Lameroo Town Centre Project
It would be hard to drive through Lameroo, South Australia and fail to notice the lush expanses of grass that now contrast the rural, desert-like landscape of the district. Situated in the Mallee 200km East of Adelaide, Lameroo is a small rural township that acts as the service centre to many large and small agricultural businesses and families. It’s also a popular thoroughfare connecting Adelaide to many large eastern towns and cities, making it a must-stop destination for many weary travellers.
As part of Southern Mallee District Council’s Commercial Centres Revitalisation Project, Lameroo’s town centre now boasts a beautiful, functional space that includes a dog park, pump track, playground and BBQ shelter. A standout feature and something that can’t be missed as you drive through is a 22-metre-long centre-pivot structure that pays homage to the district’s strong agricultural history. To bring the project together and to provide areas of dust-free play space and greenery, over 2,000m2 of instant lawn were installed.
The upgrades were undertaken to create community assets that would boost tourism and the business economy of the area. It was hoped that the new areas would be heavily utilised not only by the 900 or so residents of Lameroo but also by tourists in the area and travellers passing through. To keep up with the regular and hopefully plentiful use, a hardy turf variety would be required, one that was self-repairing and versatile enough for the different recreational areas. The lawn had to be suitable for the full sun area which would endure hot, dry summers and frosty, cold winters that are typical of Lameroo’s climate. It also had to be an economical performer, as the project was funded by the Southern Mallee District Council mostly through grant funding. After initial consultations with the team at The Turf Farm in Pinnaroo, Eureka Kikuyu was chosen for the project. This variety already featured across other council-maintained areas of the town and was, therefore, a familiar variety that would be well-suited to the high-traffic area around the play space.
Landscaping was completed by LCS Landscapes, a South Australian commercial landscaping business in consultation with the Southern Mallee District Council and the community of Lameroo. Working together with The Turf Farm, over 2000m2 of Eureka Kikuyu was delivered and installed with the final roll being laid in August last year. The lawn was established quickly and has already been enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the area. The lawn has complimented and enhanced a previously dusty and dry area, providing useable spaces and much-needed greenery.
The project has been completed in perfect time for Lameroo to join the Australian Silo Art Trail with a stunning new mural by world-renowned artist Sam ‘Smug’ Bates. This fantastic community-lead artwork has already had a huge impact on the community and has provided another compelling reason for travellers to stop by and enjoy the lawn and revitalised space.
‘We love working in and around our district, providing lawn to help beautify the Southern Mallee. It’s always a pleasure to drive through Lameroo, watching the community and visitors experience the joy of lawns and green spaces. There is nothing quite like sharing your passion with your community and seeing your hard work being appreciated! We’re excited to be a part of many more projects just like this one.’ – The Turf Farm
