LEONGATHA Railway Precinct was buzzing on Friday, as sausages and onions filled the air for a special joint official opening of the Leongatha and Korumburra railway precincts.
South Gippsland Shire Council executive director infrastructure sustainability, David Fice, opened proceedings, welcoming the crowd and federal ministers to one of the sites.
Federal Senator Jess Walsh – Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth was in attendance, so too Member for Monash, Mary Aldred MP, Mayor John Schelling, Cr Brad Snell and Cr Nathan Hersey, and representatives from Regional Development Australia Gippsland. Apologies were received by other councillors, ministers and of particular note, Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien, who was called to a last-minute sitting for parliament.
“This is a fantastic little project,” Senator Walsh exclaimed in her opening address, stepping in for colleague Minister for Infrastructure Hon Catherine King MP.
“The Commonwealth government has been really happy to be able to contribute $3 million to this project as part of our Building Better Regions fund, and I am here today to congratulate everyone who has been a part of it.”
Senator Walsh acknowledged the contributions by both state government ($2 million – Regional Development Victoria’s Regional Infrastructure Fund) and local council ($1 million – Capital Works Program), and spoke about the different aspects of the precinct in front of her.
“I really want to thank the people who made it happen, which is the workforce… Congratulations to the landscapers, trades, everyone who built this for the community,” the Senator said, acknowledging the Parks and Recreation team, who were in attendance.
Ms Aldred followed Senator Walsh, acknowledging the hard work of all involved, particularly Mr O’Brien.
“I know how tenacious [Danny O’Brien] is about fighting for local amenities and services,” Ms Aldred said.
“I’ve been to the railway market here in rain and shine, perhaps more rain over the winter than shine, but it is such a tremendous community asset, and I think for the retail precinct, just to be able to have staff and business owners come and have their lunch in a really lovely spot, for families looking for lovely open spaces with amenities to enjoy our wonderful community here. This is great. So from boots to suits, there are many people that have worked very hard to make this happen… Today is really special.”
Mayor Schelling was incredibly proud to see both precincts opened, and as the Sentinel-Times later discovered in conversation with Mayor Schelling and Cr Snell, is wrapped to see a bridge back at the Leongatha precinct with many childhood memories of the old one.
“This $6 million project has reinvigorated railway land in the heart of our towns to create more usable space for local communities,” Mayor Schelling said.
Discussing the redevelopment and the added benefit of additional car parking for both towns, Mayor Schelling highlighted the success of Leongatha at last month’s Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland event.
“It’s also great to see the Leongatha Rail Trail Community Market fill this area on the third Sunday of each month. A big thanks to all involved for taking the initiative to bring this well-attended market to Leongatha.”
The market is a roaring success with president Neil Barrett later saying to the Sentinel-Times that they’ve had great support from the community.
“It’s become an institution in this location with a big focus on local food. Where neighbours and friends meet.
“It’s exceeded expectations. At the old site, we were lucky if we’d get 500 people; now we get close to 3000.”
Not forgetting the official opening was in joint celebration of Leongatha and Korumburra, Cr Hersey highlighted Korumburra and the exciting future around the precinct.
“Korumburra’s precinct is looking exceptionally well, helps to bring the town together, connects the town and shopping precinct, and we expect that there will be some longer term economic benefits and values from having more parking, better accessibility around the rail trail and a more connected community,” he stated.
With plenty of scissors to hand, official delegates took to the red ribbon, with Senator Walsh given the honours of the large golden pair.
Leongatha Lions prepared a barbecue for after the official ribbon cutting, with delicious cupcakes also on offer.
Of side note, the Lions Club will be outside Bendigo Bank later this month selling their Christmas puddings and cakes, including gluten-free varieties, so pop along to support the fantastic local group, who jumped at the opportunity to help out on Friday for the opening.
