As a resident of Buninyong since my childhood, I have watched the Gong and Gardens Precinct deteriorate. My priority in starting this petition is to create a recreational space that ALL can enjoy. 
The current situation saddens me - the area is overrun with invasive plant species that reduce the quality and usability of the area. I have wonderful memories of school excursions and playing with friends in the area and want the children and families of Buninyong to create new memories and safely walk and ride to school. 

The City of Ballarat has proposed a Masterplan that promises to address the key issues and restore the Gong and Gardens as a much loved feature of our community.  The Master Plan will create:

• Improved pedestrian safety in the Cornish St area to support recreational users and allow children to safely walk to school. 
• Repair of the Gong wall and redevelopment of the waterways in the lower gardens. 
  
  Significant environmental benefits, such as the eradication of noxious weeds currently intruding upon our native plant ecosystem. This will pave the way for increased native plantings, contributing to biodiversity and bringing our gardens back to life.

This is our chance to stand up as proud protectors of our environment and ensure a safe, beautiful garden for our children. Taking authoritative action now, supporting this Masterplan, means the preservation of our green heritage for future generations. Therefore, I urge every Buninyong local, every person who shares this sentiment, to add their voice to this petition. If we band together, I believe that we can make our voices heard and bring about the change that we so dearly wish for. Please sign this petition to support the City of Ballarat's proposed Masterplan for the Gong Precinct.