The Hepburn Shire Council has temporarily closed the change rooms at Lake Daylesford following a recent building safety inspection.
The inspection identified several issues, including accessibility concerns, vandalism damage, inadequate lighting, and uneven surfaces. Acting Director of Infrastructure and Delivery, Lace Daniel, said the closure was necessary to ensure public safety while options for repairs and upgrades are considered.
The change rooms, built in 1940, have had little, if any, work done on them in the intervening 85 years so it is little wonder that they do not meet current standards or community expectations.
The facility is included in Council’s 2025–26 Forward Design Program, which will guide pre-planning works, project scope and cost estimates. The timing and funding for any works will be confirmed once the scope is finalised.
The doors to the changerooms have been screwed shut and painted suggesting that any remedial works are in the distant future.
Council will install signage directing visitors to the nearest public toilets at the carpark near The Boathouse, about 200 metres north of the lake beach.
A communications plan is being developed, with updates to be shared with key stakeholders and the community.
Council has not confirmed whether the change rooms will be reopened before the busy summer season.
