By Breanna Taylor
Pakenham’s Deep Creek reserve is set to receive an exciting new nursery project where native indigenous plants will be grown and sold. $950,000 has been funded to create the nursery project which will help to educate the Cardinia shire about our native flora and will re house the Cardinia Environmental Coalition currently located in Tynong.
Council approved the imitative at last Monday 15 April council meeting and have thanked the Kooweerup football club for their generous donation of $300,000 which coupled with councils budget of $650,000 has allowed for the plans to be put in motion
Cr Brett Owen has referred to the initiative as “such an important project,” that he believes “will be beneficial for the wider community, particularly our younger generation.” The CEC nursery has anticipated over time to introduce educational resources such as excursions, workshops and tours as well as giving university students the support to research and study.
The Deep Creek Indigenous Plant Nursery will be constructed with state of the art propagation facilities including greenhouses and shade houses to provide appropriate conditions for the 200,00+ native plants that will be grown annually. The inclusion of two outdoor classrooms will allow for children to undertake hands on learning.
Cr Michael Schilling says the program will be a step forward for the community and highlights the importance of environmental education in a space that is inclusive for all abilities.
“It is important we are connected to our local flora and have an understanding of what is native to our community. This program will deliver great educational outcomes for all ages.”
