MUM’S the word from Parks Victoria as due process runs its course on tenders for Horseshoe Bend Farm.
Wildlife Rescue Victoria is a definite, a Wurundjeri interpretative centre has been mooted, and a couple of commercial farm-cum-restaurant ventures have been mentioned as possibilities for the historic site.
Western Melbourne chief ranger Rocky Barca said the number of submissions and their content would not yet be revealed.
“Parks Victoria will be assessing proposals over the next few weeks and we appreciate all the community interest in this special site,” Mr Barca said.
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As reported by the Weekly, Parks Victoria may deal with more than one preferred submitter if their interests coincide.
From white settlement in the 1830s until 1854,the 32-hectare property served as the Keilor Village Reserve and was used by travellers passing by and for grazing. In the early 1900s, the land was subdivided and Horseshoe Bend Farm became a dairy property. It was subsequently used as orchards and market gardens.
Now part of the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands with neighbouring Brimbank Park, the land came under state government control via the former Board of Works in 1974, with the first stage of Brimbank Park being opened to the public in 1976. Horseshoe Bend Farm opened some years later.
Ownership of the park and farm was transferred to Melbourne Parks and Waterways in 1994 following its separation from Melbourne Water.
All MPW land transferred to the state in 2001 is to be reserved as Crown Land for conservation, recreation, tourism and leisure.
Melbourne Water is responsible for management of the bed and banks of the Maribyrnong River, while Parks Victoria is responsible for land management.
