The Maude Recreation Reserve and Bunjil Lookout has been connected to reticulated water supply thanks to funding from the Australian Government and advocacy from the local community.
The Maude Recreation Reserve Water Upgrade project saw the camping area and toilet block connected to the town’s reticulated water supply. The Recreation Reserve includes the town’s playground and Bunjil Lookout, and was reliant on a rainwater tank for its water supply prior to the upgrade project being completed earlier this year.
During Golden Plains Shire Council’s 2020/21 Budget consultation process, the Maude Recreation Reserve Committee of Management made a budget submission requesting the site be connected to Barwon Water’s system.
With funding made available through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, Council was able to deliver the project. The project was funded with $15,500 from the $1.3 million allocated to Council from the first round of the LRCI Program and $18,500 from Council.
An important cultural site to the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Council prepared a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and the project’s construction team, Council staff and community members undertook cultural heritage training with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation prior to the start of construction.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says the project was a collaboration between Council, the Australian Government, Maude Recreation Committee and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
“Maude Recreation Reserve and Bunjil Lookout is a special place for Traditional Owners and the local Maude community, boasting the town’s playground, campground and spectacular views over the Moorabool Valley from Bunjil Lookout.
“Council was pleased to upgrade the site’s water supply for the Maude community working together with the Reserve’s Committee of Management and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
“The project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and Council is grateful for the Government’s contribution towards this project and many more across the Shire.”
Pictured above: Maude Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Chairperson Murray Satchell, Committee member and Maude local Catherine Schurmann and Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby at the Recreation Reserve’s new water tap installed as part of the project.