Work at Daylesford’s Central Springs Reserve starts this week to prepare the site for the drilling of a new mineral springs bore.

The new bore will extend to a depth of around 50 metres to provide more reliable and safe mineral drinking water at the popular reserve. The current bores at Central Springs Reserve are about nine metres deep.

“High-quality mineral water is a major drawcard for visitors to our Shire and is enjoyed by plenty of local residents,” said Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Bruce Lucas.

“Central Highlands Water tests the water quality each fortnight and Council closes access to the pumps if readings do not meet requirements. Hydrogeologists engaged by Council have advised that a deeper aquifer would produce more consistent water quality for years to come,” he said.

Over the coming weeks there will be vehicles at the reserve to prepare the site for the drilling equipment. Pedestrian access to the reserve will be impacted throughout October and early November while works are underway, which will be clearly delineated onsite.

The three mineral springs pumps at the reserve will be closed in late October while the drilling is underway. The closest alternative pumps are Sutton Spring approximately 500 metres northwest of Central Springs (along Dry Diggings Track, adjacent to the creek) or Wombat Flat Spring on the southeast bank of Lake Daylesford (off King Street).

Three new pumps will be installed in early 2024 as part of a broader redevelopment of the reserve in line with stage one of the reserve masterplan, which was based on widespread community consultation in 2021.

Along with new mineral springs pumps, the works will include improvements to Wombat Creek, beautification of Hard Hills Spring, installation of new park furniture, landscaping and connecting pathways. Budget pending, the picnic and shelter area and works to highlight the historic hydropower pump infrastructure may also be included.

The council plans to consider the contract for the stage one works its ordinary meeting in December.

“In the short term, there will be some impact on reserve users while preparation works and drilling are underway. We aim to minimise the disruption during this time, but some areas will be temporarily closed to pedestrians between the carpark at Fulcher Street and the reserve while works are carried out,” Mr Lucas said.

“We appreciate the support of the community during this time and look forward to delivering this project for the Shire.”

The state government is drafting Victoria’s Mineral Spring Master Plan 2023-2032 and is asking locals and community members to provide their input.
The 10-year strategic Master Plan will ensure Victoria’s public mineral springs remain safe, continue to support local communities, attract new visitors and create a greater understanding of the cultural importance mineral springs have for Traditional Owners.

The Master Plan will also aim to highlight the importance of understanding the history of the springs and be a helpful guide for future management and investment. The document will include four objectives that support:

Traditional Owners

Health and water quality

Land manager operations

Mineral spring aspirations

These objectives are expected to set service expectations and investment priorities across Victoria’s
publicly accessible mineral springs, which remain significant natural tourism destinations across the state.
Victorians are encouraged to view and send feedback about the draft Master Plan at engage.vic.gov.au/mineral-springs-masterplan before 26 June 2023.
The Mineral Spring Master Plan 2023-2032 is expected to be completed by the end of this year.