The battling
The town’s single major employer, the local sawmill, was forced to close its gates when the government banned timber logging from the nearby
It could have been the last straw for the town, already hit hard by the effects of the ten year drought on its surrounding rural industries.
However, the small but determined Picola and District Improvement Group has taken up the fight – and has now had a positive result.
Mr Weller said that he had been pleased to assist the group in its endeavours to develop a street beautification strategy based on the development of a community park on the old railway site in the middle of the town.
“The group says the site was originally a very busy place, with stockyards, timber loading facilities, platform and goods shed, station master’s house, turntable and other railway features. Picola was the end of the line and there is a huge amount of history tied up in the site.
“The group hopes to bring some of that history back to life while also developing a picturesque stopping place for travellers. It would also include a walking track, a gazebo, public toilets and barbecue facilities,” he said.
Mr Weller said the project had struck a hurdle in the price being asked for the land by the current owners, VicTrack, but after talks between the Moira Shire and the rail body, a purchase price had now been decided on.
“It is a great outcome, and certainly will give new hope and enthusiasm to the local improvement group, which is headed by an energetic president in Jeanette Holland.
“Picola is well situated to cater for visitors travelling around the
Mr Weller congratulated the Picola Improvement Group and also the Moira Shire for its pro-active attitude towards ensuring the new park, and the beautification of the town, gets off the ground.
