BUSHFIRE RECOVERY AT CAPERTEE CONTINUES WITH OPENING OF NEW PICNIC AND PLAYGROUND AREA
Local residents in the Capertee Valley now have a new place to gather, play, exercise, and enjoy time outdoors.
Today, the close-knit community is cutting the ribbon on the Capertee Recreation Reserve, which features a fitness trail, cycling track, children’s playground and community picnic area.
The new outdoor space was funded with a $270,000 grant, co-funded by the previous Australian Government, awarded to the Capertee & District Progress Association through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Independent Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said the improvements to the park will bring all members of the community together to enjoy the sunshine.
“During the hellish Black Summer bushfires, the village of Capertee was almost reduced to ash,” said Mr Gee.
“In a nightmare scenario for local residents, the area became surrounded by blazes to the north, west and south. With no connection to town water, nor a bulk water tanker, local residents and RFS crew members showed extraordinary bravery, strength and fortitude to fight the flames and protect the much-loved place they call home.
“In the four years since that terrifying summer, the local community has achieved so much and continues to push forward.
“Last month, the community received the keys to a mammoth 9000L Category 6 water tanker which will help protect life, property and livestock in Capertee and the surrounding district during fire events for many years to come. The fire truck was purchased thanks to $500,000 in support from the previous Australian Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.
“Today, local residents are celebrating the completion of a spectacular new community playground which will be enjoyed by local residents for many generations to come.
“The project, which included establishing a fitness trail, cycling track, children’s playground and community picnic area, will provide locals with a wonderful place to gather, be active and enjoy time in the sunshine, while fostering pride in their beautiful corner of the country.
“Local kids will have a ball playing on the thrilling new playground, community members can step up their fitness on the active trail, and everyone can enjoy the relaxing picnic area.
“I was in Capertee during the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. In the years since the devastation, the local community has come together to turn that harrowing experience into a positive rebuilding process.
“Congratulations to the hardworking and enthusiastic volunteers at the Capertee and District Progress Association, and the many dedicated community members who have pitched in to make this project something the entire village, and the wider region, can truly be proud of,” Mr Gee said.
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Media Contact: Sinead Fogarty – 0417 852 386