Reserve plan on track

Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen and Council's Darryl Blackwell test out the new trail with resident Travis Mahoney and son Jesse last week. 101051

By NICOLE WILLIAMS

THE opening of the Deep Creek Reserve trail is the first step in realising a 40-year promise.
Cardinia Shire Council officially opened the one kilometre trail last week as the first stage of a master plan for the reserve.
The land has a chequered history after it was transferred to the council in 1977 by a number of farmers, including the Shallard family who handed over 61 acres on the condition it was used for recreation and not development.
An argument ensued in 2005 when a planning permit proposed rezoning the land for residential development.
A strong community campaign saw the application overturned by then Planning Minister Justin Madden.
Deep Creek Reserve is located between Pakenham and District Golf Club and the railway line.
Heather Shallard was instrumental in the original land transfer and said it had been a long battle but she was pleased to see the council coming true on its promise.
“I will be pleased to see something eventuate and I would like to see it completed in my lifetime,” she said.
“I am not jumping over the moon until I see it done.
“It has been a long battle to make them aware that is had to be kept as recreation land but I’ll never forget the past.”
Ms Shallard said her family wanted the land available for families to use, as it had been in her youth.
“There was no recreation land from here to Dandenong, apart from Berwick, where you could go for a family picnic,” she said.
“If they’re going to go ahead and do something, our efforts haven’t been in vain.”
Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association President Gloria O’Connor was involved in the community campaign which saw a 1500 signature petition tables and a ‘very solid bench seat’ installed as a symbol of the community’s vision.
She said it was ‘very good news’ that the project was moving forward after so much contention.
The one kilometre trail, which was opened by Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen last week, links Oaktree Drive to Cameron Way and Barrington Drive.
Cr Owen expressed his excitement about the plans in place for Deep Creek Reserve, including an eco-centre, community meeting space, playground, barbecues and additional paths.
“Over time, Deep Creek Reserve will be transformed into an important recreational and natural asset for the whole community to enjoy.
“Endangered local trees and shrubs will be showcased and protected there, as well as threatened local species including the growling grass frog,” Cr Owen said.
“It will be a welcome and peaceful retreat for residents wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or to gather with friends and family.”
The shared trail was jointly funded by the council and the State Government’s Department of Community Planning and Development (DCPD), with each making an equal contribution of $152,000 towards its construction.
The council expects to start constructing stage two of the master plan in early 2014.