Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King MP, together with 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.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the project has 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 benefiting our local economy.  We are thankful for the Federal Government grant under the Investing in Our Communities Program for making this project possible,” he said.

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, complemented by Dja Dja Wurrung artwork.

The design was closely coordinated with DJANDAK, the  Dja Dja Wurrung enterprise working to revitalise Country for community benefit. This included elements such as the picnic shelter, signage, and mineral spring pump area design.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Group CEO,  Rodney Carter, spoke of their aim to heal land that was severely damaged by mining and timber operations by invading peoples. “Embedding Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge and culture in the built and natural landscape benefits Djandak (Country) and communities,” he said. “We look forward to people being on Country enjoying this revitalised parkland.”

“This is a beautiful place,” said Catherine King, “and being here you realise that it’s more – it’s a very special place and has been a special place for thousands of years.”

The $1.25 million project was funded by $350,000 from the Australian Government, $35,000 from the State Government Mineral Springs Reserves Grant Program 2022 – 2023, with the remaining funding coming from Council through the Mineral Springs Reserve fund. The project includes:

  • 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.

More information on the project can be found at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/central-springs-reserve

This article is based on a media release from the office of Catherine King, MP.