Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is encouraging the local community to vote for the Cranbourne Gardens Southern Grassland Access Upgrade in the Victorian State Government's Pick My Park program, helping secure funding to improve access to one of the City of Casey’s most unique natural landscapes. 

The project is one of 124 initiatives across Victoria competing for funding through the second round of Pick My Park, which is investing $30 million in new and upgraded parks, playgrounds and community open spaces. Voting is now open and community support will help determine which projects receive funding.  

If successful, the Cranbourne Gardens project will deliver new trails, a feature boardwalk and a landscape-designed rest platform within the Southern Grasslands, creating more opportunities for visitors to explore, learn about and connect with the area's distinctive biodiversity. The project also includes a new short-loop trail designed for visitors of all ages and abilities.  

The Southern Grasslands are an important conservation area within Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, providing habitat for native plants and wildlife in a protected environment where they can thrive. Improved access will allow more people to experience this significant pocket of nature, enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors, and develop a deeper appreciation for the role native plants play in supporting healthy ecosystems. 

A successful funding outcome would help transform the visitor experience of the Southern Grasslands, giving the Cranbourne community and visitors from across Melbourne a place to walk, rest and connect with a newly rewilded landscape.  

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is seeking $250,000 through the program to help deliver the project, which has an estimated total value of $500,000.  

Chris Russell, Director and Chief Executive, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, said: 

"Connecting people with nature is at the heart of what we do. By voting for Cranbourne Gardens, the community can help unlock important improvements to the Southern Grasslands, making it easier for more people to experience the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors while discovering the extraordinary native plants and wildlife that thrive in this special landscape." 

"This is an opportunity for the community to support both conservation and access, helping more people enjoy, value and protect one of Victoria's most significant native plant collections." 

Victorians can nominate up to three favorite projects from across Victoria through the Pick My Park website. Voting closes on Monday, 3 August 2026. 

To vote for the Cranbourne Gardens Southern Grassland Access Upgrade, visit engage.vic.gov.au/project/pick-my-park-vote-southern/page/cranbourne-gardens-southern-grassland.