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Project begins - The work will enhance a beautiful tourism site |
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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 16 November 2007 |
With the sound of a large excavator at work, stage 2 of the $500,000
Mapleton Lilyponds beautification project is underway. Maroochy
council has secured a grant of $100,000 from the Australian
Government’s Tourism Development Program to help restore the lily ponds
at Mapleton to their former glory. Council will be contributing
$100,000 to the beautification and landscaping of the lily ponds as
well as investing $450,000 in engineering works to redesign and reshape
the ponds.
For the next four months, the lily pond system in the town centre will be reshaped, deepened, replanted, landscaped and most importantly freed of the choking salvinia weed infestation.
“This project will greatly enhance an already beautiful area and recognises the commitment this council places in enhancing our hinterland area,” mayor Joe Natoli said.
Division 1 councillor Greg Rogerson, who played a major role in promoting the project, said: ”Restoring the centre piece in the Mapleton crown will affirm the town’s identity as an iconic tourist destination and generate a true sense of pride within the local community.”
The lily ponds consist of three shallow lakes that were constructed for landscape and recreational use in the 1980s. Proliferation of the noxious weed, salvinia and a decline in water quality at this prime tourist spot has prompted extensive community discussion and research to formulate plans to re-establish and improve the ponds.
Council sought federal funding to act on those key areas, which were identified for improvement. Improved water quality was high on the list of priorities as was the removing of noxious weeds, reducing water evaporation and improving water retention. As well as restoring the lily ponds to their natural beauty, an abundance of native flora and fauna is expected to return to the area following the improvements.
New owners of the Fish Tales Seafood Café – which borders one side of the main pond- Chris Garvie, applauded the council’s decision to revamp the area. “ The time to accelerate Mapleton’s development as the northern gateway to the Blackall Range is right now, and this project can only help enhance the town and help boost employment opportunities for young people here,” Mr Garvie said..
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Last Updated ( Friday, 16 November 2007 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
