A master plan for Ocean Grove’s Blue Waters Lake Reserve has been adopted by the City of Greater Geelong after community feedback.
The multi-year plan is hoped to enhance the natural values of the reserve and provide passive recreational activities in the area.
Blue Waters Lake Reserve is a unique wetland habitat in Ocean Grove, with residents keen to protect its natural environment and amenity.
The seven-hectare reserve supports a mix of native and introduced vegetation, and provides habitat for rare and threatened waterbirds.
It filters pollutants and nutrients from stormwater before it enters the Barwon River, playing an important role in the town’s drainage network.
The draft master plan was released for public comment in May with a total of 1680 visitors to the project page yielding 200 submissions.
The document was well received, with 90 percent of survey respondents stating they were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘somewhat satisfied’ with the draft plan.
Key actions, to be introduced over several years, include: upgrades to paths, tables and seats; interpretive signage; the staged removal of willows, to be replaced with native trees; stormwater infrastructure improvements; and ongoing weed and revegetation programs.
The reserve is used for exercise, scenic walks and bird watching, with the grassed areas hosting social gatherings.
Councillor Jim Mason, chair of the Environment portfolio, said no changes were made to the adopted final plan following the feedback.
“There was overwhelming support to maintain and preserve the natural values of the reserve, address water quality issues and upgrade the surrounding path to allow access all-year round,” he said.
“The plan will help us enhance the area’s environmental and recreational features, to make it an even better space for wildlife and visitors.”
Ocean Grove resident and Bellarine Ward councillor Stephanie Asher said the plan would guide Council’s investment priorities and the staging of works.
“Blue Waters Lake Reserve is essentially a very attractive drain, and it’s also become a unique wetland habitat in Old Ocean Grove and a very popular recreational area,” she said.
