The commitment, announced today by Liberal Leader Matthew Guy and Caulfield MP David Southwick, will unlock public open space on Crown land in the Reserve following a robust Council-led community advocacy campaign.

The Liberals are the first party to publicly commit state funding to the Land Management Plan, which includes a suite of infrastructure and open space projects to improve the Reserve for the benefit of the community.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jim Magee thanked the Liberal Party for its commitment to open space in the inner south.

“We have the lowest amount of open space per person in metro Melbourne and pressure on our sport and recreation facilities is at an all-time high,” Cr Magee said.

“Transforming Caulfield Racecourse Reserve into a 54-hectare open space precinct will directly benefit the health and wellbeing of local residents.

“This is a game-changing investment that will pay dividends for residents and families for generations to come.”

The announcement will see a new indoor-sports and gymnasium complex, outdoor sporting fields for local clubs, a walking, running and cycling track around the perimeter of the Reserve, and a nature park with upgrades to the existing wetland to improve biodiversity.

Council also applauded the announcement of a Caulfield Net Zero Renewable Energy Hub, which will see environmental groups, schools and residents working together to deliver vital infrastructure to support its ambition for net zero emissions by 2030.

Council declared a climate emergency in 2021 and has called on all levels of government to work together to invest in a sustainable future.

To learn more about Glen Eira’s open space advocacy, visit: www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/state-election.