wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance launch

A sunny and blowy day, on top of Green Hill, celebrated the official launch of the wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance. The Hon. Ros Spence, MLA for Kalkallo, joined us, and spoke about the importance of the Parkland, and that it's creation is an opportunity not to be wasted.

The Alliance, formed early in 2026, unites four groups: Wallan Environment Group, BEAM Mitchell Environment Group, Merri Creek Management Committee and Friends of Merri Creek.

From this vantage point, it was very easy to see what inspires those championing the restoration of the Wallan wetlands, to restore them to their pre-colonisation condition. Looking south, the vista is framed by ranges of low hills, interspersed with remnant volcanic cones, creating a natural amphitheatre. 

Image credit: wallam wallan Regional Parkland, The Alliance, 2026

The map highlights the importance of taking a catchment-wide approach to planning for Melbourne's urban growth to the north. The current precinct structure planning (PSP) approach doesn't allow for a holistic preservation and restoration of natural features that will maximise their benefits, locally and downstream, as flood threats are mitigated by keeping rainfall where it lands. The Parkland will support an ecologically healthy environment, and provide a rich natural asset.

Image credit: Launch party, photo by Jane Miller.

We were also joined by a Growling Grass Frog, stating the case for wetlands: 

I'm looking forward to a lot of new homes, lovely clean water, free of toxins and terrible runoff. I want a home for all my nieces and nephews, so they can safely live and rear their families.

Image credit: Still from video by Polly Bastow. Note: Link opens on Instagram

This evocative video, created by Paul Piko, WEG, shows the possibilities wetlands provide as part of a healthy ecosystem, for wildlife and humans.

The campaign is ongoing! 
Please sign and share the petition, calling on the state government to commit to the Parkland, and follow the recommendations included in the 2022 Feasibiility Study.

Keep up to date: wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance follow on FaceBook, Instagram.