What We Do

Role of the committee

The committee is appointed to manage, improve, maintain and control the reserve for the purposes for which it is reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. The committee’s decisions and actions are made in the public interest for the benefit of protecting the reserve.

Map links - Councils responsibility & DEECA’s responsibility

www.wellington.vic.gov.au/community/mapping

www.mapshare.vic.gov.au

What is our plan for the reserve’s future – our vision and goals?

The greatest threat to the Lake Victoria foreshore reserve is erosion. In parts of the reserve, groynes have been constructed by Wellington Shire, the State Government and residents, protecting the shoreline. In other parts, the ravages of erosion have moved the shoreline back meters and caused the walking tracks to collapse into the lake.

 Many coastal studies and reports have been undertaken over the decades. These have a common recommendation - that the continuation of groynes along the foreshore is an effective long-term solution to erosion. The committee and community are in favour of this solution, however progress has been slow. Currently DEECA has allocated $400,000 to further environmental planning and coastal studies. The committee believes these funds should be directed to installation of physical solutions.

Until the erosion is controlled, the reserve remains under continued environmental threat and further development of the walking tracks is not effective use of public funds.

 Our Vision & Our Goals

Our vision for the reserve is that it is protected from the impact caused by erosion and that walking tracks and amenities are accessible to all, to safely enjoy the natural beauty of the foreshore.

 Our goals are to:

·         Gain funding and support to control the effects of erosion.

·         Maintain and repair the existing walking tracks, so that they are safe for use. Including   tracks that are suitable for those with wheel chairs, limited mobility and prams.

·         Once the foreshore is stabilised, extend and rebuild the walking tracks along the reserve to create a continuous, safe, accessible and linked system along the lakes.

·         Promote the reserve to increase use, communicate the work of the committee and encourage others to support our volunteer activities.