Grant for master plan

By Kath Gannaway
UPPER Yarra Community Environment Park has received a grant to develop a master plan.
The $30,000 Victorian Community Support Grant which will be managed by Yarra Ranges Shire Council was announced last week by Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato.
The seven-hectare Environment Park site in Wesburn is owned by the shire and administered by a committee of management.
Ms Lobato said that the project involved community consultation to inform the development of a master plan.
“The government is taking action now to strengthen communities across Victoria and the provision of a community environment park is a fantastic project,” she said.
“We have all heard of or visited the renowned CERES park in the inner city of Melbourne. This park could adopt a similar model, with an emphasis on sustainable living, as well as potentially hosting cultural events, organic food markets and being a venue for the provision of education and training programs.”
Ms Lobato said the exact nature of the park would be determined by the community.
“Planning is required to identify the needs and vision of local people,” she said.
“This planning process will draw them together to discuss and decide the future of the proposed Upper Yarra Community Environment Park.
“It is important that a park like this which will be a magnificent community asset is planned properly to ensure it meets the needs of community members. Gathering a wide range of opinions through the master plan process will ensure that we get the best result for the community,” she said.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges will contribute $5000 towards the master plan process.