Quarry Hills Parkland set to soar

Quarry Hills Parkland, the largest parkland in the City of Whittlesea, and home to exciting new community spaces such as the Granite Hills Major Community Park and an Aboriginal Gathering Place, is set to become a rich and inspiring destination for our city following the endorsement of a long-term plan for the area.

The Quarry Hills Regional Parkland Future Directions Plan, developed in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, was endorsed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 15 August, and will guide the future development and delivery of the parkland.

Located in South Morang and Mernda, amongst the City’s growth suburbs, the parklands are a striking feature in the area’s landscape, providing spectacular views across Melbourne.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said that the Future Directions Plan will help protect significant ecological and cultural values and provide valuable open space for both the growing population of the City of Whittlesea and visitors across greater Melbourne.

“Quarry Hills Parkland is a stunning area that is rich in history and plays a significant role in our natural landscape. Our vision is that the parklands become a place for exploration, reconciliation, healing, learning and play, for our community and also for visitors to the area,” Lydia said.   

“We have worked closely with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and our community to create the principles that will guide the parklands’ future development and we would like to thank everyone who has provided their feedback.”

Some of the key actions outlined in the plan include:

• Working with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to establish a Caring for Country Management Plan
• Providing facilities throughout the parklands to make it easy for people to use the space, including welcoming gateways and entry points, connected pathways, toilets and signage
• Maintaining the parklands as a free and accessible space for the community to enjoy
• Protecting the plants, animals and their habitats within the parklands, in particular any threatened species

Recommendations from the Cultural Values Study by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation have also been incorporated into the plan and includes the renaming of the parklands to acknowledge Woi-wurrung custodianship and strengthen the community’s connection to the history and culture of the parkland.

A formal naming process for the parkland, including community engagement will commence in early 2024.

“Quarry Hills Parkland is the gem in the crown of the City of Whittlesea’s open spaces and this plan will help us grow and protect the area for future generations,” Lydia said.

View the Future Directions Plan here.