Bundaleer Forest

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:02): My question—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Don't be diverted by interjections.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister inform the chamber about her recent visit to Bundaleer to announce funding for the Bundaleer Forest picnic ground community project?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:03): I thank the honourable member for his question. Late last month, I visited the stunning Bundaleer Forest Reserve to make a very exciting funding announcement to the community. The Bundaleer Forest picnic ground is receiving a total of $1.22 million in state government investment, made up of two separate grants: a special $860,000 Bundaleer Picnic Ground essential works grant and, on top of that, $360,000 from the Enabling Infrastructure Program.

The state government is committed to our regions and understands the importance of regional communities to the state's prosperity. For that reason, during the parliamentary break I also offered a further round of the Enabling Infrastructure Program for expressions of interest, which closed on 22 August. I am very excited to see what new projects are proposed for funding from the state government, and I look forward to working with the Regional Development Association to invite standout projects to make a full application.

The funding for the Bundaleer Forest Community Areas Association will allow for major projects to be undertaken at the picnic ground, including the installation of accessible toilets, a water supply system for the public toilets and fire tanks, boundary and other fencing, fire track creek crossing repair, arboreal assessment and treatment, a reticulation system, solar panel pump and battery and a storage shed for fire prevention equipment, tools and chemicals.

It is important to acknowledge the outstanding work, the incredible work, of the association volunteers in protecting the future of this important community space. I want to particularly acknowledge the work of the association chair, Greg Boston, and association board member Mel Kitschke. The advocacy of the board for Bundaleer and for the community has played an integral role in the pursuit of this project and others, such as the recent Maple & Pine function centre and the nature playground.

Without the passionate work of the board members, the Bundaleer Picnic Ground would not be what it is today. The works protect the future of the Bundaleer Picnic Ground and ensure that the grounds are safe for use by, for example, forest kindy and forest school. I am told that forest kindy, in particular, is very popular among the children at their local early education childhood centre and provides valuable learning opportunities, as well as an opportunity for the children to connect with culture and learn about the traditional owners, the Nukunu and Ngadjuri nations.

It is also important to note the significance of Bundaleer Forest to the local community. It is the country's first plantation forest and is an extremely valuable recreational and wellbeing space for residents. The forest is used by the community and tourists alike for nature walks, bike riding, picnics and barbecues, cricket and tennis, as well as offering a place of peace and quiet. Moreover, it is expected that the works will serve to provide more tourism opportunities, increase confidence for local businesses and expand opportunities for new and existing businesses with growing numbers of tourists in the area.

In addition to the provision of funding for the essential works, the transfer of ownership of the Bundaleer Picnic Ground community precinct to the association is underway. The transfer of ownership will put it into the hands of the association, which understands the particular needs of the local community and protects this important space so that it may be enjoyed long into the future.

The state government funding for the works will serve to make this space even better than it already is, making it safer and more accessible so that more people can experience the wondrous natural environment of the Bundaleer Forest. The local community should be immensely proud of what they have achieved for the future of Bundaleer. Their advocacy and efforts have resulted in this project, which will serve to provide more tourism opportunities, increase confidence for local businesses, as I said, and expand opportunities for new and existing businesses with the growing number of tourists. I commend the members of the association for their advocacy to help to secure the site's future for the community.