🐨 Demand Transparency and Action on Serendip Sanctuary Redevelopment

Help us hold Parks Victoria and the State Government accountable for how $11 million of public funding is being used.

Serendip Sanctuary has long been a beloved natural, educational, and recreational treasure for the people of Lara and the Greater Geelong region. In 2023, the Victorian Government allocated $11 million to revitalise Serendip and the You Yangs through a redevelopment project led by Parks Victoria.

Yet over a year later, the community still has no clear answers on where this money has gone, what works are actually taking place, or how the project decisions are being made. The display pond remains dry, the wildlife programs have disappeared, and Parks Victoria has failed to meaningfully consult with our community on key decisions — all while public trust continues to erode.

We are calling on the City of Greater Geelong Council to raise a formal motion demanding clarity, transparency, and accountability from Parks Victoria and the Victorian Government.

We are petitioning the City of Greater Geelong to pass the following Council Motion:

Formally acknowledge community concern regarding the redevelopment of Serendip Sanctuary and the management of the $11 million in funding.
Write to Parks Victoria, the Minister for Environment (Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP), and local MP Ella George to request:

• A detailed financial breakdown of all project spending to date.
• A clear timeline for infrastructure repairs, including restoration of the display pond (identified as a priority since 2019).
• A plan to re-engage with the community in a transparent and collaborative way.
• Request that Parks Victoria publicly brief Council and the community on the project’s progress, spending, and community consultation outcomes.

Seek a formal response within 30 days, to be reported at the next available Council meeting.

Why this matters:

• Serendip Sanctuary is deteriorating, and its core identity as a wildlife haven has been quietly dismantled.
  $11 million in public funding has been committed, but there’s little visible work to show for it.
• Community groups, volunteers, and experts have been sidelined, despite years of meaningful contributions.
• Parks Victoria has failed to provide clear, timely updates, creating confusion and concern.
• This is public land and public money — we all deserve a say.

 
Sign the petition to show your support for greater transparency, community consultation, and proper stewardship of Serendip Sanctuary.

Together, let’s ensure Serendip is not lost to bureaucratic neglect, but restored as a sanctuary for wildlife, families, students, and future generations.

SaveSerendip #SerendipSanctuary #Lara #YouYangs #ParksVictoria #Transparency #GeelongCommunity #ProtectOurParks