Lift-off for major new parklands projects.

Work is pressing a head on a range of new regional parklands across Albury-Wodonga as development of Parklands projects gather momentum.

Volunteers are partnering parklands' personal in planning and assisting with development work.

Major projects are currently underway at Gateway Island and Huon Hill, south of the Murray, and at Eght-Mile Creek and tributaries, north of Thurgoona. Additional smaller projects, including the development of walking trails and associated maps, are being undertaken. More projects are on the drawing board.

parklands' $260,000 program for 1999-2000 is being enhanced by salaried support from about 20 Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) participants (two days per week) and 45 Work for the Dole (WFD) participants (two to three days per week).

In addition the Rotary Clubs of Wodonga, Wodonga West, and Belvoir Wodonga are contributing thousands of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours towards the development of the Huon Hill and Lower Kiewa projects.

Riveriana Institute of TAFE (RIT) has managed the Natural Heritage Trust project at Eight -Mile Creek for Parklands in the past 18 months. It has also involved its Environment Centre students in the project and assisted Regional Skills Inc. to train WFD participants in elements of environmental management and farm equipment operation.

The WFD team erected more than 20km of fencing and surveyed more than 80ha for heritage sites, flora and fauna, endangered species, plant and animal pests, and erosion.

The team also planted 9000 under story native plants, built outdoors furniture, relocated a segment of the Hume and Hovell Trail and mapped all their survey and development work.

Although the WFD team completed most of the work, they are being assisted by RIT students and Staff and CDEP participants.

parklands Chairman Mr. Ron Dennis paid tribute to participants and surpervisors for their commitment and dedication.

In particular, he acknowledged the efforts of Mick Scolyer from Parklands, Bob Looby (CDEP Supervision) from Goulbourn-Ovens TAFE, Rob Johnson-Turner (WFD Supervisor from Regional Skills Inc., and Rob Fenton and Keith McDonald from RIT.

Footnote: Fencing,signage, and maintenance skills are being provided for parklands projects by Community Development Project workers.

Other CDEP- assisted projects include Gateway Island, Bonegilla Rail Trail and McFarlanes Hill. CDEP schemes aim to improve work and management skills and increase employment opportunities for indigenous Australians.