Council & Politics
12 August, 2024
Community support, council project revives Stawell's Apex Arboretum
Landcare, Council unite for Stawell Apex Arboretum's restoration.
A group of dedicated volunteers breathes new life into a cherished piece of Stawell's history.
With the support of the Northern Grampians Shire Council, Stawell Urban Landcare is restoring the Stawell Apex Arboretum to its former glory.
The Arboretum, originally created in 1958 and opened in 1960, was the brainchild of Ian McCann, supported by the Stawell Field Naturalists Club.
It was established to promote the benefits of growing Australian native trees and shrubs suited to Stawell's climate and to serve as a recreational space for the community.
Sadly, the Arboretum has fallen into neglect over the years, but a dedicated effort by Stawell community members to restore it has been underway for the past three years.
The project aims to revive the Arboretum as an educational and recreational facility.
Stawell Urban Landcare president John Pye said countless hours had gone into the restoration project.
"The original aim of providing educational and cultural experiences as well as a recreational facility is back on track and as a community, we are excited and proud," he said.
"We are grateful for their support and that of Landmate and Stawell Urban Landcare members who have contributed more than 345 volunteer hours over the past 12 months removing over 125 cubic metres of dead branches, upgrading walking tracks and remediation of further erosion due to four wheel drive damage," he said.
The work to restore the Arboretum to its former glory is far from finished. Weeding and re-vegetation work still need to be done. Car parking facilities, including disability access, interpretative signage, seating, and picnic facilities, will be installed.
Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Rob Haswell restored space would be the town's pride.
"It is wonderful to see this beautiful asset come back to life with walks, restored native gardens and picnic facilities in the plans," Cr Haswell said.
"Tourists and local people alike will have an opportunity to see Australia's flora within the historic precinct of Stawell's goldmining history."
For further information or to express interest in this exciting project, contact Mr Pye on 0432 867 387.