Call for park ‘centre’

ERIN PEARSON
TORQUAY’S Grass Tree Park should become a “first-class” environmental education precinct with accommodation and cycling facilities, according to a Surf Coast councillor.
Joe Remenyi is calling for public support for the proposal following a vandal attack on the park.
The council land off Surf Coast Hwy is home to rare native grass trees and a former rubbish tip.
Cr Remenyi said his proposal could provide environmental lessons to children from across the state.
“My vision is that Grass Tree Park be developed into an environmental precinct with provisions for cycling, almost like a velodrome surrounding the park to provide a boundary.
“School children from all over Victoria could come here to learn about grass trees and coastal environments.
“If we had facilities there children could stay two or three nights camping or in cabins built on the old tip site, so you wouldn’t have to remove any native vegetation.”
Geelong Environment Council President Joan Lindros supported the proposal.
“I think the idea is good because it’s important the younger generation appreciates what they’ve got,” Ms Lindros said.
But she warned that planning would have to protect native vegetation.
Some of the grass trees were over 100 years old, Ms Lindros said.
“Grass tree trunks are hundreds of years old and have survived fires in the past. They only grow about 1cm every 10 years, so you can’t just plant seeds and grow them.
“They’re so precious, unusual and only occur in Australia.”
Bike Safe president Barton van Laar also backed the proposal as long as it had “sensible planning”.
Including a cycling facility would “benefit the whole community”, he said.
“The type of track built would determine who could cycle on it. Gravel paths are used by hybrid bikes and mountain bikes but road bikes need concrete,” Mr van Laar said.
“Cycling is a sustainable form of transport that’s growing in popularity at unprecedented rates and more infrastructure is needed to service the community’s needs.
“New infrastructure is also a boon for attracting more cycling tourists, which is the fastest growing regional tourism sector in Australia.”