Ballarat MP Catherine King, Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Group CEO Rodney Carter officially opened the redeveloped Central Springs Reserve at Lake Daylesford last Friday, July 26. 

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the project had delivered a wonderful new public open space for locals and visitors to enjoy. 

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

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 (one accessible), complemented by Dja Dja Wurrung artwork. 

Ms King said the Hepburn Shire Council had done “a terrific job of completing this project ahead of schedule, and the collaboration with Djaara ensures that this is a very special place for visitors and locals to enjoy”. 

“Whether it’s for a barbeque, 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.” 

Mr Carter said embedding Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge and culture in the built and natural landscape benefitted Djandak (Country) and communities. 

“We look forward to people being on Country enjoying this revitalised parkland.” 

Image & words: Contributed 

Daylesford’s rejuvenated Central Springs Reserve has reopened to the public as of last week.

In a social media post, the Hepburn Shire Council encouraged visitors and locals to “wander down and enjoy the new mineral spring pumps, view the stunning brass artwork by Timani Nicholls, or fire up the BBQ and enjoy lunch in the new shelter”.

The council also advised that some temporary fencing still remained in place to allow the new turf and creek bank plantings to continue to establish.

Words & Images: Supplied

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.”