Morack Public Golf Course in Vermont.
A shared walking and cycling trail will run the length of the new park, with other elements to be developed with further feedback from the community.
Working with community, including through a Community Reference Group, Parks Victoria is developing a Park Layout Plan.
Above: The area of Healesville Freeway Reserve that will be developed into new parklands.
Project benefits
Visitors and community
The park will provide new opportunities for people to recreate and enjoy getting into nature in Melbourne’s east. Feedback from the community during past consultation supported access and trails, nature and biodiversity.
Cultural heritage and environment
Establishment of the park is including assessments to identify cultural and natural values so that sensitive areas are protected.
Project funding
The Victorian Government has invested $10.5 million to establish this new park.
Environmental and cultural heritage management
Aboriginal cultural heritage and environmental assessments have been undertaken to identify areas of significance and inform park planning.
Who are we working with?
The new park is part of the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri people, who we are working with on this project through the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
We're also working with the local community through a Community Reference Group being formed to provide feedback on the new park.
Access changes
There are currently no temporary access changes.
Staying updated
To keep up-to-date with news about this project, sign on for updates
Related information
- February 2022: Consultation Summary Report (DOCX)
- August 2022: More new parklands for Melbourne
- February 2022: Designs to be developed for new Melbourne parklands
- Engage Victoria: Healesville Freeway Reserve
FAQs
What is planned for the Healesville Freeway Reserve?
Extensive parklands are being created in Melbourne’s east, providing new opportunities for people to get into nature. The Victorian Government has invested $10.5 million to establish a park from 35 hectares of former freeway reserve between Springvale Road in Forest Hill and the Morack Public Golf Course in Vermont.
A shared walking and cycling trail will run the length of the new park, with other elements to be developed with further feedback from the community.
Who will build and manage the new park?
Parks Victoria was appointed as the land manager of the Healesville Freeway Reserve in September 2021 and will oversee planning and construction of the new park. Parks Victoria implements a regular maintenance schedule in the reserve which includes weed and vegetation management, and grass slashing (where appropriate) to manage fire risk.
When will the park be complete?
The park will be completed in 2024. During establishment of the park there may be some areas of restricted access.
What will the nearby community experience during construction?
During construction people near the park may experience some temporary noise. All works will be completed in accordance with Council and EPA regulations.
The community may also notice assessments being undertaken in the area. Parks Victoria will be engaging specialists to undertake technical surveys and studies to inform the park planning process.
The project page will be updated with project information, construction progress updates or park closure notices.
How are you working with Traditional Owners?
The new park is part of the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri people, and in recognising their special interest in preserving natural landscapes of cultural importance, will work closely with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation in the development of the park plans.
Preliminary cultural and environmental assessments have been undertaken to identify areas of significance and inform early planning.
The parklands will also be given a name by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
How are you consulting with the community?
In December 2021, a Community Reference Group of community members was established to help shape a Park Layout Plan. This Plan is the next step in bringing the Healesville Freeway Reserve Concept Plan to life. The draft Plan was shared with the broader community in late 2022.
How is prior feedback from community consultation being considered?
Previous consultation was undertaken by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning between 2016 and 2018. Feedback from the public at that time supported access and trails, nature and biodiversity, and a suitable Aboriginal name for the new park. This feedback is being incorporated into the development of the new park.
How can I get involved?
To find out more about the project, express your interest in joining the Community Reference Group or sign up for project updates:
• visit www.engage.vic.gov.au/healesville-freeway-reserve
• call 13 19 63
• email engage@parks.vic.gov.au.
