2015-10-22
My constituency question is to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. It relates to the Healesville freeway reserve. I have been approached by a constituent who is concerned that the election promise of the Labor government in relation to the transfer of all parcels of land to the Crown is yet to be delivered upon. There is also keen community interest in a committee of management being constituted to manage two parcels of land that have already been transferred to the Crown in order to progress community aspiration to manage and rehabilitate this land. Will the minister confirm whether a committee of management will be established to manage the parcels of land already transferred to the Crown, advise who is currently managing the two parcels of land already transferred to the Crown and confirm what the time frame is for the transfer of the remaining parcels of land, given that the initial transfer of the two parcels of land was made almost one year ago?
Answer:
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to retaining the Healesville Freeway Reservation as public open space and investing in infrastructure such as shared bike/pedestrian pathways to make this important community asset more functional and accessible.
Two parcels of land were surrendered to the Crown over 12 months ago to build the Forest Hill Polics Station. Not all of that land was required for the Forest Hill Police Station and, consequently, some remains as Crown land. However, as the future management of the reserve has not yet been resolved, VicRoads has continued to manage the land.
VicRoads advises me that some properties are encumbered and cannot be surrendered at this time. Consultatio with the tenants and the community will occur on the future of these properties.
Hon Luke Donnellan MP
Minister for Roads and Road Safety