The land was originally donated to the community for the purposes of recreation 40 years ago but has been leased out for beef farming ever since.

With growing concern about the environment, climate and recreation, the local community has created a master plan to unleash the site’s potential to enhance local wellness.

Stage One of the project is a PRE-FUNDED bio-diverse carbon forest. Using existing carbon emission reduction funding the plan is to plant the new forest with trees, shrubs and understorey that will draw down carbon as well as provide habitat for animals, birds and insects. The project has been designed to accommodate nature-based recreation such as walking, running and mountain biking.

WHAT THE PROJECT NEEDS

DELWP (Dept Environment Land Water & Planning) currently own the site. The community have requested a 100 year lease on the site to develop and maintain the forest.

We want a simple land lease. The project will be run as a ‘Not for Profit’ and has been designed as an economically sustainable model from day one.

The project aligns with Mornington Peninsula Shire’s ‘Climate Emergency’ ‘Community Wellbeing Plan’ and proposed ‘Agroecology Policy’

WHY US?

Because we are a community group who understand that the land has not been used for the purposes it was donated for. We have a commercially viable, pre-funded project which is shovel ready.

Because taking local climate action is critically important.

Because people value nature based recreation.

Because the environment is invaluable. 

Drop us an email to start a conversation about how you can become involved.

community@dromana.org.au

A Local Project Driven by Local People

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

The State Government is under increasing pressure to sell off land that was set aside for community use to developers. We want to reclaim ‘Pat’s Paddocks’ for community recreation and environmental benefit.

If the community sits by and does nothing these valuable community assets will be lost forever.

The local community recently rallied together and convinced the Ross Trust not to develop a second quarry on Arthur’s Seat – So positive outcomes are possible.

We are putting out a call for your support to ensure the State Government understand our community have a ‘shovel ready’ and pre-funded nature-based project for this site.

This is the 100-acre paddock the community wants to develop into a community carbon forest project. It was donated to the community by Hillview Quarries 40 years ago for the purposes of ‘Public Recreation’

Since then it has been managed by Parks Victoria and leased out to a local farmer for cattle grazing.

Our master plan is a self-funded layered approach that can be implemented in 2022. All we need is a 100year lease to enable the forest to be planted. The other components such as pathways, car parking, seating and activity areas are planned for in stage two.

The park will be FREE to use and open year-round for visitors and local people.

The land is located at 161 Boundary Road, Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula. The proposed forest will integrate directly into the Arthur’s Seat State Park and will enhance the biodiversity, habitat and nature based recreation opportunity of the local area.

The project is PRE-FUNDED using carbon emission reduction scheme credits.

FUTURE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The plan is to offer interested individuals, groups, businesses and organisations the opportunity to sponsor a range of project elements. The trees can be used to offset carbon footprints as well as creating a significant and valuable nature-based recreational parkland.

Each of the other potential sponsorship opportunities can provide a memorial for a loved one or a way to contribute to the fabric of this project.

Drop us a line if you would like to know more about how you can support this project.

community@dromana.org.au