The Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan (the Masterplan) will help guide environmental conservation, rehabilitation and passive recreation at the Reserve for the next 10 years after Council adopted the Masterplan at its meeting on Tuesday 24 October 2023.
The Masterplan was developed following extensive community consultation over the past 12 months. Responses from community members included information on the Reserve’s natural assets, key issues, preferred uses and recreational opportunities. Consultation with Wadawurrung traditional owners was also undertaken to understand traditional custodian interests and opportunities regarding the future care and health of Country.
Council’s Environment and Sustainability Team obtained grant funds through the State Government’s Iconic Urban Waterways Grants Program to develop the Masterplan. Council has also been granted $175,000 to progress the Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan key actions to “shovel ready” through the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Kitjarra dja bul Bullarto langi-ut project.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the additional funding will help ensure key priorities in the Masterplan will be delivered over the next 10 years.
“There has been a tremendous amount of work put into this Masterplan which will guide the conservation and management of the Moorabool River Reserve. The document outlines the future direction for the Reserve and identifies resources required to achieve key outcomes,” Cr Cunningham said.
“Council looks forward to implementing elements of the plan including the development of a management plan with Wadawurrung to care for Country, interpretive and entry signs, an integrated nature play and gathering space and improved community access. The Masterplan will also ensure the natural environment is conserved and enhanced to ensure everyone can enjoy this wonderful public space into the future.”
The Masterplan can be viewed online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations or hard copies can be collected from Council’s Customer Hub at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
For further information about the Masterplan, contact Council’s Natural Resources Officer on 5220 7111.