January 10, 2017
Construction of a new 130-metre fence along the roadside boundary of the Paynesville Cemetery has just been finished.
And work to plant trees and shrubs along the fence is now ready to start.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the project was partly funded with a $5000 grant from the Federal Government’s #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Program.
“The cemetery is in a high-profile location on a major road, so screening plants are important to give privacy to mourners and also improve the appearance of the streetscape,” Mr Chester said.
“I want to congratulate those who volunteered their time and energy to ensure the fence was painted and erected and also those who’ve put up their hand to help out with the planting.”
Chairman of the Paynesville Cemetery Trust John Fox said the old fence needed to be replaced.
“The old fence was more than 20 years old. It was rotten in places and some of the rails were falling down,” said Mr Fox.
“The fence has been replaced with a new four-rail fence painted heritage green, so it’s the same style and colour as the old fence.
“We’ll be planting a mixture of natives and non-natives along the fence line. In years to come, we hope it will grow into an attractive roadside feature.”
Mr Chester said the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Program provided $300,000 for Gippsland projects that provided social benefits and improved community participation.
“Nearly 40 community groups and organisations in Gippsland have received funding for a diverse range of projects to improve infrastructure in our communities,” Mr Chester said.
Caption: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester met with Paynesville Cemetery Trust Secretary Rachel Wagstaff, Chairman John Fox and Vice-Chairman Ray Ferres to discuss the improvements to the cemetery’s boundary.
