REDEVELOPED CENTRAL SPRINGS RESERVE OFFICIALLY OPEN

The redeveloped Central Springs Reserve at Lake Daylesford has been completed well ahead of schedule and right in time for picnics and visits this Spring.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Hepburn Shire Mayor Brian Hood today officially opened the redeveloped reserve which was an Albanese Labor Government election commitment, and received funding from all three levels of government.

Following community consultation in 2021, Hepburn Shire Council adopted a masterplan for the area, of which this redevelopment is the first stage. 

The project delivers three new mineral spring pumps (1 accessible), complemented by Dja Dja Wurrung artwork.

It also includes:

·         A paved picnic area with a BBQ, picnic tables and an indigenous-inspired shelter

·         Rejuvenation of the hydroelectric pump infrastructure and the Hard Hills Spring

·         Directional and interpretative signage, and

·         Landscaping with plenty of seating opportunities to take in the beautiful surrounds.

The design of the works also considers the health and safety of the significant trees within the reserve.

The $1.25 million project was funded with $350,000 from the Australian Government through the Investing in Our Communities (IIOC) program and $865,229 from Hepburn Shire Council.

It also received $35,000 from the Victorian Government's Mineral Springs Reserves Grant Program 2022-2023.

Under the IIOC program, the Australian Government is delivering community and sporting infrastructure, open space improvements and other community priorities nationwide intended to assist communities to build their strengths and improve liveability.

More information on the Central Springs Reserve project can be found at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/central-springs-reserve.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“It’s so exciting to see the transformation of Daylesford’s Central Springs Reserve, and to deliver another election commitment for our community.

“Hepburn Shire Council have done a terrific job of completing this project ahead of schedule, and the collaboration with Djarra ensures that this is very special place for visitors and locals to enjoy.   

“Whether it’s for a BBQ, a nature walk or to sample Daylesford’s famous spring water, this redevelopment and the improved accessibility mean that even more people can enjoy iconic Lake Daylesford.” 

Quotes attributable to Hepburn Shire Mayor Brian Hood:

"This beautiful area close to Lake Daylesford will no doubt attract more visitors to an already popular area, thereby benefiting our local economy. 

“We are thankful for the Australian Government grant under the Investing in Our Communities Program for making this project possible.

“The design was closely coordinated with DJANDAK, a Dja Dja Wurrung enterprise working to revitalise Country for community benefit. This included elements such as the picnic shelter, signage, and mineral spring pump area design.

“We would also like to extend a special thank you to our Mineral Springs Reserve Advisory Committee for their support and guidance over the life of this project.”

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas:

“This fantastic project, supported by all levels of government, will play a vital role in securing tourism to the Hepburn Shire.  Whether it’s enjoying a picnic, BBQ or admiring the beautiful surrounds, I encourage visitors and locals alike to enjoy the redeveloped Central Springs Reserve at Lake Daylesford.”

Quote attributable to Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Group CEO Rodney Carter:

“Embedding Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge and culture in the built and natural landscape benefits Djandak (Country) and communities. We look forward to people being on Country enjoying this revitalised parkland.”