May 31st, 2022New signage for Lal Lal

Lal Lal, meaning falling waters in Wadawurrung language, is now home to new interpretative signage, which was officially unveiled recently.
The signage is the result of collaboration between Traditional Owners, Central Highlands Water (CHW), Barwon Water and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Installed at the Lal Lal Reservoir viewing area, the signage features Our Country; Our Waterways, by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, and artist, Billy-Jay O’Toole.
Lal Lal Reservoir is fed by the Lal Lal Falls via Lal Lal Creek, and also from the West Moorabool River. Lal Lal Falls is significant for the Wadawurrung People, and the Peoples of the Kulin Nation, as it is a place of story that relates to Bunjil (moiety).
CHW Executive Manager Environmental Services, Carsten Berberich, said the interpretive sign told the important First Nations history of the area while also sharing interesting information about how Lal Lal Reservoir supports our communities, and the environment, today.
“This educational installation is the positive outcome of CHW and Barwon Water working together collaboratively, with the guidance of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and the support of DELWP.
“This piece takes our approach to signage in a new direction. It incorporates beautiful artwork and cultural heritage information to give a deeper understanding of this facility, and the area, to share with our communities and visitors,” Mr Berberich said.
Barwon Water General Manager Planning, Delivery & Environment, Seamus Butcher, said the signage project was a way to honour and increase awareness of Traditional Owner values and culture at its recreational areas.
“It’s exciting to see this sign installed at Lal Lal Reservoir, which we share with Central Highlands Water, and we look forward to having more signage installed at recreational areas at some of our other reservoirs later this year.”
“We’re grateful to Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for their generosity in sharing knowledge and providing cultural guidance on this and other projects,” Mr Butcher said.
The Barwon Water and Central Highlands Water signage projects are being supported by a grant of $50,000 from DELWP’s Recreational Values Program.
Lal Lal Reservoir background
Lal Lal Reservoir is primarily managed by Central Highlands Water. Barwon Water has an allocated share capped at 16,793 megalitres (about 28% of the reservoir’s total capacity). The Corangamite CMA holds a 7,086-megalitre share, and Central Highlands Water is allocated the remainder. Central Highlands Water coordinates releases from the reservoir at Barwon Water’s request during the warmer months (typically November to May).