MORE GREEN SPACES FOR FOOTSCRAY LOCALS

The Allan Labor Government is delivering more green open spaces for Footscray locals to relax, socialise and enjoy time outdoors.

Member for Footscray Katie Hall today announced the opening of the Lilardia Pocket Park in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council, creating a new natural space for community in the heart of Footscray’s bustling urban environment.

This is one of 29 pocket parks being built across Victoria, supported by Maribyrnong City Council work with community to design and construct an accessible green area in Melbourne’s west – complete with an open lawn, large canopy trees, garden beds, paved areas and street furniture.

Footscray’s new green space on Wurundjeri Country was named after Auntie Margaret Lilardia Tucker, a Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman who devoted her life to activism to support Traditional Owners across Australia.

The park will include artwork etched into the concrete seating that tells the story of Auntie Marge Tucker. The artwork has been developed by First Nations artist with links to the family, and has been supported by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

Lilardia Park has earned an esteemed award from Geographic Names Victoria acknowledging Maribyrnong City Council for excellence in the place naming of the park.

The $315 million Suburban Parks Program will create up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.

For more information, visit exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/investing-in-nature/suburban-parks-program.

Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall

“We’re investing in projects that will directly benefit Footscray locals and Lilardia Park is a great example of that.”

“By creating better open space across Victoria, we’re improving liveability, bringing communities together and making our much-loved and growing areas of Melbourne even better places to live.”