Quarry Hills Regional Parkland is the largest regional park in the City of Whittlesea. It is identified as a Regional Parkland of significance by the State Government and is a defining open space feature in our municipality.
The 330-hectare parkland will ultimately expand to cover approximately 1100 hectares and will be home to some exciting new facilities including Granite Hills Major Community Park and an Aboriginal Gathering Place.
A Future Directions Plan has been developed in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and funded through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning outlining the proposed vision that will guide the long-term plans for the area.
Our aim is to provide rich cultural and landscape experiences for the community. A place for exploration, reconciliation, healing, learning and play.
We have also used information our community already shared with us to help inform the proposed vision. We want to ensure that the future of the parkland reflects our community’s vision.
Read the endorsed Future Directions plan here.
Key elements of the Future Directions Plan
Quarry Hills Parkland is a rich and inspiring destination of unique natural and cultural landscapes, valued for the ecological, spiritual, historical and living connections it provides to Aboriginal people and the broader community.
Quarry Hills is a place of active reconciliation, storytelling and healing, where community can explore and celebrate the unique cultural and ecological significance of the landscape and aboriginal people can practice connection to country.
Quarry Hills Parkland is a special place of recreation, protection and renewal, a place to learn, explore culture, art and environment, and to connect with the exceptional natural and curated features of the parkland for all generations to come.
The Objectives to deliver the Vision are:
- The creation of 1100 hectares of parkland will be valued for its ancient and ongoing Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung connection and the opportunities for exchange of knowledge.
- Council commit to enabling self-determination for Traditional Owners, to return cultural practices on Country, to Traditional Owners.
- Quarry Hills Regional Parklands will be regenerated to ecological health and vitality, to underpin health and well-being of the community and to achieve culturally healthy country.
- Quarry Hills Regional Parklands will provide rich cultural, and landscape experiences for the community, a place for exploration, reconciliation healing and learning.
- Lead by a governance model where Council, and Traditional Owners become partners in the future direction of the Parkland.
The outcomes of the vision are articulated through the Future Directions Statements below:
People
The parklands will be a destination for connection to nature, a place to experience rich cultural and community activities, explore, play and learn, and a place of well-being and healing
Place
The parklands will provide gateways and warm welcomes into the Parklands, connecting seamlessly into its surroundings, through the creation of green healthy links to other landscapes and the regional trail network.
Economy
The parklands will be economically sustainable and contribute to the local economy. Drawing on its unique natural and cultural values, it will become a place of learning and a destination, attracting people from across Melbourne.
Environment
The parklands will be regenerated to ecological health. The Darebin Creek and other waterways, rich and varied geological formations, topography, increased woodland forest, outstanding viewpoints and significant biodiversity flora and fauna will be connected and cared for.
