Council secures land for community (Media release)

Moreland City Council has announced that it will purchase a substantial parcel of land along the Merri Creek in Fawkner, securing the open space for Merri-bek’s growing community.

Currently owned by VicRoads, Council’s purchase of the 17,388 square metre parcel will be a great win for the Merri-bek community and comes off the back of a passionate community campaign to keep the land in community hands.

Moreland Mayor Cr John Kavanagh said he was proud to represent such passionate, active residents who so value Merri-bek’s beautiful creeks.

“Our community made their voices heard when they learned this land was up for sale and if not for their dedication, we may not be celebrating this win today,” said Cr Kavanagh

“We take our role of protecting the Merri Creek corridor extremely seriously, and beautiful natural open space like this becomes more vital to our growing community with every passing year.

“I’d like to thank the State Government and Minister Luke Donnellan for selling the land here at McBryde Street at a price Council could afford. This is a wonderful example of various levels of government working together in the interest of our communities.”

Federal Member of Wills, Peter Khalil, also played a vital role in lobbying the Minister on behalf of the Merri-bek community.

“And we haven’t finished yet,” added Cr Kavanagh.

“We continue to work with VicRoads and VicTrack to secure two more parcels of land for our community; another along the Merri Creek in Fawkner and one at Outlook Drive in Glenroy.

“I hope to be reporting back to our community with more good news soon,” said Cr Kavanagh.

23 August 2018