Mr REID —I want to bring to the House's attention an important event which occurred in Bendigo yesterday, and that was the opening of the magnificent water cascades in Rosalind Park by the Minister for Planning in the state of Victoria, Rob Maclellan. The project architect described the restoration of these water cascades as a community love affair. He said the idea for the cascades came after Bendigo's Quartz King, George Lansell, visited Italy in 1876 and became infatuated with water features in gardens. In April 1880, he sent a letter to the city of Bendigo proposing two projects: the cascades and the famous Alexandra Fountain at Charing Cross in Bendigo.

The cascades were built in conjunction with renowned Bendigo architect W.C. Vahland, but for some reason they were buried for many years. This project has been extremely successful, and I am pleased to have been associated in getting some federal money for this project. It is a magnificent feature in Rosalind Park. It adds to the joy and the community benefit of Rosalind Park and also Bendigo's tourism, which is enjoying a very big increase. The tourism figures in Bendigo have increased rapidly over the past 12 months. Thousands of visitors came to Bendigo for the inaugural arts festival and the three-day Bendigo agricultural show. (Time expired)