In the upper Merri Creek catchment, the landscape is changing, with new suburbs spreading across plains that were once defined by wetlands and waterways. But just beyond the edges of development, another story is still visible: volcanic cones, remnant grasslands, and a creek system that continues to shape the land.

For local campaigner and former Mitchell Shire Councillor Rob Eldridge, who has been advocating for the establishment of a Regional Parkland here for decades, it’s a place that is full of possibility.

Early spring, looking towards Mt Fraser. Image by Michael Longmore.

“There’s nothing like it in Victoria, or even across Australia really,” he says. “You’ve got the volcanic cones, the wetlands, the creeks – all very close to a metropolitan area. It’s incredibly significant environmentally. But it’s not just about that. It’s about creating a place that’s for everyone: whether you want to watch birds, get active, or just enjoy some space to breathe.”

That vision of a space that combines habitat protection with recreational access is now gaining renewed momentum, with Merri Creek Management Committee joining forces with Wallan Environment Group, Friends of Merri Creek and BEAM Mitchell Environment Group to form the wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance. The newly formed alliance brings together deep local knowledge, long-term advocacy and regional planning expertise in a coordinated push for the 3,000-hectare parkland.

“It’s a really complementary set of strengths,” says MCMC Environmental Planning Lead Yasmin Kelsall. “You’ve got groups that have been connected to this landscape and advocating for it for years, and others that are helping to elevate the conversation at a regional scale. Together, that’s incredibly powerful.”

The proposed parkland would protect wetlands, grasslands, waterways and volcanic features in the upper Merri catchment, an area under increasing pressure from urban development. As new suburbs continue to expand northwards, the alliance is calling for the natural landscape to be planned and protected alongside that growth, not as an afterthought.

The community behind the vision

View from Bald Hill, during the Friends of Merri Creek (FoMC) bus tour. Image by FoMC.

More than 40 people recently joined an online launch event introducing the parkland, hearing directly from Rob, as well as Friends of Merri Creek’s Ann McGregor, about the region’s environmental values and the long history of advocacy behind the proposal. A recording of the session is now available, offering a deeper look at the vision and what’s at stake.

“There’s a big job ahead in making people aware of what’s possible here,” says Yasmin. “We’ve got established communities further south who understand the Merri Creek and the issues around flooding and environmental health. But in the north, we’ve got brand new communities still finding their feet.”

A newly launched parliamentary petition, sponsored by local MP Ros Spence, marks a significant step forward for the campaign, helping to bring the issue into the public and political spotlight.

“We’re very grateful for her support,” Kelsall says. “Having that sponsorship gives the campaign a much broader reach and helps elevate the importance of what we’re asking for.”

The petition calls on the Victorian Government to commit to establishing the parkland and to begin the planning work needed to bring it to life, ensuring it is embedded in future development decisions across the region.

For Rob Eldridge the growing alliance is a sign that the vision is no longer carried by just a few voices, but shared across a broader movement. “It’s been a long journey,” he says. “But now there are so many people involved, all bringing different strengths. It really feels like something is building.”

At its heart, he says, the parkland is about creating opportunities for people to experience the unique landscape firsthand.

“People can talk about these places, but until you actually get out there – see it, touch it, walk through it – you don’t really understand it,” he says. “The geographical diversity we have in this spot, and the opportunity to have different aspects of that for different people – I’m getting excited about it.”

The alliance is encouraging community members to support the campaign by signing the petition, helping to secure the future of this unique landscape for generations to come.

Fore more information: visit the wallan wallan Regional Alliance website, or follow on Instagram / Facebook.