FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6th 2006
David McCubbin the accomplished landscape architect and Great Grandson of artist Frederick McCubbin has stepped in to help the Blackburn community save two important areas around Blackburn Lake from residential development.
David McCubbin said “These sites are two of Melbourne’s most significant surviving urban bush landscapes. Most of the bush that Frederick McCubbin painted has all but disappeared under the march of urban development. It’s so exciting that we have this area still intact, we must do everything to save it for future generations.”
David McCubbin has been assisting the Blackburn Lake Environmental Education Park Committee (BLEEP) with their proposals for 1 Lake Road and 131 Central Road.
The “McCubbin Walk” proposal at 1 Lake Road aims to provide a bush habitat and walking trail linking the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary in Central & Lake Roads, It will also commemorate the work of Frederick McCubbin who lived in nearby Wolseley Crescent and painted two of his most famous paintings “Bush idyll” and “Bush Burial” on or very near the site.
David McCubbin said “That in the context of Australian art history this is truly a sacred site”
David McCubbin has also drafted designs for a “Sustainable Living Centre” and “Gardiner’s Track” to be incorporated into the Seventh Day Adventist Church 51 House sub-division at the Eastern end of Blackburn Lake (131 Central Road).
BLEEP Committee Chairman, John Bergin, said “We are honoured to have David McCubbin assist us with these proposals. He is noted for designing developments that respect both the environmental and historical aspects of a site. The fact that his Great Grandfather has captured this beautiful area in paintings that are famous around the world, has brought a very special dimension to our projects”
“Funding for the “McCubbin Walk” project is now at a crucial stage. Our priority now is that Federal Minister for Environment & Heritage, Ian Campbell completes the funding mix for this project. Our community, Council and State Government have worked very hard to negotiate with the developer and obtain an “ in principle agreement” to purchase some of the land at 1 Lake Road subject to the Federal Government funding a third share of the cost.”
“Hopefully our local community and the wider Australian art community can communicate to Canberra in the coming weeks that this is a site of National significance highly worthy of Federal funding support”
Those interested in assisting the committee can email us at …………………… ………BLEEPNOW@optusnet.com.au
Blackburn Lake Environmental Education Park Committee Inc.
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