yaluk barring park would benefit from a new native garden, a defined use for a heritage landmark, and an all-abilities golf course, according to community group friends of yaluk barring (FOYB) and the Golf Club of Keilor.
The groups have collaborated on three project proposals for the park, submitted to Brimbank council last year.
FOYB member and former Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said there has already been interest expressed in resourcing the development of the ideas.
“We’re hopeful that these three projects would add some considerable value to the park and the community,” he said.
As part of one proposal, the groups would like to see council determine an internal use for the heritage-listed Robertson’s Homestead.
Restoration works on the building’s exterior were completed in December 2024, however, the building’s interior remains unfit for purpose.
One suggested use for the homestead is to convert it into a café.
The second project proposal involves building a garden around the homestead.
“[The garden] would concentrate on native, edible plants which could become, not only an interest to school kids, but also a tourist attraction,” Mr Lancashire said.
Mr Lancashire said the gardens would likely be developed and maintained by local community groups.
The groups’ third idea is to establish an all-accessible, six-hole golf course near the current Keilor Public Golf Course which Mr Lancashire said would be good for beginners, school kids and disability support groups.
In a statement, Beyond Disability Services engagement coordinator Betty Salapura said she backed the initiative, and that it would promote inclusion and participation, enhance health and wellbeing, build social connection, foster skill development and confidence, and set a benchmark for accessibility.
Mr Lancashire said he believes all three ideas would be self-funding.
“Our ideas are things that don’t become an ongoing burden to ratepayers or council,” he said.
Mr Lancashire said while the ideas were well-received by some councillors in a meeting last year, all three proposals would need a council policy to progress.
A council spokesperson said the ideas were considered and have been responded to as part of the annual action plan and budget (AAPAB) process for 2025-26.
“…bearing in mind that yaluk barring park is a conservation reserve set aside for its significant cultural and environmental values,” the spokesperson said.
According to the AAPAB 2025-26, council plans to implement Green Links Conservation projects at the park to improve, enhance and restore conservation areas.
While the document did not mention the three proposals, it outlined plans for ongoing design and delivery of a picnic area, signage and a Kings Road extension trail delivery.
“The council-adopted master plan for yaluk barring park outlines the provision of basic facilities for visitors to access key viewpoints and appreciate nature, whilst protecting the environment and cultural sites of the park. Any decisions about the further development and use of land must comply with restrictive legislative and planning controls, with jurisdiction shared by the local, state and federal governments.”
Council did not comment on plans for the homestead’s interior but said interpretive signage will be installed at the heritage site in 2025-26, to further support the community’s enjoyment and understanding of its cultural and historical significance.
