Playground and BBQ facilities at Coliban Water’s three catchment storages on the Coliban River near Kyneton have reopened.
Manager Community Operations Mick Dunne said the use of on-water access points, playground and BBQs had been suspended since the beginning of April 2020 as part of the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
“The gradual easing of restrictions in Victoria means all facilities at Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury reservoirs are now open for people to enjoy.
“It is still vitally important for visitors to our reservoirs to stay safe, follow the current guidelines and do their bit to slow the spread of coronavirus,” said Mr Dunne.
From 1 June 2020, up to 20 people may gather at a BBQ at a community facility, ensuring physical distancing is practiced and people remain 1.5 metres apart, unless they are from the same household. People should clean the BBQs and surrounding spaces before and after using it.
“The playground at Lauriston Reservoir has been open since Monday 26 May 2020 and on-water recreation and fishing has been permitted since Wednesday 13 May 2020,” said Mr Dunne.
“Shoreline fishing, kayaks, canoes and small portable craft (car toppers) with electric motors are permitted at Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury Reservoirs, and kayaks and canoes are permitted at Barkers Creek Reservoir in Harcourt.
“Fishing and recreation activities at our reservoirs directly connect to our focus on liveability in our Strategy 2030, our 10-year plan to achieve our vision of Water to Live, Grow and Enjoy.
“We opened a new on-water access point at Premier Mine Road at the Upper Coliban Reservoir in December 2019 and thousands of fish were delivered to the reservoir before Christmas.
“We will continue to explore opportunities for more access points in the future. The Victorian Government’s commitment to open storages and improve access for recreational activities is a partnership between Coliban Water, the Kyneton Angling Club, the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
“We have invested to create dedicated visitor areas at Lauriston, Malmsbury and Upper Coliban reservoirs and improve signage around our reservoirs. We encourage people to make use of our recreational facilities at these wonderful locations.
“We have a committed team who enjoy maintaining and improving these facilities for visitors and whose key focus is protecting the environment so we can provide clean drinking water for our communities,” said Mr Dunne.
For further information see the Visit our reservoirs page on our website www.coliban.com.au
Last updated on 01 Jun 2020