Wednesday, 13 August 2025

Hastings electorate ministerial visit

Paul MERCURIO (Hastings) (19:05): (1254) My adjournment matter tonight is for the Minister for Environment and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. The action I seek is for the minister to come down to the electorate of Hastings to tour two significant environmental properties that also have strong tourism elements to their businesses. I have spoken about both these properties over the years. They are significant environmental, cultural and historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the past and also into the future.

Coolart homestead was built by Frederick Grimwade back in 1895, although there are barracks onsite that were built in the 1860s. Tom Luxton purchased Coolart in 1937 and immediately had the property declared a sanctuary for native wildlife. He had a great interest in bird life. His passion and foresight meant the wetlands were preserved, and today they provide a home for many species of birds and much pleasure for birdwatchers. They have also built a pavilion there that the community can hire out for community events, but also to watch birds.

The Willum Warrain gathering place opened in 2014 and since that time has grown steadily, offering First Nations people a place to gather, support and celebrate their culture and history. Fourteen staff are now employed there. They have an adult Aboriginal membership of 660 people and a further reach of 2500 people through kin. They have an amazing bush nursery, which is 100 per cent Aboriginal community owned and specialises in local indigenous plants. They are currently growing over 170 ‍species. Through the bush nursery they want to not only sell plants but share cultural knowledge, for every plant has its own dreaming. I look forward to showing the minister these amazing two places and talking to him about the important environmental work they do for the electorate.