New look foreshore a step closer
Published on 07 February 2014
Plans to reinvigorate the Laanecoorie foreshore reserve have taken another step forward with the release of final designs for the site.
The move follows almost a year of public consultation and consideration by the committee of management after draft plans were put on display at the reserve last March.
Those plans were the result of months of discussions between local residents, Council and government authorities, aimed at returning the area to recreational community use shared with controlled camping access.
Loddon Shire Manager Community Planning Tim Jenkyn said the current reserve had only basic facilities – “one toilet block, old tennis courts and fishing boat access”.
“After the draft plan was put out for public comment last autumn, the committee of management assessed the plentiful feedback received, had a closer look on-site and had some work done by Council, particularly around the boat ramp and surrounding tracks,” Mr Jenkyn said.
“The committee has also drawn up new rules about the expected behaviour of visitors on-site and is working from guidelines provided by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
“Committee members are keen to ensure the foreshore area is used as a short-term camping and picnic reserve, so will monitor anyone staying on for a long period of time, not adhering to the rules or over-filling the site.
“The draft plan has essentially been accepted as is, with the river frontage to be protected, the grassed area toward the bridge closed to vehicles and some areas where camping doesn’t occur to be fenced off.
“The area allocated for campers and caravanners has been significantly enlarged and the committee will review how things are working in 12 months’ time, to decide what, if anything, needs changing.”
Mr Jenkyn said the plans for the project include extending walking trails, tree planting, new signs and improvements to the river bank.
Old bollards and fences will be removed and new ones installed, day parking areas established and native conservation areas fenced in.
“A key feature is the intention to limit vehicle access over the whole site to particular areas,” Mr Jenkyn said.
“We also want to make more of the heritage-listed Janevale bridge, designed by Sir John Monash and completed in 1911 – an iconic feature in Loddon Shire.
“The final plan will now go to the state government and the signage about visitor behaviour will be produced and installed on-site.
“The committee will then look at what works will cost and the possible funding sources.
“There is $30,000 available under the Laanecoorie Community Plan, but I’d estimate the project could cost $50-$60,000. “
For more details, or to see a copy of the plan, please phone Tim Jenkyn on 5494 1253 or email loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au