Premier Daniel Andrews has declared Canadian Regional Park will remain “forever part of the public estate” at the park’s official opening on Friday.
The election promise by the then opposition government followed a sustained campaign by Friends of the Canadian Corridor to save the land from developers.
“Since that time we could deliver on that commitment and give back to this community the certainty, the security to know that this 641 hectares will forever remain part of the public estate, for the public domain,” Mr Andrews said.
Wadawurrung elder Uncle Brian Powell land had begun “coming back” to the community.
“This is the first time I’ve been able to say to everyone the words ‘welcome to Wadawurrung land’.
“It’s been a long journey for Wadawurrung people, through developers, through commercial property, state government, now back to community.”
Buninyong MP Geoff Howard said discussions were ongoing for a Wadawurrung name for the park.
“Maybe it won’t always be under the name Canadian Regional Park.
“The Labor government and Parks Victoria will continue to work closely with community groups such as the Friends of Canadian Corridor and traditional owners to ensure we can create something truly special here.”
Mountain biking, dog walking and horse riding will be permitted in certain areas of the park after a crown legislation amendment The Crown Land Legislation was introduced into parliament last year.
Jessica Black
Ballarat journalist.
Ballarat journalist.
