Yarra Council’s bold plan to turn suburb’s eyesores into a tourist destination
Roadside eyesores and unused land in inner eastern suburbs could soon become tourist destinations if a bold plan by Yarra Council is approved.
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A “river of wildflowers” would be created on spare land or along roadways in Melbourne’s inner east under a proposal being considered by Yarra Council.
Wildflowers, preferably native, would be planted on unused land to help pollination and could become a tourist attraction.
A similar scheme in Rotherham, England, has an 13km sweep of wildflowers along road median strips, ending the need to cut grass and pull out weeds.
The idea comes from socialist councillor Stephen Jolly who said: “Protecting the environment doesn’t have to be all hair shirts and tofu sandwiches.
“A flower park is not only beautiful but helps protect insects and pollinators. It’ll become a tourist attraction.”
One possible location was on Lower Heidelberg Rd, Clifton Hill, either on the median strip or on the road’s edge, Cr Jolly said.
“The idea is to use land that is not used and could become a bed for flowers.’’
Expert advice would be sought on the mix, type and quantity of flowers needed for each location.
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Sowing wildflowers would reduce the need for council to mow grass or maintain verges.
The Rotherham flowers project has saved its local council more than $45,000 in maintenance costs.
The South Yorkshire town’s “river of flowers” has won awards and improved tourism numbers.
Yarra would consult with other agencies such as VicRoads and neighbouring councils to make the concept happen, Cr Jolly said.
The proposal is soon to go out to consultation to residents in the City of Yarra.