In the face of increasing development throughout Melbourne’s northern growth corridor threatening the natural environment and ancient landscapes, an alliance of groups has formed, seeking State Government commitment to an extensive regional park focused on the waterways of the upper Merri Creek catchment. 

The Merri Creek Management Committee, along with the Wallan Environment Group, Friends of Merri Creek and BEAM Mitchell Environment Group, are banding together to form the wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance. With support from other environmental and community-focussed groups, we are asking the State government to provide the essential natural framework that will help to ameliorate the impacts of the substantial growth and help new communities to thrive.

View from Green Hill overlooking Mt Fraser and Herne’s Swamp. Image by Claire Weekley.

The wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance asks that the wallan wallan Regional Parkland* be established.  In total it will protect 3000 hectares in the upper reaches of the Merri Creek, a waterway that runs through the heart of northern Melbourne. It will showcase the unique landscape of the wallan wallan region, combining extensive wetlands and ancient volcanic cones, providing habitat for waterbirds and wildlife. The surrounding landscape is slated for urban development, and industrial use.

This parkland is needed as a place for the local and expanding community to explore nature, enjoy time together and to stay healthy and active. Shared trails will enable cycling or walking from Melbourne to Wallan and eventually to Bendigo.

As increasing urbanisation and climate change bring more intensive rainfall, the parkland will mitigate the impacts of flooding, including space for water containment and treatment.  Without this, disastrous flooding and poor water quality will not only affect the Wallan region, but also Melbourne’s northern suburbs downstream.

The State Government is racing ahead with housing, employment and industrial projects in this region.  The wallan wallan Regional Park Alliance asks that the same focus be shown to the provision of parkland and conservation of natural areas alongside these development projects.

We are asking the community to support their campaign by signing the petition that will be presented in State Parliament next year.

You can also follow the campaign on socials and if you’re involved with a group that aligns with the campaign, you can contact the Alliance via the website.

*Details for the wallan wallan Regional Parkland can be seen in the  the 2022 State Government commissioned Feasibility Study for the wallan wallan Regional Park