Councillor update from Cr Peter Allan

As your Sparks Ward Councillor, my focus is always on ensuring our community remains a highly liveable, vibrant and well-connected place to call home. Looking ahead, Whitehorse City Council is driving forward several new initiatives designed to support our growing community while preserving the local amenity we value so dearly. 

A major focus of our future vision is the transformation of the historic Box Hill Brickworks site. Council remains firmly committed to advocating that this 7-hectare site be turned into dedicated public open space. With high-density residential towers continuing to rise around Box Hill, securing this parkland is essential for our health, wellbeing and environment. We are actively urging the State Government to step up and co-invest with Council to deliver this vital green lung for current and future generations. 

In tandem with expanding our green spaces, we are investing heavily in local sport and community connections. Council is currently planning upgraded indoor sports infrastructure, as well as a new sports pavilion at Surrey Park, to promote active lifestyles across all ages. Furthermore, proposed projects such as the Chinese Community and Cultural Centre in Box Hill will centralise support, ensuring residents can access vital services close to home. 

At the same time, we must carefully balance growth with liveability. We continue to advocate strongly on behalf of residents regarding major transport and state planning reforms, including the Suburban Rail Loop. Our goal is to ensure that future development respects the unique character of our neighbourhoods. We must ensure that, into the future, we provide the ‘engine room’ for growing our local economy and local jobs. 

The future of Sparks Ward relies on your feedback. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts. As always, please reach out to me with your ideas, concerns or feedback.