Lot 2: Reimagined.
This story begins with a piece of land. devastated after farming. and designated for redevelopment. but fate had other plans...
In the heart of the small, beautiful coastal town of Aireys Inlet, lies Lot 2—a piece of land that has become the canvas for a community's shared vision. This green haven, however, was once destined to be swallowed by urban redevelopment. About 15 to 20 years ago, the small community faced the grim reality of potential suburban housing taking root in this cherished piece of nature.
With AIDA over the years we've done a lot of community attitude surveys and one of the things that always come through very strongly is the community's love for this valley, and it's sort of a central part of this community as it sits between Aireys and Fairhaven.
- Charlotte Allen.
Charlotte Allen, AIDA President, being interviewed at Lot 2, Aireys Inlet, Victoria, Australia. 2023. Photo by Kylie Murphy.
Aireys Inlet & District Association (AIDA), a devoted community-based organization with a commitment to environmental care, rose to the challenge. Their vision, ambitious and impassioned, aimed to secure the valley for perpetuity. However, despite their earnest attempts, the dream of preserving the entirety of the 3 lots, (including Lot 2) remained elusive.
Michael Loughnan, Land Owner. 22 September 2023. Video by Avalon Morrison. (length 46 Sec).
All was not lost. In a pivotal moment in 2018, Mick Loughnan and Jacinta Halloran, emerged as the custodians of this threatened ecosystem. They became the unsung heroes by privately acquiring 11 acres of land known as Lot 2. Their intervention thwarted the impending urban sprawl, marking a turning point in the story—a reimagining of what could have been lost.
Charlotte Allen, the current President, talks about how AIDA stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of the community to actively shape the narrative of Aireys Inlet's coastal character and history.
Michael Loughnan and Rodger Ganly at Lot 2, Aireys Inlet, Victoria, Australia, 2023. Photo by Rebecca Law.
Roger Ganly, who brings two decades of experience to the project, took a major part in assisting Michael with the plan for the lot. Roger is a member of ANGAIR, an organization dedicated to preserving indigenous plants and wildlife in the local region as well as a member of The Friends of Painkalac Creek Project. As collaborators in the rewilding of Lot 2, ANGAIR's involvement amplified the impact of Michael's efforts.
ANGAIR's expertise became a guiding force in the restoration journey, shaping the ecological nuances of the project. Empowered by the collective support of these local organizations, Michael embarked on a journey to breathe life into Lot 2 and turned the dream into a reality of ecological rehabilitation.
With the support of AIDA, ANGAIR and the wider community, the narrative of rehabilitation truly took shape with a plan for the rejuvenation of a landscape devastated by years of overgrazing. It was more than just a personal venture; it was a collective effort to establish a sanctuary where nature thrives, and the environmental awareness pulsates.
Lot 2's Transformation 2019 - 2023
Interview with Mark Garkaklis and Barbara Wilson, at Lot 2, Aireys Inlet, Victoria, Australia.
21 September 2023. Video by Avalon Morrison. (length 1:10)