Family fun day shines light on quarry proposal

Bill Pearson,centre, Mark Knight, right & Bill''s grandson, left, enjoy the Family Fun Day. 192992_01

By Danielle Kutchel

Guests were treated to a stunning example of mid-autumn sunshine at the recent Mt Cannibal Community and District Inaugural Family Fun Day Fundraiser at Gumbuya World.

As the inaugural fundraiser for the Mt Cannibal and District Preservation Group Inc., the weather wasn’t the only showstopper on the day.

A raffle kept the crowd was held to contribute to the funds raised. Cartoonist Mark Knight was a special guest, and raffled off a limited edition print titled ‘The Picnic Party’ as first prize, valued at $450. Second prize in the raffle was two Wills valued at $300 each, donated by King Legal Group Bunyip. Third prize was six bottles of wine from Cannibal Creek Vineyard, valued at $200.

Another special guest, musician Suze Simpson, entertained the crowd with her energy and soul while performing a range of cover songs. Entry to the fundraiser included admission to Gumbuya World and families enjoyed a sausage sizzle prepared by park staff and the Preservation Group.

All proceeds from the day will go to the Preservation Group.

The event wasn’t just a fun day out: the Group is currently campaigning to stop the proposed quarry in Bunyip North, and members staffed a tent at Gumbuya World to chat to visitors about the proposal.

A spokesman for the Preservation Group said patrons overwhelmingly expressed disbelief at the proposed quarry.

“Local residents from Bunyip North, Garfield North, Tynong North, Garfield, Bunyip and Tonimbuk are extremely concerned about the devastating environmental and health implications of the proposed Bunyip North Open Cut Granite Quarry – not to mention the traffic implications for the area,” the spokesman said.

“The implications of such a supersized quarry set in a green wedge zone amongst agricultural land are not compatible with landowners’ wishes or environmental attitudes within the community. The quarry is positioned next to Mt Cannibal which is listed as an area of State significance and which is home to rare orchids and native animals.”

According to the spokesman, residents of Bunyip North, Garfield North and Tonimbuk have been opposing the proposed quarry for 13 years and have chosen to live in the area to enjoy its tranquillity, while businesses benefit from the tourism potential.

“With many having lost their houses and most having suffered property damage in the recent fires, there are other ways they would choose to spend their time now. They and the environment are vulnerable and need time to recover. The tourism appeal of the area will return. Green shoots are starting to appear, a Powerful Owl has again been seen … and Mt Cannibal’s amazing variety of orchids will again appear in a few months.

“We can only hope that the Government sides with the communities when making their decision on whether to allow it to proceed.”