The Andrews Labor Government has delivered two more open spaces and connections for locals in Strathmore and Moonee Ponds to enjoy.

Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt and Member for Essendon Danny Pearson officially opened Pattison Street pocket park which now boasts more native plants, chess tables and a better connection to the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.

Strathaird Reserve, which was once an underutilised reserve backing onto Essendon Airport, was also opened – featuring new play equipment, a basketball half court, swings and more trees

Both local parks have been created as part of the Government’s $315 million Suburban Parks Program which is transforming 29 underutilised spaces into new, vibrant and green pocket parks across Melbourne.

There are already 20 new pocket parks being enjoyed by Melburnians, with works on the remaining nine well underway.

To date, 87 new and upgraded open spaces have been delivered through the Suburban Parks Program, and there’s more on the way thanks to a $7.4 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 for new and upgraded parks and playgrounds.

Once complete the Suburban Parks Program will create up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking and cycling trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.

For more information, visit environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt

“The Suburban Parks Program is making sure Melburnians have better access to green open spaces.”

“Transforming a relatively small space can make a huge difference to an urban community when it becomes useable, green open space.”

Quote attributable to Member for Essendon, Danny Pearson

“It is terrific that right next to an airport we have been able to create a green open space – I’m looking forward to seeing visitors enjoy Strathaird Reserve Playspace for years to come.”