Huon Hill Parklands update

Houn Hill Parklands currently encompasses approximately 300 ha of public open space, transferred from Albury Wodonga Development Corporation to parklands to be developed for recreation and conservation purposes. The parklands provide absolutely stunning 360 degree panoramic views over Wodonga, Albury, Lake Hume, Mt Bogong and the Murray and Kiewa river valleys.

An important part of the development of this parkland was a land swap with the Watson Family, For the land where the picnic area is now located. In addition to this, the Watsons donated a number of large timber posts (from original de Kerilleau shearing shed) for the construction of the distinctive picnic shelter.

As part of the future development of nearby housing estates surrounding the parklands, land is in the process of being transferred to regional parklands. Once this transfer has taken place, the total parkland area will include the three summits and land above the 220 contour line.

The development of the facilities within the Houn hill parklands was a community based partnership between City of Wodonga, the rotary Clubs of West Wodonga, Wodonga and the Belvoir-Wodonga, and the parklands.  The Rotary Clubs undertook a great deal of work in constructing the lookouts, shelters tracks, with the assistance given by a number of local businesses. The lookouts provide excellent vistas over Wodonga, the Kiewa Valley and Hume Dam.

Early funding was sourced from Business Victoria through the Community Support Fund for $50,000. The three major partners then provided an additional $25,000 In cash or ‘in kind’ support.

Regional Skills, through the work for the dole program, has undertaken extensive fencing, both demolition and construction within the parkland area.

The border bushwalking club held a weekend event at the park in 2004, where they installed a number of track markers, styles and a picnic table for the new Summit –Watson’s Hills Track.

In the future a series of walking tracks will be constructed to link the three summits. Houn hill Parklands is destined to be a major tourist attraction to the region, and a great asset to the cummunity.

With maintenance of the facilities and weed management an ongoing task, vounteer helpers and the 2005 green Corps team have worked tirelessly. Parklands is always looking in interested helpers to assist with this type of work. F

or further information contact Reg Hinton at Parklands on 02 6023 4417.