Green gets go

By Tania Martin
A $374,000 environment centre project to revitalise Gembrook’s Gilwell Park is set to create more than 18 local jobs.
The cash was announced last month as part of the Federal Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund.
Employment Participation Minister Mark Arbib said the funding would help to stimulate the local economy in the areas hardest hit by the global recession.
“This project will create jobs and training opportunities for local workers and lasting infrastructure for the community,” he said.
Park business manager Bill Oakleigh said the cash would go a long way toward reinvigorating the park.
Mr Oakleigh said the upgrade would involve building an environmental centre which would be the ‘front door’ to the park.
“It will also be a visitor reception point,” he said.
“We are also hoping to boost local jobs as much as we can.”
Mr Oakleigh said the project was also part of the plan to open the 450-acre park in Launching Place Road up to the local community and visitors.
It is currently used as a school and youth camp and for outdoor activities.
But, Mr Oakleigh said no-one realised the park was available to the general public.
Mr Oakleigh said the park management hoped to work with Puffing Billy to boost visitors to the park.
“Maybe we could do some sort of deals for tourists,” he said.
Mr Oakleigh said the environment centre would be used as a training hall and would also have four separate rooms for classrooms and conferences.
Mr Oakleigh said the centre would be built above the current campfire ceremony area.
“We are very keen for Gilwell to be used more…it’s a tremendous resource and we want to see schools and locals come here and wander through the ground – get back to nature,” Mr Oakleigh said.
Mr Oakleigh said although the Federal Government had forecast the park upgrade would create an extra 18 jobs, he expected it would be a lot more.
He has just returned from a similar camp in Brisbane which was half the size of Gilwell, which after 10 years had 38 full-time staff.
“It shows we have the opportunity to employ even more at Gilwell – at least 50,” Mr Oakleigh said.