Great news. We think…..

The council has released the draft Plan and there’s good news – it looks like the grassed areas are not being affected and a stormwater treatment plant/ wetland is not part of the draft Plan. This is great news for the community. We can keep enjoying the big grass area for all of the complementary uses such as playing football, flying kites, meeting our friends, walking our dogs, and riding our bikes.

But it’s not quite over. We need everyone to provide feedback saying you’re happy with this part of the draft Plan. We need everyone to join the Council feedback sessions to provide feedback. It’s as easy as a walk in the park – literally! Bring the kids and the dog. We need everyone to make sure the Council does not change it’s mind.

The draft plan is out for community feedback, and we urge you to contact the council, email the council, and provide comments on the council website, that you are happy that the grassed area is being retained. That you are happy there’s no stormwater treatment plant/artificial wetland.

You can see the draft Plan and send your ideas using the Survey on the council website: https://haveyoursay.knox.vic.gov.au/koolunga-native-reserve

There are a few things that we would like improved in the draft plan, such as

• Improved walking paths – people of all abilities should be able to enjoy a walk around this reserve
• Keeping the Pine Trees. There should be community consultation about the choice for replacing these trees. At the moment, the plan says that the Pine trees will be replaced with gum trees. We’d like a community consultation about what sort of tree should be used to reflect the farming history of the area. Lots of people love these big trees. The yellow-tailed black cockatoos too.
• Guarantee the park remains an off-lead dog walking area. It’s the only area like this and is so important for us.

Please contact the Council and tell them you want these included in the Plan. You can email using: openspace@knox.vic.gov.au

We should be very pleased that our voices have been heard and it looks like we can enjoy the park the way it is. Remember to contact the Council and provide comments.

And contact us if you want to know more.