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Community open day for the Firmins Lane wetlandsLatrobe City Council is holding a community day, with a range of family friendly activities and a free barbecue, to officially open the Firmins Lane wetlands on Sunday 6 August from 10am to 2pm.
By Portal Admin - 28th July 2017 - Back to News Latrobe City Council’s mayor, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said the wetlands project delivered a new asset to the community that served the dual purpose - environmental and social.
"Earthworks first began on the little used paddock in April 2016 and now we have three ponds, thousands of plantings and a network of tracks. Its primary purpose is to filter the water flowing into the Waterhole Creek as it passes from the heavy industry park to the waterway.
"But secondary to that, it is a beautiful place to spend an hour or two walking or taking in the variety of flora and fauna," Cr O’Callaghan said.
"We saw this as an opportunity to create a new open space that could be used for education, and for the community to come and enjoy. The wetland banks have been covered with native plantings, including some endangered species, many of which have been planted by volunteers. The site is already attracting water birds such as ducks, swamp hens, herons and black swans.
"We know some people have been walking and jogging around the wetlands already and while some final planting and maintenance works will continue, the community open day is designed to make sure everyone knows the wetlands are open to the public," Cr O’Callaghan concluded.
The Community Open Day will take place on Sunday 6 August from 10am to 2pm at the wetlands on the corner of Firmins Lane and Monash Way, Hazelwood North.
Activities include:
Official opening
Bird spotting walks
Tree planting
Catching water bugs and insects and looking at them under a microscope
Wetland tours with Council’s landscape officer
Kids colouring
Free barbecue
This is a fully family friendly event. If you have any questions about site accessibility or facilities that will be available on the day, phone Sean-Paul Smith, Environmental Sustainability Officer at Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Media Enquiries:
Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Latrobe City Mayor
Telephone: 0400 696 324
Cr Graeme Middlemiss, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor
Telephone: 0417 379 059
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 5128 5458
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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