Northern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to support Stawell Urban Landcare to rejuvenate and restore the Stawell Apex Arboretum that was created in 1958 and opened in 1960 by the Stawell Apex Club.
The Arboretum was the inspiration of Ian McCann and supported by the Stawell Field Naturalists Club. Its purpose was to raise awareness of the advantage of growing Australian Native trees and shrubs suitable for Stawell's climatic conditions as well as providing a recreational facility.
Unfortunately, the Arboretum was sadly neglected, but over the past 3 years, Stawell community members have worked to bring it back to an educational and recreational facility that has pride of place in Stawell.
"It is wonderful to see this beautiful asset come back to life with walks, restored native gardens and picnic facilities in the plans. Tourists and local people alike will have an opportunity to see Australia's flora within the historic precinct of Stawell's goldmining history," Councillor Rob Haswell, Mayor of Northern Grampians Shire Council said.
"Stawell Urban Landcare Group has a memorandum of understanding with the Northern Grampians Shire Council that leases the land and provides support and expertise," John Pye, President of Stawell Urban Landcare said.
"We are grateful for their support and that of Landmate and Stawell Urban Landcare members who have contributed more than 345 volunteer hours over the past 12 months removing over 125 cubic metres of dead branches, upgrading walking tracks and remediation of further erosion due to four wheel drive damage".
The work to restore the Arboretum to its former glory is far from finished, with weeding and re-vegetation work still to be done. And car parking facilities including disability access, interpretative signage, seating and picnic facilities in the near future.
"The original aim of providing educational and cultural experiences as well as a recreational facility is back on track and as a community, we are excited and proud, John Pye added.
