Shadow minister for environment and climate change Mary Woolridge, Friends of Emerald Lake Park Heather and Bill Whitbourn and Gembrook candidate Brad Battin.By Nicole Williams
EMERALD Lake Park may be better protected in the upcoming bush fire season, if the Coalition government is successful in the state election.
Shadow minister for environment and climate change Mary Woolridge visited the park last Thursday to announce $600,000 in funding if the Liberals won power.
“A Liberal National Coalition Government will commit $600,000 to implement vegetation, bushfire and weed control plans at the historical Emerald Lake Park,” she said.
Supported by Gembrook candidate Brad Battin and Friends of Emerald Lake Park members Heather and Bill Whitbourn, Ms Woolridge stressed the importance of a weed management plan in place in time for the bushfire season.
The $600,000 will include funding for the weed management program and for the implementation of the Arboretum management plan put forward by Cardinia Council.
Mr Battin highlighted the historical significance of the park and its importance in the community.
The park provides unique natural, historical and recreational experiences for local, interstate and international visitors, he said.
“It is a very big project for the future of the park,” said Mr Battin.
The Friends of Emerald Lake Park currently undertake gardening, weeding and maintenance on behalf of the park, putting in more than 300 hours of work a year.
“We’ve spent many hours in this park,” said Mrs Whitbourn.
“A lot goes on behind the scenes that visitors don’t know about.”
According to Mr and Mrs Whitbourn, the funding will help preserve the beauty of park for future generations and from bushfires.
