By BRIDGET COOK
FOUR community forums will be held in Casey’s coastal villages to ascertain the key issues affecting the communities.
One of the key topics to be discussed at the forum is the proposal for a pedestrian boardwalk along the coast to link Tooradin and Blind Bight.
In December last year, two private land owners put a proposal to the council that they would donate about 150 hectares of coastal wetlands to the council in exchange for being able to subdivide some 10-acre blocks on their South Gippsland Highway frontage.
The proposal envisioned a pedestrian boardwalk along the coast as a tourist attraction and environmental experience.
One of the land owners, who did not want to be named, said he it was something the community has wanted for many years.
“We have proposed to give the land to the council to intersect the coastal villages with Tooradin,” he said.
“The two families decided we could do this and are willing to give over the land, if we can be compensated for it.
“This opporunity might not be there in time to come.
“The community benefits greatly from this link.”
The landowner encouraged residents to attend the community forums to hear all about it and show their support.
Other issues to be discussed at the forums include the impact of climate change on coastal development, environmental importance of the Ramsar Wetlands, fire prevention and management and mosquito infestation.
The first session will be held at Blind Bight Community Centre on Saturday 27 July, then at Tooradin Public Hall on Saturday 10 August and then Warneet Motor Yacht Club on Saturday 17 August.
The final forum will be held at Cannons Creek Community Place on Saturday 24 August.
All sessions will be held between 11am and 1pm.
