Site perimeter fencing has been erected this week at Central Springs Reserve in preparation for delivery of Stage 1 of the masterplan.

The contractor has commenced demolition of the paving and stone walling around the decommissioned mineral spring pumps, the upright railway sleeper wall and the pumphouse structure. Where possible, salvaged material will be reused on site or on other Council projects.

The setout for the key elements of the development and the new path network have been marked on site. The construction will 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
• A mineral spring pump area with an indigenous artwork overlay
• 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 with tree protection zones and specific construction techniques to minimize impact. Similarly, measures are in place to protect Wombat Creek from construction debris or runoff.

Construction will commence at Central Springs Reserve at the end of January 2024. The first stage of delivering the 2021 masterplan will focus on constructing new mineral spring pumps to connect to the new bore constructed in late 2023, a shelter with an electric BBQ, new park furniture, landscaping and connecting path network.

Council is collaborating with Djaara to include a feature by a Djaara artist together with cultural stories related to the area.

Access into the reserve will be restricted during the construction works. You will still be able to access a section of the reserve from Lake Daylesford to use the footbridge and the walking trail on southern side of Wombat Creek. At times, this access may be blocked for short periods to enable works to be completed. There will be no access into the reserve from Fulcher Street or the Dry Diggings Track at the western end of the reserve.

Future stages of delivering the masterplan will include formalisation of the Fulcher Street car park, a new DDA parking area and an elevated walkway to connect Fulcher Street and Lake Daylesford to the reserve.

Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts - $350,000

Victorian Government's Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action - $35,000

Hepburn Shire Council - $1,113,867

Background

Council adopted the Masterplan for Central Springs Reserve in October 2021. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on ideas to revitalise the area.

Read a summary document of the feedback received in 2021, which helped to inform the masterplan. A public survey was also undertaken in 2019 that focused on the tree-damaged, bandstand structure. The results of this survey were mixed between the desire to rebuild the bandstand in its original location and provision of a structure elsewhere in the Reserve. Being assessed as beyond repair, the bandstand was demolished in 2020. To rebuild in the current location would present significant accessibility and funding challenges. The masterplan will consider the need to re-introduce a form of shelter whilst balancing the recommended location with other objectives for the reserve.

Key documents

• Central Springs Reserve Masterplan
• What we heard - summary of community feedback.

Key elements

The masterplan includes improvements such as:

• New carpark that meets Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements
• Improved paths around the reserve and to Lake Daylesford
• Elevated walkways to provide viewing opportunities and protect important vegetation
• Two potential locations identified for DDA compliant toilet
• Improved setting of the mineral spring pumps to improve access, functionality and presentation
• Open shelter which reflects the relationship of the site with Traditional Owners
• Information signs about the mineral spring pumps
• Broad timber platforms under existing trees for groups and individuals
• Indigenous plantings.