Minister for Primary Industries,Regional Development Forest Industries Clare Scriven was at Bundaleer on Monday to announce two grants: an $860,000 Bundaleer Picnic Ground Essential Works grant and a $360,000 Enabling Infrastructure Program grant.

The funding will enable the Bundaleer Forest Community Areas Association to undertake major projects at the recreation site, including accessible toilets, water supply system for public toilets and fire tanks, fencing, fire track crossing repairs, arboreal care, solar panel pump and battery, and storage shed for fire equipment, tools and chemicals.

The announcement was a major coup for the association, which has lobbied for the past decade to keep it the site in the hands of the local community.

Their tireless work has already seen the addition of the Maple and Pine function centre, nature playground and other improvements to the site.

Association chair Greg Boston said the latest funding boost would help secure the future for the precinct open more opportunities for campers, sport and recreation, and boost accessibility for all.

“Through this grant, State Government has embraced the efforts and vision of hundreds of Bundaleer locals and expats who have worked tirelessly and given generously to create a positive future for the Bundaleer Forest community precinct,” he said.

“This is an extremely beneficial outcome which recognises the significance of Bundaleer Forest as Australia’s first plantation forest and the priceless value of Bundaleer as a community recreational and wellbeing space.

“The grant also enables us to continue building our community of Bundaleer Forest Friend supporters and volunteers and our small business, corporate and local government partners to ensure long-term viability of this precious place.

“Together we thrive.”

Forestry SA acting chief executive Michael Hanton, Minister Clare Scriven, Bundaleer resident and volunteer Veronica Malone and Bundaleer Forest Community Areas Association board member Mel Kitschke, with local kindergarten and school students from. Photo: Gabrielle Hall

The transfer of ownership of the Bundaleer community precinct to the BFCAA complements the conversion of six Crown Leases at Bundaleer and Wirrabara earlier this year.

The newly-converted titles are in addition to eight further titles converted to freehold in 2022 as part of the Mid North Forests Future Strategy following bushfires at Bundaleer Forest in 2013 and Wirrabara Forest in 2014.

Scriven said this week’s announcement “brings closure” to the strategy.

“Since the devastation of the bushfires, enterprises have used the land for other purposes, including grazing, cropping and horticulture, and this conversion to freehold titles is of mutual benefit to all stakeholders involved,” she said.

“Importantly, through this process we have preserved the public access through the greenways on the titles so the community can continue to access the popular walking and cycling trails.”

Scriven acknowledged the “incredible” work of the BCFAA volunteers in ensuring the community space at Bundaleer remained available for the next generation, and said there was potential for positive economic spin-off for local business.

“The board’s passion and advocacy for Bundaleer and the opportunities here has meant a lot to all these projects being pursued and now coming to fruition,” she said.

“It’s worth remembering, Bundaleer is so important for learning and enjoyment, but also for the business and economic opportunities for the local region.

“I think business can now feel even more optimistic and confident about going forward and the sorts of things that will be able to be here for events and for the community, which will enable even more economic growth as well.”

Among the first to hear the minister’s news were BFCAA board members and a group of local school and kindergarten children who were enjoying a ‘forest school and kindy’ session in the sun.

Among them was seven-year-old Ava Kitschke. And while she may be too young yet to understand the significance of this week’s development, she is one of the next generation who will benefit from the BFCAA’s unwavering and passionate advocacy to keep the community space open to the public.

Ava’s sentiments about what she loves about the forest, however, is what has helped keep the dedicated band of volunteers fighting for this area, known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its role in the history of Australian forestry.

“I have lots of favourite things at Bundaleer,” Ava said.

“But my favourites are maybe the forest cubbies I make with my friends and the swings because they go really high.”

What may have once seemed high and ‘lofty’ ambitions for the BFCAA, are now being celebrated by the local community and their vision continues to be focussed on improvements for the future.