Coliban Water has opened a new access point at Upper Coliban Reservoir today.
Managing Director Damian Wells said the Premier Mine Road access point has been an important step in making recreational fishing and boating easier at the reservoir.
“It’s fantastic to be able to provide this for the community. We know Premier Mine Road is a great fishing spot and now access will be better for small craft.
“We’ve been working in consultation with the Victorian Fisheries Authority, traditional owners Dja Dja Wurrung and Kyneton Angling Club to make this happen.
"In line with the Victorian government policy commitment, we are exploring additional boating infrastructure with partner agencies and local anglers,” Mr Wells said.
From 1 August this year Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury Reservoirs were opened to on-water recreation for kayaks, canoes and small portable craft (car toppers) with electric motors.
Until now there has been a single point of access for Upper Coliban Reservoir at Kyneton-Spring Hill Road.
Dja Dja Wurrung CEO Rodney Carter said the organisation is pleased to be able to facilitate this access point and suggests all users consider the protection of all cultural heritage in the area.
“We have approved a Cultural Heritage Permit for Coliban Water to ensure that the significant cultural heritage values at this site are protected whilst allowing for the provision of better access on Premier Mine Road and we are encouraged that Coliban Water is progressing with a Cultural Heritage Management Plan associated with future works,” he said.
Mr Wells said he is grateful to the Dja Dja Wurrung for supporting this initiative and assisting the fast tracked approval process.
“Upper Coliban Reservoir is an important source of drinking water for towns across our region such as Kyneton, Castlemaine and Bendigo, so it’s great we can protect this precious source while also welcome more people out onto the water,” Mr Wells said.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said he’s delighted with the new access arrangements.
“Increasing access to these reservoirs will give recreational fishers, kayakers and boaters a whole lifetime of happy memories down the track.
“It’s all about getting families and kids outdoors, enjoying all Victoria has to offer. That’s why we’re growing it into a mixed fishery for year-round fun, with Murray cod and golden perch to be targets during the warmer months when the trout go quiet,” Mr Dowling said.
President of the Kyneton Angling Club John Condliffe said the opening of an access point for light craft adds a new and exciting dimension to the reservoir.
“Kyneton Angling Club members and their families often fish from the Premier Mine Road site and report good success,” he said.
The reservoir is scheduled to be stocked with 20,000 Murray cod fingerlings for the first time ever next week, with help from the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners.
For further information on visiting Coliban Water’s reservoirs go to the Visit our Reservoirs page at www.coliban.com.au
Last updated on 13 Dec 2019