THIS year's Local Government Week was kicked off with the official opening of the Hammock Hill Wombat reserve area.

In a ceremony held on Saturday morning attended by local residents, councillors and Mayor Phil Yeo, the Mayor explained how the opening was linked to the week's themes of National Year of the Mountain and Crossing the Divide.

In his speech, Mayor Yeo stressed the importance of the wombat playground saying the wombats looked great in their wooded bushland setting and children just loved them.

"This is the result of good communication between council and the local residents," Mayor Phil Yeo said.

"With five other conventional playgrounds within the East Bowral development we felt the diversity provided by this playground was essential.

"This unconventional playground is the first of its type and it is a place where kids create their own form of play."

Despite the wombat's success, it was the unorthodox nature of the playground that saw them being dragged through an uphill battle.

"Warwick Francis and Jeff Lawrence and all those who came up with this idea received some flack as this project unfolded, as many people told them it wouldn't work," added Mayor Yeo.

"Well done to all those who not only came up with this terrific solution to a difficult problem, but then had the fortitude to stick by the idea of the wombats.

"The project was funded from developer contributions collected in the area and the money had to be spent in playground facilities in the area.

"The wombats only account for part of the overall job with seating, shelters, revegetation, a cycleway and a gravel bush walking track also included," the Mayor said.

"East Bowral Planner Peter Robertson pointed out that when council builds the community centre later this year it will link up the playground and reserve with a walking path, making it an even better community facility."

Mr Lawrence explained the outcome of this playground was wonderful and it shows people that the council does more for the community then build roads.

"What the council has helped us to do here is wonderful, not only have they helped us to build a playground but they have supported us in enhancing the local environment," Mr Lawrence said.