Land to be seized for bushland link

Casey council is intending to acquire private land to create an uninterrupted bushland link between Frog Hollow Reserve and Lysterfield Park.
The missing link to the proposed 2.5-kilometre trail lies in a 12.8 hectare property at 191-195 Belgrave-Hallam Road, Narre Warren North.
The proposed regional recreational trail would generally follow the alignment of Eumemmerring Creek, and connect to trails along Dandenong Creek, EastLink and Peninsula Link.
The acquisition could also lead to an expansion of the next-door Narre Warren North Recreation Reserve with two further soccer pitches.
The council will request a state planning panel to consider a public acquisition overlay over the property – after negotiations to buy it from the owners broke down in mid-2015.
The advertised proposal has received four supportive public submissions and three objections.
Councillor Rosalie Crestani said the proposal would attract tourists to the trail, and provide much needed soccer grounds in Casey’s north.
Councillor Rafal Kaplon said the proposal was the result of several years’ negotiation.
“It’s very pleasing to see the (council) officers finally make this move.”