By Ann Marie Angebrandt
RESIDENTS are invited to help decide what to include in a new $4.4 million park for Werribee South.
“Some people may want to allow horse riding or see a tea-house, others may want it to be more natural,” Richard O’Byrne, planning manager for Parks Victoria said.
A draft plan for the Werribee Regional Park was released last week with council calling for public feedback.
The 230-hectare park will cover an area the same size as 40 MCGs.
It will stretch for eight kilometres along the west side of the Werribee River, from the Maltby Bypass to Port Phillip Bay.
The first stage, in the north, is expected to open in 2008.
Mr O’Byrne said a pedestrian bridge will connect the park to the Werribee Mansion and zoo, offering tourists the opportunity to spend more time in the area.
Canoeing and fishing are expected to be part of the park’s attractions, set against a backdrop of the red cliffs along the Werribee River.
Mr O’Byrne said the project was designed to improve the unequal distribution of parks in Melbourne.
“Our research shows that Melbourne’s east is fantastically well provided for with open space, but there are serious needs for more parks in the west, the north and the outer east,” he said.
The park would be a “tremendous asset” for locals, but was also expected to draw visitors from across Melbourne.
Mr O’Byrne said a second stage, to be completed in a further eight to 10 years, would be funded separately.
It would include trails into wetlands and the coast, and link the Bay and Federation Trails.
The public first got news of the park in the State Government’s May budget.
The land was formerly owned by Melbourne Water, and was earmarked for its Western Treatment Plant.
Call Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au to get a copy of the draft.
The plan will remain open for public comment until 6 December.
