Richmond has a new local attraction to add to its list with the official opening today of the federally funded and community driven Bush Tucker Garden along the banks of its popular recreational lake. Nationals Senate Leader, Ron Boswell, was in Richmond to open the communitys latest asset on behalf of the Australian Coalition Government which provided funding support for the gardens project. Senator Boswell is currently in the northwest campaigning with Nationals Candidate for Kennedy, Cr Ed Morrison. More than $41,000 from the Australian Governments Envirofund programme helped the community undertake this Bush Tucker Garden project which features a medicinal plant section and more than 900 trees and plants, native to the Richmond region, Senator Boswell said. As part of the project, 75 different plant species in the garden have been identified with plaques outlining their traditional use, which will enable all members of the community to learn and appreciate the range of natural and cultural values of these species. Senator Boswell said the project had a number of partners and strong support from the local community, including the formation of the Friends of the Bush Tucker Garden which led to nearly $2,000 in donations to purchase larger plants. Volunteers helped plant many of the trees. The Richmond Shire Council worked closely with the Wanamarra Traditional Owners of the Middle Park Aboriginal Corporation and the Hughenden Community Development Employment Program (CDEP). Seventeen indigenous CDEP workers undertook their Certificate 1 in horticulture course on this project with approximately half of these workers obtaining their certificate. Three of the workers have since obtained full time employment. I am told that this CDEP project was so successful that it will now be used as a model for future projects, and I congratulate each of the CDEP workers as well as the other partners for their ongoing commitment to the project. Richmond Shire Mayor, Cr John Wharton, said the project was a true community project a project by the people, for the people. Cr Wharton said the Richmond area now had an additional attraction to boast about with the Bush Tucker Gardens joining other tourist sites such as the Kronosaurus Korner Fossil Centre, Lake Fred Tritton and the Cambridge Downs Store replica when it is complete. The gardens will also feature large Moonrocks which are indigenous to the Richmond region. Positioned on the west bank of Lake Fred Tritton below the Lake View Caravan Park, the garden is in a highly visible site and with a man-made waterfall as its centrepiece will offer photo opportunities for tourists and an ideal setting for weddings and other events, Senator Boswell said. ENDS More details 3001 8150, 0447 128 801