The state government has finalised its purchase of Hanging Rock’s East Paddock and released a new masterplan, which it says will further protect the cultural significance of the site.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt on Friday announced the negotiated price of just under $3 million – deemed by council’s appointed valuer as suitable and within market range – would provide a clear pathway for the future management of the iconic Hanging Rock.
Ms Stitt said the newly acquired East Paddock would officially be integrated into the Hanging Rock Reserve to ensure the precinct remained protected for years to come.
“This Master Plan and the purchase of East Paddock moves us closer to achieving long-term protection for Hanging Rock,” Ms Stitt said.
“We are getting on with implementing the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan to ensure the development and management of Hanging Rock remains sustainable for years to come.”
The move has been welcomed by Hanging Rock Action Group members who have long campaigned for the paddock to be incorporated into Hanging Rock Reserve, but the local cricket, petanque and tennis clubs, which will be forced to move offsite, remain bitterly disappointed with the plan.
Hanging Rock Cricket Club president Peter Walsh said it was a terrible time to hear the news after the club had spent the past two years “fighting a good fight” to keep its home.
“From a club point of view, it’s a terrible time heading into the preseason,” Mr Walsh said.
“They’re saying we’ll have a five-year transition and I’m expecting we’ll need all of that time because at the moment, we don’t have a home.
“Council has stated it is looking to purchase a parcel of land nearby and we can only hope that comes to fruition and it’s within a stone’s throw of the Rock.
“There’s not much point if it’s not close by because we are Hanging Rock Cricket Club.”
Hanging Rock Action Group member Matthew Nickson said the government and the council were to be congratulated on concluding the transfer of the East Paddock to be incorporated as Crown Land into the reserve.
“The transfer was always the original intention of the Shire of Newham and Woodend when the land was purchased in 1989,” he said.
“The outcome has been the direct result of community action and shows what community when working together can achieve.
“This announcement today is 10 days short of a decade since the council, on August 28, 2013, first proposed investigating a development in the East Paddock, so it’s been a long time coming.”
Mr Nickson said the Master Plan was still a work in progress and would require significant funding to achieve its aims.
“Minister Stitt did say there were 1300 submissions to the draft master plan, so that shows the level of engagement from the community,” he said.
The plan says events at the East Paddock will be carefully managed to limit impacts on nature and the surrounding environment.
It also outlines future developments to protect the natural environment and improve the visitor experience, including a new revegetated ’Songline’ walking trail and a visitor centre that will act as a hub for dining and education purposes.
