Nillumbik has a new green space to enjoy with the official opening of the Eltham Gateway Project in Main Road.
Community members made the most of the beautiful autumn weather on Sunday to help put the finishing touches to the park during a planting day and official opening.
The green space next to Eltham Lower Park includes extensive revegetation, a pathway and boardwalk to explore, meeting circles and seating, completely transforming what was previously a degraded area.
The rehabilitation works have seen the planting of thousands of new indigenous and native trees, shrubs and grasses.
Much of the timber and mulch used for fencing, seating and sleepers for the project were recycled from the dead, dying and weed species trees that were removed in October. Later this year, carvings will be created from the pine tree stumps that remain on site.
The public artwork now in place across the road near the flower stall will be officially lit up at night following a separate launch in early June.
There was a huge turnout of community members at yesterday’s community planting day, later enjoying a sausage sizzle put on by the Eltham Lions Club.
The Eltham Gateway Project has been a collaboration between Council, Eltham MP Vicki Ward, Major Road Projects Victoria and the Southern Gateway Renewal Group.
Hundreds of community members have had their input into the design of the project, which was completed by local company ID Landscaping.
At yesterday’s official opening, Mayor Ben Ramcharan said it was a positive project to be a part of and an example of the great outcomes that could be achieved when the community and different levels of government all worked together.
“The beautiful thing about this project was that the community could lead the design. We’ve had hundreds of passionate submissions about how this space should look and really I think we’ve been able to reflect that input from the community,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“Thank you to Vicki Ward and Major Road Projects Victoria for their support, helping create this lasting legacy.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the community and particularly members of the Southern Gateway Renewal Group. Thank you all for your dedication, ensuring the voices of the community are heard.
“Thank you to all the volunteers who turned out today. Council is looking at opportunities to expand our support for environmental volunteering programs so keep an eye out for more opportunities like this one.”
“It does really create a beautiful entrance to Nillumbik and our Green Wedge Shire.”
Eltham MP Vicki Ward also thanked the community and the goodwill that has come in helping create such a special and beautiful place.
“This has been area that has been neglected for a long time and we had a lot of invasive plants here,” she said.
“The seed of the project started with Sue Dyet (of the Southern Gateway Renewal Group). Sue is a phenomenal advocate for our community and has done so much work. Sue has wanted to rehabilitate this space for decades.
“Together with group convenor Denis Johnston, we all worked together towards a project we thought this community would not only love, but really feel they were a part of.”
MRPV Senior Project Manager Alec Say said the project was a fantastic outcome for the people of Eltham.
“The Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade promised to ease congestion and make traveling through the area more reliable – we’ve done that, and created new open space at the same time,” he said.
“The design and layout is the product of extensive community consultation – as a local, I look forward to taking my children to enjoy this new and beautiful open space.”
The Eltham Gateway Project was funded by Council and Major Road Projects Victoria.
