By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A ‘1001 Steps’ tourist attraction – which would transform a former Narre Warren North tip – could be ready by the end of the year.
Casey councillor Rosalie Crestani said she would be pushing for the final half of funding for the estimated $1 million project in the 2018-’19 council budget.
The reclaimed site near Kurll Park nature reserve forms a steep mound with “unmatched” views across Casey and out to Port Phillip and Western Port bays, Cr Crestani said.
The project, which would include landscaping and viewing platforms with a possible café to come, would create a tourist attraction and recreational fitness area, Cr Crestani said.
Unlike its Thousand Steps name-sake in the Dandenongs, the walk is hoped to cater for different fitness levels and abilities.
“It’s a tranquil location where I hope people will go to pray. It really does give peace.”
The project first received $50,000 for planning in 2016. It had been hoped to be fully funded by 2017 but was delayed by the Endeavour Hills Town Centre project, Cr Crestani said.
In the past, the site was a quarry which was then filled up with household waste.
More recently, it’s been a magnet for hoons and vandals.
Cr Crestani hopes the sight-seers and fitness buffs will add a “natural vigilance” to deter anti-social behaviour.
“I like to think we’ll be creating something beautiful out of a rejected site.”
