Park plan and security steps

Many features make Parkville Gardens a very attractive place to live. The proximity of Royal Park is one of them.

The process of formulating a new master plan for the park is now entering a new and promising phase. That’s good news. Not such good news is that the appeal of Parkville Gardens has been called into question in recent months by an upsurge of crime and suspicious behaviour in the neighbourhood. More on that shortly.

Royal Park lies within Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. Its modern timeline pales into insignificance in comparison with its millennia of indigenous history.

The area was set aside for public recreational use by colonial authorities in 1854. Parts of it have been used for all sorts of purposes since then. 

Burke and Wills set out from it on their fateful expedition in 1860. What eventually became the Zoo was established there the following year. During both World Wars the park was the site of military camps.

Community consultations to update the 1997 master plan began last year and have generated a new draft for public feedback. Unfortunately, by the time this bulletin is published, all the information sessions bar one will have concluded. That final one will take place from 11am to 2pm on Thursday February 8, 2025, at the Nature Playground, corner of Flemington Rd and Gatehouse St. It’s worth putting in your diary now.

In the meantime you can read the draft master plan online and check out the helpful information that’s there.

Go to participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/royal-park-master-plan-review/draft-master-plan 

Back to the issue of crime and safety. For months residents have been reporting a spate of criminal activity in the precinct, including car and house break-ins, bike and parcel theft, dumping of stolen vehicles, drug dealing, and suspicious behaviour, all of which has made people feel unsafe, unhappy and anxious.

Several security measures have been initiated by social housing provider Housing First in conjunction with Victoria Police and the City of Melbourne. These include increased security patrols and community education about crime reporting tools. 

Owners corporations and building managers as well as local residents will keep a keen eye on the success or otherwise of these measures. Steps are also being taken to re-establish a local branch of Neighbourhood Watch.

It’s too soon to say what other initiatives might be agreed to and how effective they might be. Regrettably the odds are against a quick and easy remedy. As the saying goes, it’s a work in progress. 

Nonetheless the Parkville Gardens Residents Association wishes everyone a safe and happy festive season and summer break. We look forward to hosting enjoyable community events in the early months of 2025.

Best wishes until then. •