One of Mt Gambier’s major landmarks, the Leg of Mutton Lake site, is to be restored as a major tourist and community attraction under a Green Corps program being launched in the region by leading community services group, Mission Australia, in partnership with the City of Mt Gambier.

Mission Australia’s State Manager Mark Herselman said the Leg of Mutton Lake Conservation Program would ensure this unique area was preserved and recognised at a State and regional level as the ‘home’ of commercial forestry.

The 26 week program, to involve ten local participants aged from 17-20 years old, would also take the first steps to establish a Community Garden at the Old Gaol site, to give residents of all ages and interests the chance to enjoy the benefits of working together in shared space.

“This is a very exciting project which will not only deliver clear benefits to the Mount Gambier community, but also of course provide valuable training for local young people,” Mr Herselman said.

Green Corps is an Australian Government youth development and environmental training program, administered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Heritage.

It provides young people with the opportunity to volunteer their time and effort to conserve, preserve and restore Australia’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

Participants receive a training allowance, uniforms, safety equipment and nationally accredited training (Certificate 2 in Horticulture, Senior First Aid Certificate) in return for their commitment.

The Leg of Mutton Lake was the site of the original forestry nursery established in the 1870s, where many tree species were trialled with a view to establishing tree plantations in the region. Since the nursery ceased operating in the 1930s, the area has become overgrown. Under Mission Australia’s Green Corps project, it will be restored to its original shape.

The community conservation project, expected to begin this month (February), is one of six being currently launched for 2007 by Mission Australia across South Australia. Another, based in the Riverland, is close to completion.

“We’re expecting strong interest from young people wanting to be involved in the project in Mount Gambier,” Mr Herselman said. “This is a great opportunity for them to develop new horticultural and construction skills, which will also help address the regional skills shortage.”

The environmental and heritage aims of the project will be to:

• remove weed species
• revegetate the steep and eroding slopes of the crater with endemic species
• create buffer protection zones around historic remnant forest trees
• upgrade walking and access tracks
• install timber seating
• install educational signage
• preserve areas around the original nursery shed and nurseryman’s cottage
• commence establishment of a community garden

It will provide opportunities for young participants to develop skills and knowledge in:

• environmental protection and management
• working with timber for fencing, outdoor furniture and signage
• horticulture and construction
• leadership, team building and time management, and
• engaging with the local community

For more information, please contact:

Mark Herselman, Mission Australia State Manager, (08) 8218 2800 or 0403 183 002 or Chris Rann, Rann Communication, (08) 8211 7771