The Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee was established in 2009. For over 17 years, it has advised Council on a range of issues involved in planning for and management of its parks, gardens and urban landscapes.

Members bring a mix of community and technical expertise, offering diverse perspectives on what our garden city needs to thrive. Previous committees have advised Council on matters including:

• implementation of the City of Melbourne’s Open Space Strategy, Urban Forest Strategy and Nature in the City Strategy.
• review and development of master plans for major parks and gardens.
• planning and design of new open spaces.
• assessment criteria for applications to the Urban Forest Fund.
• recommendations regarding the use of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Sinking Fund.

The Committee also supports Council officers in their work, shapes relevant policies and services, identifies and responds to issues, guides community engagement processes and facilitate high-quality, evidence-based decision making. They meet 4 times per year, with meetings held after business hours at Melbourne Town Hall.

The Committee is chaired by Environment Portfolio Lead, Councillor Davydd Griffiths and co-chaired by Environment Portfolio Deputy Lead, Councillor Dr Olivia Ball. It is comprised of:

• up to 8 community representatives
• up to 6 external technical committee members with expertise in parks management, horticulture, ecology, health and wellbeing and landscape design
• First Nations Garden City Ambassador, Margaret Parisi
• Garden City Ambassador, Paul Bangay OAM.

Our Garden City Ambassador and First Nations Garden City Ambassador are committee members as part of their ambassador duties, providing an additional layer of subject matter and cultural knowledge and advocating for our garden city mission.

We’re currently seeking 4 community members to join the Committee for a 2-year term. Community members are chosen through an expression of interest (EOI) and interview process and must be one or more of the following:

• a current resident
• a ratepayer or property owner
• a business owner
• a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and/or Bunurong Boonwurrung Traditional Owner
• anyone who can demonstrate an ongoing connection to the City of Melbourne and who conducts activities in the municipality.

We encourage people of all ages, abilities, cultures and backgrounds to apply, so we can ensure the voices and priorities of our diverse community from across the municipality are well represented on the committee.

The standard term for community members is 4 years, however new members selected through this EOI process will serve a 2-year term, aligning them with the tenure expiry of existing community members on the Committee. From 2028, all successful community member applicants in the next EOI process will be appointed for a 4-year term as outlined in the Terms of Reference found on the Parking and Gardens Advisory Committee page.

What are the selection criteria to become a member of the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee?

Committee members must be one or more of the following:

• a current resident
• a ratepayer or property owner
• a business owner
• a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and/or Bunurong Boonwurrung Traditional Owner
• anyone who can demonstrate an ongoing connection to the City of Melbourne and who conducts activities in the municipality.

In addition to responses to the application questions, the selection process will consider the composition of the committee, including diversity and mix of interest and expertise.

What is the purpose of the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee?

The purpose of the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee is to provide expert and community‑based advice to the City of Melbourne on matters relating to the planning, sustainable management and enhancement of its parks, gardens and urban landscapes. The Committee will offer advice and support to Council and Council officers to contribute to shaping policy and program development, address issues, provide practical guidance on community engagement, and assist with the identification of the preferred solutions to support Council’s evidenced-based decision-making process. The Committee acts in an advisory role only.

For more information, please review the Terms of Reference at Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee.

What kind of topics does the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee advise on?

Past topics for discussion at the Committee include: the Royal Park Draft Master Plan, the Greenline Project, and Urban Forest Precinct Plans.

How long is the membership term?

The standard term for community members is 4 years, however new members selected through this EOI will serve a 2-year term, aligning with the tenures of existing community members of the committee. From 2028, community members will be appointed to standard 4-year terms as outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Who will decide on Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee members?

Expressions of interest will be evaluated by a panel comprising of Council officers appointed by the General Manager Strategy, Planning and Climate Change with eligible applicants assessed against the selection criteria for external community representatives.

How regularly will the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee meet?

The Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee meets 4 times per year. Additional meetings may be scheduled if required.

All meetings are held in person (except under exceptional circumstances) on a Wednesday evening from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Melbourne Town Hall.

Is there a Code of Conduct for all members?

Yes, there is a Code of Conduct which can be downloaded alongside the respective Terms of Reference on the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee page.

How can I get more information?

Please review the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee page including the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct. You may contact Park.Planning@melbourne.vic.gov.au for further information, if required.

For more information, visit Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee where you can find a list of current Committee members, the Committee's Terms of Reference, and the Code of Conduct.