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May 2016

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COLONY47 HAS put forth a proposal to Meander Valley Council on enhancing the northern bank of the Meander River along the walkway from the Train Park to the swimming pool.

The Launceston- based organisation’s standing mission is to create a fairer community, eliminate disadvantage and improve the lives of Tasmanians. This includes working with the Meander Valley Aboriginal Community.

The proposal has a two-fold aim. Firstly, it proposes to include a Bush Tucker-cum-Native food trail at several unused locations along the Meander River walkway, allowing the public to sample many of these plantings.

The sites proposed for the Bush Tucker stations are small in size and the organisation has consulted with and taken advice from professional experts in the horticultural field regarding suitable plantings and to make sure existing highly valued trees in the park will not be impacted in any way.

The sites include two small areas either side of the rail and the Emu Bay Rd bridges and along the bank in front of the pool.

Secondly, to further promote Deloraine as the hub for arts and crafts, the organisation proposes four low-impact attractions:

• Eight life-sized Tasmanian native animal sculptures in bronze cast by renowned local sculptor John Parish.

• Earth-hued handmade pavers bearing a motif to be designed and made by an Aboriginal artist and Elder in conjunction with children from the Deloraine schools and another local artist.

• A discreet mosaic mural in softly muted tones to reflect the river’s beauty, as well as enhance and beautify the existing concrete walls.

• An Aboriginal Healing- cum-Yarning Circle where people can come together and sit by the river to yarn or reflect.

This project is envisioned to have at its heart a community-wide focus involving Council, community organisations, local schools, businesses and community members.

Colony47 has consulted and presented its idea widely with Council, Aboriginal Elders, community members and local schools, receiving many letters of support and a valued donation from Deloraine Rotary for the project. It has also secured a major funding source.

It aims to ensure its proposal fits in neatly and enhances the existing walkway and beautiful parkland already in place. There are no plans to alter existing vegetation along the pathway while achieving a unique, interesting and welcome addition to the area for community members and visitors.

To determine its project’s positive community benefits, you are invited to attend Colony47’s information sessions at the Deloraine Train Park on these dates:

18th May: 4.00pm - 5.00 pm; 25th May 11.00 am - 12noon