MEDIA RELEASE, 6 October 2010
Darebin Council is concerned for the long-term future of Bundoora Park, which requires a significant capital outlay to maintain and improve its ageing infrastructure.
Darebin Councillor Stanley Chiang said that while Darebin Council spends $1 million a year to keep the park operating, it was not enough to make desperately needed improvements to the park’s facilities.
“Bundoora Park is a regional facility which attracts 750,000 visitors from around Melbourne and Victoria each year.
The City of Darebin acts as the committee of management and spends a considerable amount of money on the park each year.
But we do not have the financial capacity to spend any more on the park which continues to grow in popularity,” he said.
Cr Chiang said Bundoora Park was situated on Crown land and, as a regional park, attracted large numbers of people from outside Darebin.
“Given that the facility is on Government land and is used by thousands of people who come from outside Darebin, we believe the State Government has a responsibility to provide funding for improvements to the park and its general operations,” he said.
“Bundoora Park is a magnificent gem and is one of Melbourne’s most diverse parks with a wide range of activities and opportunities for individuals and families on offer throughout the year.”
“But as a Council we need financial assistance from the State Government to continue to conserve and develop Bundoora Park as an important area of open space for people to enjoy,” Cr Chiang said.
BACKGROUND
Bundoora Park opened in 1973 and is a 180-hectare parkland set in natural bushland beside the Darebin Creek and rising to Mount Cooper.
It has become an important recreational hub offering a broad range of activities including:
• Coopers Settlement – a heritage village, children’s animal farm, wildlife reserve and pony ride;
• Bundoora Park Golf Course - located in a picturesque parkland setting;
• Picnic facilities and playgrounds – several sheltered picnic areas are offered including undercover gas barbecues and free wood barbecues;
• Visitors Centre and café – open seven days a week;
• Recreation and education – a range of programs offered for children of all ages;
• Farmers Market – a vibrant farmers’ market, run by Regional Farmers Markets; offers fresh, local produce to the community from 8am to 1pm on the first Saturday of every month; and
• Parklands - a scenic drive in the upper reaches of the park offers commanding views of the city and countryside, while the natural bushland setting alongside beautiful waterways are free to explore.
For more information, go to Bundoora Park or call 8470 8170.
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