Snake Valley public space saved

IN 2018, the Pyrenees Shire Council assessed their assets and decided to sell a two-point-two-hectare parcel of land in Snake Valley.

Although the Shire thought they didn’t need this land, and it wasn’t particularly accessible, local residents including Sue Mudford knew it was an important community space that should be protected and opened up.

“There are seven neighbours here, and we all got talking. We had some community meetings at one of our homes, discussed why it should be retained, and looked at the Council’s planning application to put a house on the property,” she said.

“A house, if it was built here, wouldn’t have a sewerage connection. The reserve isn’t totally fenced, and it’s covered in native vegetation, like kangaroo grass and wildflowers.”

Thirty-five Snake Valley residents formed a community group, the Friends of Reserve No. 1 Pittong Road, and took their case to the Shire, volunteering to be the green space’s committee of management.

The municipality listened, and in 2018, they decided not to sell the land at the T-intersection of Pittong and Kelly roads.

A sub-committee of the Snake Valley & District Land Protection Group, the Friends are now in partnership with the Shire to maintain the reserve, cutting down dead trees that are at risk of falling, and hollowing out others as wildlife habitat.

Reserve No. 1 Pittong Road is an area the township now uses for community celebrations, or general recreation, taking walks along its mowed path, having a kick of the footy, playing cricket, or croquet.

“Every Christmas we now have a party here, where we invite families new to the area, and neighbours get really good friendships happening,” Ms Mudford said.

“At any time of the day, anyone can just come here, relax and get rid of some stresses. In 2019, it was used about 400 times, and in the last year, it was used about 900 times.

“We need to ensure this community support and use continues, so it can remain a reserve.”

Last Sunday, the Friends held a neighbourhood gathering at the reserve to officially open it. They celebrated two years of local volunteer management, and the role the space has played, offering an escape and place for exercise in the pandemic era.

A new reserve sign crafted by the Linton & District Men’s Shed was officially unveiled, funded by a $1000 2019-20 Pyrenees Shire Council Community Grant, which also paid for weed control.