Nillumbik has a new green space to enjoy with the official opening of the Eltham Gateway Project in Main Road.
Community members yesterday made the most of the beautiful autumn weather to help put the finishing touches to the park during a planting day and official opening.
The green space next to Eltham Lower Park includes extensive re-vegetation, a pathway and boardwalk to explore, meeting circles and seating, completely transforming what was had been a previously degraded area.
The rehabilitation works have seen the planting of thousands of new indigenous and native trees, shrubs and grasses.
Much of the timber and mulch used for fencing, seating and sleepers for the project were recycled from the dead, dying and weed species trees that were removed in October. Later this year, carvings will be created from the pine tree stumps that remain on site.
The public artwork now in place across the road near the flower stall will be officially lit up at night following a separate launch in early June.
There was a huge turnout of community members at yesterday’s community planting day, later enjoying a sausage sizzle put on by the Eltham Lions Club.
The Eltham Gateway Project has been a collaboration between Council, Eltham MP Vicki Ward, Major Road Projects Victoria and the Southern Gateway Renewal Group.
Hundreds of community members have had their input into the design of the project, which was completed by local company ID Landscaping.
The Eltham Gateway Project was funded by Nillumbik Shire Council and Major Road Projects Victoria.