A new report has prioritised 77 community green spaces across 33 Wimmera Southern Mallee towns to be prioritised for drought protection.
Based on information from six shires, the Midday at the Oasis – Wimmera Green Spaces report also considers green space gaps and development opportunities.
Midday at the Oasis was led by Wimmera Catchment management Authority and is one of 11 drought resilience projects co-ordinated by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development through funding from Agriculture Victoria’s Regional Drought Resilience Program.
Six participating council scored spaces based on a range of factors including shade, water and facilities, historic use, vegetation, capacity and services.
They were also asked to identify and to suggest any shovel-ready schemes for future funding.
Horsham Rural City identified the municipality’s evolving recycled-water or ‘purple-pipe’ network as a significant opportunity to maintain or develop community parkland and facilities.
Further, it prioritised four sites at Dudley Cornell Park, the Riverfront and Gardens Precinct, May Park and Natimuk Showgrounds.
Yarriambiack listed 16 sites: one site in Murtoa, Yaapeet and Beulah, two in Hopetoun and Brim, and three in Minyip, Hopetoun and Warracknabeal.
Hindmarsh identified eight sites, including two spaces each at Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit and Rainbow, with a shovel-ready project at Jeparit Swimming pool
West Wimmera flagged 13 sides including two projects at Kaniva, Edenhope, Apsley and Serviceton, one at Goroke and four at Harrow. These included four shovel ready projects.
Buloke prioritised 15 sites in total, three at Birchip, Donald, Charlton, Wycheproof and Sea Lake. Five of these were deemed ready for further development.
Northern Grampians selected 21 sites across eight towns, including four projects which were ready for development.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority CEO, David Brennan, said green spaces helped with social connection, liveability and good mental health, especially in times of drought.
“We regularly experience drought, and by selecting sites to be retained in dry years times, councils will help support communities in difficult times.”
WSM Development CEO Chris Sounness said the project illustrated the benefits of Wimmera Southern Mallee Development’s strong collaborating with Local Government amplifying many voices to build drought resilience, especially in good times. It was well received at the recent Drought Ready Think Tank event.
“Community members have told us they are keen to build on this report and its process, which we also believe could easily replicated in other areas across the state.”