Plans for facility and infrastructure upgrades to Brimbank Park appear to have been put on hold four years after initial discussions.
In a social media post, Brimbank councillor Virginia Tachos said the state-managed park is “in desperate need of a new masterplan”.
“We need greater investment and better access to this beautiful park,” she wrote.
Cr Tachos suggested improvements such as adding bridges to connect Kealba and Keilor to allow access during flooding periods, public transport access to the park, and a new 1000 steps walking trail with informational signage on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung culture and history.
Additional suggestions included upgrading rundown toilets and playgrounds in the park, and the activation of Dodd homestead as a tourist attraction.
The suggestions were also made as part of an online petition created by Cr Tachos in 2020, which has since amassed over 1250 signatures.
A comment on the social media post agreed a new masterplan is needed.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people using the park despite any real investment in making this an optimal, beautiful open space for the west! It needs two new playgrounds and more seating areas,” the commenter wrote.
In an email sent to a previous Brimbank council chief executive in 2021, seen by Star Weekly, Parks Victoria (PV) stated planning would be prioritised for state government-funded facility and infrastructure upgrades to Brimbank Park.
As reported by Star Weekly, PV delivered new and upgraded barbecues, toilets and picnic shelters as part of the $21 million government funding in 2023.
PV district manager Craig Bray told Star Weekly, “PV is always looking for opportunities to improve the visitor experience at Brimbank Park”.
However PV did not respond to a question about the status of the proposed 1000 steps trail.
The 2021 email stated Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung members had provided verbal support for the 1000 steps project, and that written support from members would continue to be sought, as well as funding for the trail.
PV also proposed a new pedestrian bridge from Brimbank Park to Horseshoe Bend Reserve to be considered as part of the 1000 steps trail in the email.
PV confirmed there is an existing future directions plan (2004) for Brimbank Park and Horseshoe Bend which covers park management, facilities maintenance and protection of natural assets.
According to PV, the organisation is currently prioritising master planning at Werribee Township Regional Park and Kororoit Creek Regional Park.
PV also noted park plans involve extensive consultation and can take a significant amount of time to prepare.
Cr Tachos told Star Weekly Brimbank Park is underfunded compared to other parks.
“We want to reinvigorate that before the election so we can get some sort of financial commitment,” she said.
