A new Masterplan has been drafted for the City of Ballarat’s much loved Yarrowee River including some exciting proposals to upgrade trails and linkages.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback by Sunday 12 July via the City of Ballarat’s mySay webpage. Following consultation, a final plan will be prepared and will be used to guide future improvements and works along the Yarrowee River corridor and parklands.
The draft Masterplan sets the scene for waterway and parkway improvement for the next 25 years. The vision is to protect, enhance and harness this valued community asset, building on the success of ongoing community engagement that has informed restoration and improvement works of the river corridor.
“The Yarrowee River and its tributaries are highly valued by the community and are an important biodiversity asset for the City. This Masterplan will guide future development and improvement of the waterway and surrounding parklands,” Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said.
“The draft Masterplan includes some exciting proposals to upgrade trails and linkages, improve parkland facilities, environmental and biodiversity outcomes and even provide a range of new recreational opportunities, including pocket parks and picnic facilities,”he said.
It’s 25 years since the original Yarrowee River Corridor Masterplan was prepared and since then extensive works have been undertaken to improve habitat and biodiversity, create walking paths and increase the community’s use and appreciation of the river and parklands. More people are enjoying using the river corridor and this new Masterplan aims to continue to improve the area for all users and living things.
The plan establishes priorities to further improve, develop, manage and maintain the Yarrowee River and its tributaries, focusing on actions in eight key areas:
- Access and trails
- Rehabilitation, revegetation and vegetation management
- Water quality and wetlands
- Sludge and contaminated sites
- Recreation and parks
- Land tenure and future land development
- Community engagement and education
- Sustainable management.
The plan also includes priority projects that will be used as the basis of investment and advocacy for improvement of the river corridor.
This project is jointly funded by Central Highlands Water, Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning and the City of Ballarat, with valuable support and input from a Project Working Group.
For questions about the Yarrowee River Masterplan and consultation, see the mySay website and survey or contact the project team at Strategic Planning on 5320 5500.
