$232.5 million to make our great outdoors even greater

Victorians will have better, safer access to the State’s world class parks and reserves and better protection for our catchments, thanks to a $232.5 million commitment from the Brumby Labor Government, announced today in the 2008-09 State Budget.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the State Budget funding would mean better, safer access to the some of Victoria’s top tourist attractions through an investment of $60 million to upgrade 300 bridges in Victorian parks and reserves.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to deliver better access to public land and water catchments for people who visit parks and the firefighters who protect them,” Mr Jennings said.

“This network will provide Victorian firefighters with better access to 7.1 million hectares of national parks and forests during the summer bushfire season.”

The 2008-09 State Budget also includes $10.7 million to enhance our National Parks and Conservation Reserves: including $3 million over four years to create the new 27,000 hectare Cobbobonee National Park and Forest Park in Victoria’s south-west.

“The 2008-09 State Budget also dedicates $3.6 million to the Brumby Labor Government’s Land and Biodiversity at a Time of Climate Change White Paper,” Mr Jennings said.

“The White Paper will provide a framework for how Victorians will look after the environment over the next 50 years, as the effects of climate change place further pressure on our biodiversity and ecosystems.”

Planning Minister Justin Madden said the 2008-09 State Budget also included $15.1 million for a new walking and cycling trail linking the City to Docklands along the Yarra River’s north bank.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to make our communities more liveable, and new pedestrian and cycle tracks are part of our plan,” Mr Madden said.

“The Northbank Promenade Access and Safety Improvements project will connect Spencer Street with the new Convention Centre footbridge and Docklands, providing a safe, green and healthy way for people to experience the Yarra River.”

The 2008-09 State Budget also includes $28.1 million for the Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Program, further developing Melbourne’s bicycle and pedestrian network, including:

• A shared user path along Hyde Street and Whitehall Street, Yarraville;
• A new bicycle lane on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda; and
• Intersection improvements at the corners of Napier and Johnston streets, Fitzroy; Sackville Street and Burke Road Kew; Denmark and Stevenson streets, Kew.

The 2008-09 State Budget provides $5 million to upgrade key facilities around Port Phillip Bay and enable the development of investment models to revitalise Port Philip and Westernport Bay tourism and industry-related facilities.

The Brumby Labor Government has also committed $110 million to the Natural Resources Investment program. The funding will support volunteer groups, agencies and regional communities to undertake activities that address key environmental issues including conserving species and habitat, maintaining productive and sustainable landscapes, tackling salinity and water quality and responding to climate change.