Bush block purchased

The purchase of a unique bush reserve in Drouin came with a $385,000 price tag.
The final purchase price of the 10.5 hectare reserve in Roberts Crt was released at a recent Baw Baw Shire Council meeting. Mayor Michael Leaney said council looked "forward to engaging with the community in the future on the potential use of this fabulous bushland site in the centre of Drouin".
The reserve was identified as a "high value environmental property" to be used as a bushland reserve, with "potential for walkways and further enhancements".
In April, councillors voted to purchase the property "at a price to be negotiated with Berwick Views Estate, currently agreed at $350,000, but not exceeding the current valuation".
Cr Leaney said the "the final purchase price, including GST, was $385,000".
Council confirmed the $35,000 difference was the GST.
The purchase was supported by Friends of Drouin's Trees who made a budget submission to council two years ago requesting funds be set aside to purchase the reserve.
"As a permanent public reserve, it will become one of the showcase areas of Baw Baw Shire," FODT member Henry Corcoran told the April budget submissions meeting.
Council had previously attempted to purchase this property but negotiations fell through.