The Andrews Labor Government is creating kilometres of new parkland, paths and community infrastructure in Melbourne’s South East, and it’s time for locals to have their say about how this open space will look and be used.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, encouraged residents and businesses in Dandenong to get involved  to help shape the 11 MCG’s worth of open space that will be created by elevating the Cranbourne-Pakenham line and removing nine of Victoria’s worst level crossings.

The Community Open Space Expert Panel (COSEP) established as part of the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project has opened their Ideas Hub, where people can contribute and discuss their ideas for how the space should be used.

Through this hub, COSEP has put forward a proposal for community galleries under the new line that reflect the local character and heritage of communities throughout Melbourne’s south east.

The community gallery idea is one proposal designed to generate further input from the community about how the space can be used. It is subject to local feedback and will not proceed if the community doesn’t want it to.

The proposals are now online and people will be able to provide their feedback through an online survey, which will be open for the next two weeks.

Next year, locals will be asked for their opinion on the design of the new parkland, car parking, bike paths, playgrounds and sports facilities that will be created by the project.

The Labor Government’s $1.6 billion Caulfield to Dandenong project will remove every level crossing between Dandenong and the city, build five new stations and upgrade signalling – creating space for more trains, more often on Victoria’s busiest train line.

To visit the Open Space Ideas Hub and find out more about this critical project, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au, call 1800 762  667 or visit the information hub at 444 Neerim Road Murrumbeena.

Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams

“This huge project will not only reduce congestion, increase safety and make local public transport better – it will also create kilometres of new open space in Noble Park.”

“It’s critical the new parks, paths and community infrastructure reflects the character and heritage of our community – the only way to ensure this happens is for locals to get involved and contribute their ideas.”

Quotes attributable to Chair of the Community Open Space Expert Panel, Tim Entwisle

“It’s absolutely vital that we get this right so that this space is available for future generations. Ideas and feedback from the community can only make these spaces better.”

“This new open space opens up a realm of possibilities and I would urge everyone to have their say – we want this new parkland to truly represent the character, culture and needs of our community.”