Residents who have spent years fighting to protect Gisborne’s UL Daly Reserve say the future looks bright after Macedon Ranges council included the land in a public conservation zone.
They say the move will finally ensure that the bush setting, close to dense housing, continues to help preserve the character and define the landscape of the rapidly expanding town.
Cr Russell Mowatt, who successfully called for changes to a proposed planning scheme amendment at the last council meeting, said an officer’s recommendation for public park and recreation zoning was not in keeping with a 2012 resolution to protect the reserve.
‘‘UL Daly nature reserve is unique and must be appropriately zoned to conservation on its own merits,’’ Cr Mowatt said.
‘‘The ambience of our town with the beautiful parklands … is something we should not take for granted.’’
Friends of Daly Reserve spokeswoman Amanda Gauci said recent conservation efforts undertaken by group members and the council were paying off.
‘‘The regeneration is starting to emerge,’’ she said.
‘‘We look forward to welcoming new members to share the joy and delights of conserving our reservation.’’
