About
The Moorabool River Reserve is a 17-hectare public open space and conservation reserve in Batesford. It's one of the key locations identified along the Lower Moorabool and Lower Barwon River corridor as part of the ‘Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut’ initiative to connect the community to the Lower Moorabool and Lower Barwon River corridor.
‘Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut’ is one of the actions supported by the Rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) Action Plan.
The Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan 2023-2033 was developed following community consultation and adopted by Golden Plains Shire Council in 2023 to guide the future development and management of the Moorabool River Reserve as a public open space and conservation reserve.
Two key priorities within the masterplan included:
- The establishment of a small picnic/resting/story place with shelters, seating, and a nature-based play space incorporating Wadawurrung design and story elements; and
- The establishment of anabranch pedestrian crossings featuring Wadawurrung designs.
Council received funding as part of a collaborative partnership with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) and other regional organisations. This funding will be utilised to complete detailed design of these elements and progress our key priorities, which consider and respond to feedback received during community and stakeholder engagement with the Batesford community, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, key stakeholders and special interest groups.
Council hosted a Community Information Session on Wednesday 19 November in Batesford to present the concept design.
A concept plan has been developed for the playspace and anabranch crossings, and this concept plan has been endorsed by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. The playspace is proposed to be named ‘Perridak Ngubiyt’ to recognise the platypus and natural waterways.
Engagement Update
Council invited feedback on these concept designs until Thursday 18 December 2025. We will provide further updates at this project progresses.