The Government bought the 950 acre property from the Roman Catholic Church in 1973 to ensure the preservation of the grand Italianate mansion built by the Chirnside family. An Interim Committee of Management was set up by the Department of the Premier in 1974 to oversee the operations of the park, provide recreational and educational facilities and maintain the historic mansion.

The terms of reference of the Werribee Park Interim Committee of Management as described in the Directory of Government Departments and Authorities are -

To manage, and enquire into the future use and management of Werribee Park, including the mansion, associated buildings, gardens and grounds, within development policy guidelines set by the Government.

In 1982, a formal Committee of Management was appointed replacing the interim committee and the Department continued to assist.

The Park was managed by a Committee of Management which was incorporated in as the Werribee Park Corporation by the Governor -in -Council on 28 September 1982 under section 14A (1) (a) (b) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Relationship with the Projects Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The Projects Division provided the Secretary to the Werribee Park Interim Committee of Management. The Division did not exercise any control or influence over the administration and development of Werribee Park.

The day to day administration of Werribee Park was the responsibility of the Manager who dealt with the service areas of the Department directly. Policy matters and long term planning for Werribee Park were areas for consideration by the Interim Committee of Management. The Accountant of the Department was also a member of the Committee of Management.

The responsibility for the administration of the Werribee Park was transferred to the Department of Crown Lands and Survey in 1983.