Richard Wynne MP

Heidelberg West skaters and BMX riders can strut their stuff on home turf thanks to a new skate park in their suburb, opened today by Housing Minister and State Member for Richmond Richard Wynne and Federal Member for Jagajaga Jenny Macklin.

Mr Wynne and Ms Macklin joined Member for Ivanhoe Craig Langdon at the redeveloped Malahang Reserve, which was funded as a key part of the Brumby Labor Government’s innovative Neighbourhood Renewal project in Heidelberg West.

“Strong families need strong communities and that’s why we are providing the facilities our young people need to be able to build better social connections,” Mr Wynne said.

“Neighbourhood Renewal is also about creating vibrant communities, where people can take pride in where they live, work and raise their families.”

“This new skate park and BMX centre is a shining example of what Neighbourhood Renewal is all about and I look forward to hearing from our young people about how they are enjoying it.”

The six-hectare Malahang Reserve is bordered by Malahang Parade, Coral Street, Southern Road and Oriel Road.

Ms Macklin said the Malahang Reserve redevelopment cost $1.09 million with funding coming from the Brumby Labor Government, Banyule City Council, the Rudd Labor Government, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Heidelberg Warringal Lions Club and Sustainability Victoria.

“In addition to the new skate park and BMX facilities, the reserve now features modern playground equipment, a picnic shelter, barbecues, landscaping, lighting, paved pathways, a bike hut, informal basketball and netball facilities and a flying fox,” Ms Macklin said.

Minister for Sport James Merlino said Sports and Recreation Victoria contributed $20,000 to the redevelopment.

“This reserve is the venue for a popular annual community festival, funded by Banyule City Council, which attracted more than 2,000 people last year,” Mr Merlino said.

Mr Langdon said local agency Open House ran a weekly Backyard Sports program at Malahang Reserve and planned to start mini-competitions at the new skate and BMX facilities for local youth.

“The work of Neighbourhood Renewal, Banyule City Council and their partners in the community has turned what was widely seen as a tired reserve into a fantastic local facility that people in their thousands are enjoying,” Mr Langdon said.

“I’m also delighted to note that 27 local residents received training and work experience during the redevelopment works; 18 of these are now employed and four are in full time training.”