Echuca Aquatic Reserve Infrastructure and Services Plan endorsed
Council has endorsed the Echuca Aquatic Reserve Infrastructure and Services Plan which outlines an exciting vision and array of infrastructure and environmental improvements to enhance the visitor experience and optimise the site’s potential as one of the shire’s most popular places for residents and visitors alike.
Campaspe Mayor, Cr Leigh Wilson, said the plan is the result of a comprehensive review and feedback received by key stakeholders from an extensive community consultation process.
“Council started a review of the Echuca Aquatic Reserve in February 2015 to identify ways to enhance the reserve’s role as a developed open space and event venue,” Cr Wilson said.
“The resultant draft plan identified a number of issues for the site including low water quality, high maintenance requirements and inadequate access for people of different abilities.
“These issues and more have been addressed within the reserve’s infrastructure and services plan. The plan includes a range of low key, subtle a nd, at times, invisible, interventions which enhance the site’s qualities while improving the user experience and appealing to a diverse range of needs and interests.”
Some of the outcomes and initiatives included in the Echuca Aquatic Reserve Infrastructure and Services Plan include:
- painting edge line marking on each side of the path
- construction of grassed ramps to provide two points of access at the base of the site
- undertaking a review of the existing drainage system and preparation of a Storm Water Management Plan to improve the water quality and wetland function
- plantings to provide a barrier to the water’s edge and support ecological habitat
- rebuilding swale crossings at greater width when existing structures reach intervention and require replacement
- design and construction of an irrigation system to reduce ongoing maintenance
- development and implementation of a Tree Management Masterplan
- provision of improved access across the rail line
- upgraded toilet and amenity facilities at the Echuca Pump House building (currently operating as the Visitor Information Centre) when these assets require renewal
- installation of a drinking fountain and bike parking/racks to be co-located with the public barbeque on Heygarth Street
- installation of additional town water taps and review water supply to ensure adequate water pressure exists to reasonably support general needs
- installation of three phase electricity points
- installation of low-level site lighting
- preparation of an Aquatic Reserve Facilities and Access Plan for distribution to event coordinators and groups to inform their event planning and management
- development of a Landscape Plan for the Council and Court House area overlooking the Aquatic Reserve
- exploration of opportunities to develop a contemporary interactive trail of Wollithica history and culture which provides a dynamic visitor experience
- development of a play space concept which includes some water play element/s.
"The works won't occur all at once, but will need to be planned and funded over a period of time. As works do occur, the impact on users of this popular reserve will be minimised where possible," Cr Wilson said.
Council officers will now prepare an implementation strategy for the plan, including estimated project costs and a funding strategy, for future consideration by Council.
To view the Echuca Aquatic Reserve Infrastructure and Services Plan, see Council’s website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au or visit one of Council’s five customer service centres.