A much-loved Sale environmental asset will get a major overhaul if the Coalition wins the Federal election, compliments of a $2 million grant.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has confirmed an election commitment to replace the Sale Common Wetlands boardwalk which has been decommissioned due to safety reasons by Parks Victoria.
Mr Chester said the funding would finish the outstanding work by the Rotary Clubs of Sale and the Sale Friends of the Wetlands.
“The community has led the way in the development of the tracks and trails which are a feature of the 150-hectare Sale Common,” Mr Chester said.
“A boardwalk built in 1993 has been decommissioned due to safety considerations by Parks Victoria, and there’s no State Government funding to get the job done.
“The community has been working to reinstate access as part of the ongoing development of walking trails on this environmentally significant site, linked to the Gippsland Lakes.
“Rebuilding the boardwalk will improve access for everyone seeking to experience the wetlands. The most recent development, the Flooding Creek Track, was funded by the previous Coalition Government and has taken six years to develop in collaboration with Parks Victoria, Council, Rotary and Sale Friends of the Wetlands. The extensions include a connection to the in-town walking trails adjoining Lake Guyatt to the Common.”
Sale Friends of the Wetlands President Philip Davis said the funding commitment was a huge boost for the volunteer effort.
“When functional, crossing the boardwalk provides access to a circuit of the Sale Common of 10km, including the River Heritage and Wetlands Trail, which incorporates several other boardwalks giving unique access to an extraordinary array of plants, animals, and bird species. All of this is within walking distance of the centre of Sale,” Mr Davis explained.
“Over the past 20 years, a network of trails has been developed around the Sale Common, Lakes Guthridge and Guyatt and the Sale Canal by the Rotary Clubs of Sale, along with the land managers, the Wellington Shire and Parks Victoria.
“Installing a new boardwalk will add the finishing touch to a project that has enjoyed enormous community support for decades.”
