Plan looks to reserve’s future

MEMBERS of the Committee 4 Warrenheip have celebrated the launch of the Warrenheip Recreation Reserve masterplan.

The five-to-ten-year plan includes a half court, pump track, playground, gardens, barbecue and retaining wetlands habitat for the Latham’s Snipe bird.

“The Warrenheip Recreation Reserve had been laying idol for umpteen years,” said Julian Prendergast, president of the Committee 4 Warrenheip.

“It’s basically just a bare paddock at the moment but we’ve got big plans to put footpaths around there, they’ll be a nature inspired playground and eventually over time we’re hoping to get a pump track.

“The whole idea is just to strengthen the community and have things that can be done locally.”

Buninyong and Ballan community banks have each donated $5000 towards the initiative.

“This project was about giving the Warrenheip community complete ownership of their masterplan and how they imagine the area developed in the future,” said Community Bank Buninyong chair, Ian Corcoran.

“What was essential, was the early consultation and collaboration including Indigenous representatives, environmental representatives and council.”

Mr Prendergast thanked the organisations for their support and said the committee is looking for more funding opportunities.

“They were instrumental in providing the funding to get the masterplan done,” he said.

“That’s what they exist effectively, is the profits the make they put back into the local community which is fantastic.

“We are always looking for ongoing funding opportunities because of the cost of these things.”