By Matthew Sims
Plans for a state-of-the-art sustainability hub for Altona Meadows have received a boost following a $5.5 million commitment from the Liberal and National Government towards the construction of the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre.
Opposition leader Matthew Guy visited Altona Meadows on Friday, September 30 to announce the funding toward the development of the centre if the coalition was elected at November’s state election.
He said the centre would be a tourism attraction for the Altona Meadows community and would include immersive teaching and learning opportunities for all ages across dedicated classrooms and research facilities.
“An integral part of the Wetlands Centre is its capacity to host school children and teach them about the natural habitats and native species,” Mr Guy said.
“Thousands of species call the wetlands home, and with the construction of this important centre, they will be able to do so for years to come.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the project would still require a federal government commitment.
“The $16 million Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre is a key advocacy priority for Council, which has committed $5 million to the project and is seeking the remaining $11 million from the state and federal governments,” he said.
“With a strong community-based organisation behind it, the wetlands centre will be located at HD Graham Reserve in Altona Meadows, near internationally recognised Ramsar-listed Cheetham Wetlands and other biodiversity hotspots.”
Liberal candidate for Williamstown Daria Kellander said the centre would cement the west of Melbourne as an important sustainability hub.
“This is a great announcement for the community and only a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals government will ensure this local project gets done,” she said.
Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre development leader said the new hub would contribute to tourism, economic development, sustainability and education.
“It will benefit the west in a number of ways,” he said.
The project would also include the development of walking tracks, boardwalks and nature play areas, supporting more than 40 full-time jobs through the design and construction phase and utilising locally sourced materials where possible.
Details: hobsonsbaywetlandscentre.org.au or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Council/Advocacy-Priorities-2021-22/Hobsons-Bay-Wetlands-Centre
