Kaniva park taking shape
SRFLR HFRQRPLF EHQH¿WV RI D $1.215-million Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park will soon VWDUW ÀRZLQJ LQWR WKH :LPPHUD¶V far west with construction of the project well underway.
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Wimmera landscaping contractor Landscape IT has been busy transforming the park on behalf of West Wimmera Shire Council.
The project represents one of the largest developments in Kaniva for many years.
After a clean up of park vegetation and clearing of dead and unsafe tree branches, the park is ready for installation of a new nature-based play VSDFH LQFOXGLQJ WKH À\LQJ IR[
Wetland enhancement is also a major part of the project and visitor DPHQLWLHV D SDUURW ÀLJKW DUHD DQG a native-forest fruits orchard are scheduled to be complete by late 2019.
Construction of a 750-metre walking track that weaves throughout the park and wetlands has also started.
On the Western Highway and within walking distance to the town centre, the Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park is designed as a major tourism amenity.
As well as providing a rest stop for travellers, the park’s function is to encourage people to visit the area for a wildlife experience.
It will also provide a community gathering area for Kaniva district people.
Work starting has meant authorities have had to close the park during construction.
Kaniva wetlands were established more than 30 years ago to aid in the FDSWXUH DQG ¿OWHULQJ RI VWRUPZDWHU
The area’s fauna park was developed about 10 years later to add to the interest of the area.
Federal and state governments, as well as the Kaniva community, have provided money for the development project.
7KH VXEMHFW RI VLJQL¿FDQW FRP munity support for many years, the project gained major traction in 2016 when the Federal Government announced it would pump more than $600,000 into helping make it happen.
The balance came from the State Government and West Wimmera Shire Council.
+LJK YROXPHV RI WUDI¿F EHWZHHQ Melbourne and Adelaide travel through Kaniva and the project is likely to establish a major respite stop for many on the Western Highway.
Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad said at the time of the Commonwealth funding the project was likely to provide long-term soFLDO DQG HFRQRPLF EHQH¿WV DQG JHQ erate tourism opportunities.
“It’s all about people who are driving through Kaniva to stop a little longer, to spend a little more and for the locals to have a great place to visit, which will be really good for children,” he said.