Highett CSIRO site: Grassy Woodland rejuvenation work to begin early 2019
THE revitalisation of the Highett Grassy Woodland will begin almost two decades after a community campaign to save it got off the ground.
Inner South
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THE revitalisation of the Highett Grassy Woodland will begin almost two decades after a community campaign to save it got off the ground.
Friends of the Highett Grassy Woodland spokesman Michael Norris started a lone campaign 20 years ago to save the Woodlands.
Over the years he garnered support from community members and politicians from all levels of government.
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Mr Norris has cautiously welcomed news that his group and Bayside Council will be able to access the Woodland’s 3ha section of the former CSIRO site to start revegetation works by early 2019.
“We look forward to working with the community and the council to guide how the Woodland is revitalised,” he said.
“Our group had the support of so many people so I would like to thank all the people and politicians who helped make this possible.”
Mr Norris envisioned the Woodland would be flush with trees, bushes, grasses and flowering plants when the revitalisation was complete.
It will also have indigenous gardens interweaved with footpaths and bike tracks.
“This could take years because we’re not sure what we’re going to find but I’m excited to get in there and have a look,” Mr Norris said.
“The early work will be a lot of careful weeding and watching I reckon but in a few years it will be a lovely peaceful place where you can go and escape.”
The Woodland is home to several heritage listed trees — some more than 300 years old.
The CSIRO is in the process of demolishing and clearing all old buildings as it prepares to sell the 9.2 ha site to a developer.
The sale process is expected to start in early 2019 but the council can gain access to the Grassy Woodland once the clean-up is complete.
The work, which includes the removal of potentially hazardous materials such as lead paint and asbestos, is expected to be complete shortly.
The 3ha Grassy Woodland transfer of title will occur no longer than 12 months after settlement.
The council will also be given 1ha of land for open space use and can purchase an additional 3500 sq m patch of land.
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