Memories of the Millennium Drought’s empty rivers and dusty parks were the catalyst for the ‘Midday at the Oasis’ drought resilience project.
From 1999 to 2009, the Wimmera Mallee sweated through successive dry years as crops failed, livestock were sold off and water supplies dipped as low as 3 per cent. Many of these memories are captured in the publication Climate Eyes.
In 2023, community members identified the need for regional towns to have at least one priority green space to escape to when the next drought hits.
The result was Midday at the Oasis, led by Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
Six participating councils assessed spaces based on factors including shade, water, facilities, historic use, vegetation, capacity and services.
They were also asked to identify any shovel-ready projects for future funding. In total, councils identified 79 spaces, ranging from small playgrounds to large recreation reserves.
Horsham Rural City identified its evolving recycled water, or ‘purple pipe’, network as a significant opportunity to maintain or develop community parkland and facilities. It prioritised 4 sites: Dudley Cornell Park, the Riverfront and Gardens Precinct, May Park and Natimuk Showgrounds.
Yarriambiack listed 16 sites across the shire. Hindmarsh identified 8 sites, including a shovel-ready project at the Jeparit swimming pool. West Wimmera flagged 13 sites, including 4 shovel-ready projects. Buloke prioritised 15 sites, with 5 considered ready for further development. Northern Grampians selected 21 sites across eight towns, including 4 projects ready for development.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority chief executive David Brennan said green spaces helped support social connection, liveability and mental health, especially in times of drought.
“We regularly experience drought, and by selecting sites to be retained in dry times, councils will help support communities in difficult times.”
If you would like a hard copy of Climate Eyes please email [email protected] and put Climate Eyes in the title to make a request.
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