Friday 29th June 2018
The Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh MP has used State Parliament to draw attention to the ongoing saga of the Lions Picnic Park at Kow Swamp near Leitchville.
During his address to Parliament Mr Walsh challenged the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning to deal promptly with the issues that are causing erosion at this popular picnic area.
He said that the floods of 2011 caused erosion to start at the picnic area which is on the eastern side of Kow Swamp.
“Given its geography the area is constantly being eroded further by the prevailing westerly winds.
“Goulburn-Murray Water and the department have been doing a land and on-water strategy for a number of years that is supposed to set out how this issue can be resolved” Mr Walsh said.
“While the talks drag on and on so does the erosion.
“There is no solution in sight and locals are at their wits’ end.
“Leitchville Lions Park is a key community gathering place on the north eastern shore of Kow Swamp and the erosion needs to be addressed before the park is completely eroded away.
Mr Walsh said there is now talk of a boat ramp being placed next to the Lions Park.
“Locals believe this is the wrong place for a boat ramp.
“There is shallow water exposed to strong westerly winds and it is next to an area where families with young children picnic and play in the water.”
He said there are clearly better places for a Kow Swamp boat ramp.
“Time is well and truly overdue for the bureaucracy to work co-operatively and efficiently to save this important landmark along the whole of the foreshore of Kow Swamp for the people of Leitchville and district.”