Hepburn Shire Council has begun the first stage of consultation to help shape a new masterplan for the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve—and local residents are being urged to get involved.

Throughout July, the Council is inviting feedback from community members, businesses and visitors to help inform a conceptual plan for the future of the reserve. The first of three consultation phases aims to understand how people use the reserve, what they value about it, and their hopes for its future.

There are several ways to participate, including an online survey—tailored separately for local businesses and visitors—available through the Participate Hepburn website or by QR code signage in the reserve. Locals can also contribute via email to the project manager or by attending one of two drop-in sessions to be held near Soda Spring at the reserve:

  • Saturday 26 July 2025, 10.00–11.30am
  • Wednesday 30 July 2025, 2.00–3.00pm

Further engagement opportunities will be offered as the draft plans take shape, with the final round of consultation scheduled before the plan is adopted. This initial engagement period closes 31 July 2025.

Local historian and long-time advocate for the reserve, Gary Lawrence, urged the community to make their voices heard. “The Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve has a strong connection to our community story, including its Dja Dja Wurrung heritage,” said Mr Lawrence. “Back in the 1860s, it was community advocacy that secured the reserve’s protection. We owe it to that history—and to future generations—to make sure it remains a place for people.”

Mr Lawrence is concerned that the planning process could be dominated by consultants unfamiliar with the reserve’s rich history and cultural significance. He has a real fear that if the community doesn’t speak up now, we could end up with something that ignores what makes the place special.

“We don’t want a repeat of the alien granite blocks at Locarno Spring. The community needs to be front and centre in this planning process,” he said.

He also expressed frustration at the limited consultation window. “This is a deeply significant place that deserves time for careful thought.”

The reserve has long been a gathering place—not just for water, but for music, picnics, dances and shared stories. As Council embarks on a planning process to guide its future, now is the time for the community to make their voice heard.

For more information and to have your say, visit Participate Hepburn.

This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.