May 6th, 2024Springs Reserve upgrade makes headway
Good progress is being made as part of the first phase of work to upgrade the Central Springs Reserve at Lake Daylesford, the Hepburn Shire Council says.
On Friday 26 April, the Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King and Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood inspected ongoing work as part of the first phase of the upgrade.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the project will create a safer and broader space for visitors to the Springs precinct.
“The design was closely coordinated with Djandak, the working arm of traditional land owners Djaara, including elements such as the picnic shelter, signage, and mineral spring pump area design,” said Cr Hood.
This is the first stage of implementation of the masterplan which was adopted following community consultation in 2021 and sees three new mineral spring pumps (1 accessible), complemented by Djaara artwork. The project will also include:
- 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
- Landscaping with plenty of seating opportunities to take in the beautiful surrounds
- The design of the works takes into account the health and safety of the significant trees within the reserve.
“This wonderful upgrade is expected to be completed in time for Spring this year and was made possible by the Federal Government’s election commitments under the Investing in Our Communities Program. This beautiful area will further enhance our vital and growing tourist economy,” said Cr Hood.
The $1.47 million project was approved by Council at the December 2023 Council Meeting and is funded by $350,000 from the Federal Government, with the remaining funding from Council, particularly through our Mineral Springs Reserve fund.
Catherine King MP: “We’re delivering on this election commitment to upgrade the iconic Central Springs Reserve and support Daylesford’s vital and growing tourism economy.
“Central Springs Reserve is a perfect place for families and many of us have childhood memories of picnicking and pumping water from the springs here. This investment means that families in the future will be able to make the same great memories.”
