By Rowan Forster
Preliminary works on Pakenham’s state-of-the-art indigenous plant nursery are taking shape, with the Cardinia Environment Coalition (CEC) securing more than $220,000 in funding.
Set to complement the Deep Creek Reserve development, the 48-hectare property will feature a retail plant area, education space, a work area for community volunteers and a sterile plant growing area.
However, the CEC face a significant hurdle bringing the vision to life – a $400,000 price tag.
In attempts to fundraise the remaining $180,000, the group has joined forces with Toomuc Landcare, Pakenham Rotary and Inner Wheel.
The importance of the nursery has been highlighted in wake of the earmarked Pakenham East development, which will bump the suburb’s population up approximately 20,000.
CEC president Elizabeth Fraser said it would function as a community hub – particularly for newcomers to the area and students enthusiastic to get their hands dirty.
“There will be a demonstration wetland for teaching purposes and major wetland redevelopment across the area to provide habitat for growling grass frogs, endangered plants and other species,” she said.
“There will be a kick about area and in time an indigenous plant, seed and bush food orchard.
“To add to the wonderful use of this area for environmental teaching and community volunteers, there will be an indigenous plant nursery run by the CEC.”
A whopping $200,000 was donated by the Andrews Foundation, a philanthropic trust for public charitable purposes.
The group will donate an additional $100,000 if community groups can match the initial $200,000 donation.
The latest non-for-profits on board are trying their best to reach that goal.
‘The CEC extends its grateful thanks to the Toomuc Landcare Group who started the wonderful community response of donations,” Mrs Fraser said.
“The Rotary Club of Pakenham has made a generous donation to both the CEC nursery and to the success of the Deep Creek Complex generally.
“Inner Wheel Pakenham is our most recent valuable community donor.”
Noel Martin, the chairman of trustees at the Andrews Foundation, said the trust was pleased to support the CEC with this project.
“The nursery forms one of the major components of an expansive environmental development of the reserve involving Cardinia Shire Council, the Pakenham Golf Club and CEC,” Mr Martin said.
Once complete, Deep Creek Reserve will also be home to Cardinia Shire’s largest all-abilities playground, featuring a series of structures to cater to different mobility levels and play spaces with visual and tactile learning displays.
Vast community gardens, an interactive maze, wetlands and walking trails are also planned for the reserve, while Pakenham Golf Club, which shares land with the site, will also co-locate its golf club house in the eco building.
It is expected to be completed mid-2019.
