Boulevard of trees to hills

By Tania Martin
KNOX City Council is one step closer to creating a gateway to the Dandenong Ranges along Burwood Highway after it received $100,000 from the State Government last week.
Planning Minister Rob Hulls last week announced the grant for the Knox Central Bush Boulevard, which was part of the State Government’s $3 million investment into rejuvenating suburbs and restoring heritage buildings.
The $13.5 million, four-year Creating Better Places funding program is designed to implement Melbourne 2030 directions and policies, and protect heritage assets across Victoria.
Knox mayor David Cooper said the funding would help create a Bush Boulevard by planting native trees along Burwood Highway, and enabling the council to present an environmentally sympathetic gateway to the Dandenong Ranges.
Cr Cooper said this latest funding comes after council received $100,000 earlier this year to fund a place manager.
Shire manager of city strategy, Justin O’Meara, said the place manager was appointed to assist with the implementation of the Knox Urban Design Framework, which was adopted in 2005.
Mr O’Meara said the implementation of the Knox Urban Design Framework would have a major impact on development and activity levels in the precinct.
He said the framework would also play a significant role in creating and maintaining a vibrant and innovative centre with a diverse range of opportunities and environments for business, entertainment, living and leisure for Knox residents.
Cr Cooper said the implementation of the framework and the funding for the Knox Bush Boulevard was a huge project for the council, and that a community wide, holistic approach was being adopted to deliver the best outcomes for the community.
“The project has a strong focus for community life with improved public and civic spaces and all aspects of the framework incorporate high quality design principals,” he said.
This latest round of funding will enable the council to kick start its Bush Boulevard project, which has been in the pipeline since June 2004.
Mr Hulls said the Creating Better Places program was fulfilling the State Government’s commitment to ensuring the communities are well designed, well located and well connected.
“These grants help local councils and communities to create more livable, sustainable, secure and culturally rich environments in metropolitan activity centres, regional cities and towns,” he said.