Plans for Old Crocodile Farm
George –
Two women are the driving force for resurrecting developing plans for the 10ha of municipal land known as the ‘Old Crocodile Farm’ and to convert it into a bird rehabilitation and education centre as well as a tea garden.
Helga Barkhuizen, CEO of ELearningforce Africa, and Amy Moyles, Operations Associate of Conservation of Elearningforce Africa, were involved in the original project, which was mooted as having the potential to transform the western side of town into a tourism attraction where locals will go to be outdoors.
Their idea is to take the detailed plans drawn up by a team of professionals in 2009 and approach corporate investors who will recognise the project’s business opportunity. This week the women vouched to continue with the project. “We will not rest until we have restored what was set out to be achieved. We are appalled by George’s economic state as well as the general lack of motivation of the local governmental entity and therefore call upon the community to join us in petitioning the George Municipality to restore the 10ha of land. We have drawn up a business plan and are approaching big corporations for financing the project.”
The George Council said via their spokesperson that they had not yet made a land use decision.
Said Moyles, “The mountain bike park will not be focusing on technical riding, but rather on being a family-orientated, fun environment to enjoy adding to the attractions that the Southern Cape has to offer. This coupled with the adjacent Skatelab skating ring will provide a much needed all year round outdoor entertainment hub.
“This park will keep its natural state (so that people can enjoy nature) rather than erecting a whole lot of buildings. This will not only be to the benefit of the town, but also to the municipality. The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) hosts the ‘Greener Municipality’ initiative every year. George Municipality participated in this competition and won second place overall (for which they won R60 000), as well as ‘Cleanest Municipality’ during 2011. The Greenest Municipa-lity competition is linked to other global and national initiatives, such as the ‘Green Goal’, ‘Greening the Nation’ and ‘Reducing Green House gasses’.
The competition aims to promote improved service delivery, restoring community pride and commitment to caring for their living environment. We feel that our project falls completely within DEADP’s aims” said the women.
In conclusion, they said, “This is a project for George, by George, to be run by George; George designers, architects, founders and drivers. If you believe in a better economy, improved lifestyles, more fun, better entertainment, more family time, more jobs/better jobs in George, then please join our petition by sending us an e-mail to info@elearningforceafrica.com to show your support.”
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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