The City of Melbourne has released a draft masterplan for Royal Park, outlining a vision for the future of the city's largest public park. A central component of the proposal involves reevaluating the current parking infrastructure surrounding the Melbourne Zoo. Officials suggest that the existing low-cost parking areas may be repurposed to better align with the park's environmental and recreational goals.

The masterplan emphasizes a shift toward increasing green space and improving accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. By potentially reducing the availability of cheap parking, the city aims to discourage private vehicle reliance in favor of public transport and active travel methods. While the plan is intended to enhance the park's ecological value and visitor experience, it has raised questions regarding the impact on families and visitors who currently rely on these parking facilities for zoo access.

There is currently no final decision on the timeline for these changes, as the proposal remains in the draft stage. The city is expected to seek public feedback before finalizing the masterplan. The move reflects a broader trend in urban planning where municipal governments are increasingly prioritizing parkland expansion and carbon footprint reduction over traditional car-centric infrastructure. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining affordable access to major public attractions and the desire to reclaim urban space for environmental and community use.