Victorian government’s new Pick My Park program invites public to shape more green spaces
The Victorian government has announced Pick My Park, a $30 million initiative aiming to create and enhance green spaces in growing suburbs across the state.
The program, similar to the successful Pick My Project initiative from 2017, empowers residents to suggest and vote on new parks and upgrades, with grants of up to $250,000 available to fund selected projects.
The program is open to Victorians aged 16 and over, who can propose ideas for new parks or upgrades in their local areas. These submissions will then be put to a community vote, with the most popular projects receiving a share of the $30 million funding. Grants will be offered in two streams.
Melbourne’s new Pick My Park program
- Park Upgrades: focused on improving existing parks and open spaces
- New Urban Parks: dedicated to transforming underutilised land in urban growth areas into new, accessible green spaces for all
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Premier Jacinta Allan, joined by Minister for Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Footscray Katie Hall, launched Pick My Park at Hansen Reserve in West Footscray, highlighting the impact of community-driven projects like this. Premier Allan noted that by inviting the public to submit and vote on ideas, the program is set to deliver valuable green spaces tailored to the needs of local communities. “Submit your idea, cast your vote, pick your park – it’s that simple, and it will mean new and upgraded green spaces for kids and families in growing suburbs across Victoria,” she said.
Minister Kilkenny underscored the program’s goal of expanding community spaces, saying, “It’s so important for kids to have a place to play and people of all ages to have a space to chat, walk the dog and enjoy the outdoors. We’ve heard that, we’re funding more of them, and you can tell us where they go.” The focus is not only on enhancing established parks but also on revitalising small, overlooked spaces with greenery, turning them into community hubs.
The grants will range from $20,000 to $250,000 and will be accessible in areas experiencing significant growth, particularly those with limited access to open space. Areas eligible for funding will also need the support of local councils or landowners to ensure projects can be delivered. Geographical quotas and reserved funding will ensure regional and suburban areas receive equal opportunity for development.
Hansen Reserve is an example of the impact of previous community-driven initiatives. With funding from the original Pick My Project, the reserve was transformed with an all-abilities bike park, making it a popular destination for local families. Other successful past projects include the revitalisation of Robinson Reserve in Merri-Bek with a community garden and cafe, and a pocket park in Carnegie on a previously vacant block. Member for Footscray Katie Hall remarked on the success at Hansen Reserve, describing it as:
“A beating heart of this community, full of families and kids making memories.”
Pick My Park builds on recent Victorian government initiatives, including plans for a unified statewide funding system for infrastructure and open spaces in busy suburban centres. This approach is part of a broader strategy to address population growth by improving public amenities alongside new housing and infrastructure projects like the Suburban Rail Loop.
The Pick My Park program is set to launch in 2024, when communities in Melbourne and regional Victoria will be able to submit ideas for parks, playgrounds, and open spaces.
For more information on the program and other Victorian government initiatives, visit vic.gov.au/more-homes.
