FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21st 2006
Community efforts to save 5 hectares of Victoria's rarest bushland have reached a crucial stage following VCAT'S rejection of the Seventh Day Adventist Church plans for a 50 lot housing sub-division in Central Road, Nunawading and the Blackburn Lake Environmental Education Park Committee has called on the Premier to commence a "Mediation Process".
Committee Chairman, John Bergin said "It’s a great decision by VCAT because it highlights the State policy that provides "unambiguous protection" for this endangered bushland due to its rare native habitat and important biodiversity.” Now is the hour for Mr. Bracks to act with vision and bring all parties to the negotiating table so that some of Victoria's rarest bushland can be saved and returned to public parkland."
"Now that the Department Of Sustainability and Environment has officially classified the 5 Hectares of bushland eco-system at 131 Central Road Nunawading as endangered "Valley Heathy Forest" we believe that the State Government should be stepping in to mediate a solution. It’s a very sobering message for all Victorian's that we have managed to destroy all but 2% of our State's "Valley Heathy Forest", just a few hundred hectares remain."
“The VCAT decision also highlights the sites location and environmental significance in relation to the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and Wetlands, which the Premier recently described as one of "Melbourne's greatest natural assets".
“While VCAT unfortunately stops short of declaring the whole area a "State Park" ultimately future generations will come to see it this way, but only if this generation acts now to save it.”
“At a time when we are dramatically increasing our population and developing our city at the expense of open space we need to act urgently before this endangered bushland is lost forever.”
"With the possibility of rail separation in future years the opportunity to link this bushland with the Nunawading Community Centre area and Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and Wetlands is very exciting and our community group has put together a very positive proposal that recognizes this."
“Our proposal aims to preserve all of the endangered bushland and deliver significant environmental, economic and social benefits that will resonate through the local and wider regional community now and for future generations.”
The committee’s proposal plans to incorporate a Sustainable Living Centre on the sites existing buildings with a large slice of the funding coming from Business and Private Foundations.
Mr. Bergin said “One of the key features of our proposal is that we attract funding from the Corporate and Private Foundations in addition to the traditional Local, State and Federal Government sources. We have already successfully approached a number of organizations that are committed to sustainable community projects and have financially supported many proposals like this.”
"Our proposal is fair to the Seventh Day Adventist Church who owns the land. It accommodates their desire to unlock the cash tied up in their property and recognizes their role in our community."
"This land should now be returned to public hands as a monument to good planning, good government and positive community action. We would like to see Mr.Bracks commit to mediating with all parties before the State Election."
Those interested in assisting the committee can email us at ……BLEEPNOW@optusnet.com.au
Blackburn Lake Environmental Education Park Committee
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