CRINIGAN BUSHLAND RESERVE

(Click Photos to enlarge)

 The 100 acre reserve situated on the northern edge of the township was the last patch of bush in the immediate vicinity of Morwell but it had been logged and left to become a tip.  Full of rubbish, it was used by trail bikes and four-wheel drives, and was generally abused.

 Peter Ryan, a resident who lived nearby, saw the potential of this site and gathered together a committee of 10 like minded people.  This committee gained local Council funding to have the area cleaned and regenerated.

 The Reserve is now fenced, roads made, and walking tracks which follow the contours constructed.  In addition, a shelter, tables and chairs, and breeding boxes for birds have been provided.  All this has been achieved as a result of help from various groups, community volunteers, and service organisations.  International Power Hazelwood donated materials for the tables, chairs and seats, and CORE personnel made them up.  Local businesses sponsored finished products.

 All schools in the area are Friends of the Reserve. Little Athletics, Traralgon Harriers, local football and soccer clubs all use it for training.  It is also popular with horse riders.  The theme is Mix it so all can use it.  We now have a passive recreation area for residents as well as sporting groups.  Plans are under way to link the Reserve to existing walking tracks within the town.

 Potholes caused by four-wheel drives have been left unfilled as home for the frogs that have settled in them.  Five of the six known Gippsland frog species live in the Reserve, and a census is held mainly at night four times a year involving a Melbourne academic and students from local schools.

 The shelter is used by many groups and individuals.  School students use it as an outdoor classroom, and are designing, creating and erecting a montage of animals and plants.

 The Reserve is now home for over 170 different plants including approximately 30 native orchids.  Native birds, and animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and wombats are starting to return.

 Several extra amenities have been added since 2006 including an information booth and extra shelters.  The committee continues to be aided by a large team of volunteers, and it has the continuing support of Council, sponsors and the community.