Thursday, 16 November 2023

Newport Lakes Native Nursery

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (09:55): But I also want to talk about Newport Lakes Native Nursery, which is at risk of closure. This is a fantastic organisation that preserves and protects many of the indigenous plants to the western suburbs. Unfortunately, although they are a for-profit business, council is jacking up their rent to the point where this will not be a sustainable business. They contribute so greatly to many of the tree plantings. They hold free community events to teach people about how to use those native plants, how to plant them, how to propagate them and how to look after them, so I would urge council to reconsider their decision. There is a change.org petition, and I commend Cindy Grubits for collecting almost 2000 signatures.