Council loves to seek ideas and feedback from the community when it comes to developing our open space.
In 2024 we went out to the community to help us create a Draft Master Plan for Spring Valley Reserve. The 32ha reserve started life as a landfill site (1993-1998) and Council has been rehabilitating it for community use since 2018.
Spring Valley Reserve currently includes extensive open space, as well as walking paths, a picnic and barbecue area, half-size basketball court, dog off-leash area, two playgrounds, a public toilet, fitness equipment and a beach volleyball court. Consultation revealed our residents have a strong connection to the park and want to see it further developed.
We are working with environmental consultants who monitor the reserve and will also talk with other local councils involved in the ongoing maintenance of the site. This will take some time, and I thank you all for your patience as we work through this process. To stay updated you can follow the project on our Have Your Say page on Council’s website.
More recently we sought feedback on a draft concept plan for Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve and Sense Trail.
The plan included upgrades to car parking, seating along the trail, improvements to wayfinding signage and the addition of nature play elements. The upgrades will improve accessibility, promote biodiversity in our city and construct an ecological watering system.
Council officers are now reviewing the feedback and will finalise the concept plan before sharing it with the community. Upgrade works are expected to begin in the coming months. Alex Wilkie is a valuable resource for our community and will reopen to the public in spring.
During Refugee Week this month I will be reflecting on the great opportunities I have had in Australia and Greater Dandenong, to make a new life and contribute back to our community.
If you want to contact me you can reach me at Loi.Truong@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0466 004 618.
