VICTORIAN MINERAL SPRINGS STRATEGIC MASTERPLAN 2015-2024

December 2015

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Printed by DELWP, 402-406 Mair Street Ballarat Victoria 3350

ISBN 978-1-74146-779-6 (pdf)

Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone DELWP Customer Service Centre 136 186, email [email protected], via the National Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au. This document is also available on the internet at www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Published by the Victorian Mineral Water Committee December 2015

Queries to be directed to: Emily Lee VMWC Executive Officer c/- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 402-406 Mair Street, BALLARAT, VIC 3350

[email protected] Telephone: 03 5336 6758

www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Cover Photograph: Vaughan Springs Entrance Road, July 2015

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Foreword The Victorian Mineral Water Committee is an advisory committee to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water and was appointed in December 2013. The Committee is charged with the responsibility of assisting land managers1, including Traditional Owners, in the cohesive and sustainable management of mineral springs located on Crown land. This will be achieved primarily through the implementation of the Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024 (“the Plan”). The Plan focuses on forty-six mineral springs on Crown land in the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria. In contrast to the master plans of previous Committees, this Plan takes a strategic focus, rather than specifying a detailed works program for each individual spring. The Plan takes a 10 year horizon and is envisaged to be reviewed after 5 years. Importantly, the Plan provides a basis for the re-initiation of the Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program a funding program aimed at supporting the improvement and sustainability of Victoria’s mineral springs. Records indicate that more than 100 mineral springs have been identified across Victoria in the past. The Committee has commenced a review of available information on mineral springs across the State to identify all existing mineral springs on Crown land and better inform on-going management and sustainability of them. The Committee is also aware that many mineral springs are located on private land and that these have considerable historic significance to their communities and that there long-term sustainability also needs to be considered. The Committee has commenced researching the generic value of mineral springs to the State of Victoria and this information will be used to inform the development of subsequent master plans and the provision of advice to the Minister. Consequently, this Plan may be reviewed within its 5-year timeframe.

The Committee is committed to working with land managers, Traditional Owners and other interested parties to assist in the longevity and stewardship of mineral springs across Victoria.

Lynne Josephs Convenor, Victorian Mineral Water Committee December 2015

1 The development and management of the state’s mineral springs and associated reserves is vested by the Crown in the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, and Committees of Management, under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Complementary land management responsibilities are defined by the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.

i Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

ii Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Table of Contents

Foreword ...... i

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background and Purpose ...... 1 1.2 Structure of the Plan ...... 1 1.3 Development of the Plan ...... 1

2 Overview of Victoria’s Mineral Springs ...... 3 2.1 Definitions ...... 3 2.2 History ...... 3

3 The Vision and Objectives for Victoria’s Mineral Springs ...... 9 3.1 Vision for Victorian Mineral Springs ...... 9 3.2 Plan Objectives ...... 9

4 Management of the Mineral Springs ...... 11 4.1 Victorian Mineral Water Committee ...... 11 4.2 Mineral Springs Managers ...... 11 4.3 Traditional Owners ...... 12 4.4 Local Government and Other Organisations ...... 12 4.5 Community Groups and Volunteers ...... 13

5 The Mineral Springs ...... 15 5.1 Ballan Mineral Springs Reserve ...... 16 5.2 Blackwood Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp ...... 18 5.3 Boots Gully ...... 20 5.4 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park ...... 22 5.5 Central Lake Reserve - Daylesford ...... 32 5.6 Deep Creek Streamside Reserve ...... 38 5.7 Geelong Eastern Beach Public Park ...... 40 5.8 Glenlyon Racecourse and Recreation Reserve ...... 42 5.9 Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve ...... 44 5.10 Hepburn Regional Park ...... 50 5.11 Jubilee Lake ...... 62 5.12 Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve...... 64 5.13 Leitches Creek Springs Reserve...... 68 5.14 Lithia Springs Reserve ...... 70 5.15 Lyonville Mineral Springs Reserve ...... 72 5.16 Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve ...... 74 5.17 Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve...... 76

iii Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.18 Wombat State Forest ...... 78 5.19 Woolnoughs Road Mineral Reserve ...... 80

6 Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program ...... 83 6.1 Overview ...... 83 6.2 Grant Application Content ...... 83 6.3 Grant Application Assessment Criteria ...... 84 6.4 Grant Application Process ...... 85

References ...... 87

Appendix 1: Forty-six mineral springs of the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria ...... 88

Location Plan 1: Ballan (Shaws) Mineral Springs...... 17 Location Plan 2: Blackwood Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp ...... 19 Location Plan 3: Boots Gully – Hendersons Mineral Spring ...... 21 Location Plan 4: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park - Central Mineral Spring ...... 25 Location Plan 5: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park - Glenluce Mineral Spring ...... 27 Location Plan 6: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park - Vaughan Springs ...... 29 Location Plan 7: Deep Creek Streamside Reserve ...... 39 Location Plan 8: Eastern Beach Mineral Spring - Context Plan 1 ...... 41 Location Plan 9: Eastern Beach Mineral Spring – Context Plan 2...... 41 Location Plan 10: Glenlyon Racecourse and Recreation Reserve ...... 43 Location Plan 11: Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve ...... 45 Location Plan 12: Hepburn Regional Park - Argyle Mineral Spring ...... 53 Location Plan 13: Hepburn Regional Park - Golden Mineral Spring...... 55 Location Plan 14: Hepburn Regional Park - Sailors Falls Mineral Springs 1 ...... 57 Location Plan 15: Hepburn Regional Park - Sailors Falls Mineral Springs 2 ...... 58 Location Plan 16: Tipperary Mineral Springs ...... 61 Location Plan 17: Jubilee Mineral Spring ...... 63 Location Plan 18: Kyneton Mineral Springs ...... 65 Location Plan 19: Leitches Creek Springs Reserve ...... 69 Location Plan 20: Lithia Mineral Spring ...... 71 Location Plan 21: Lyonville Mineral Springs ...... 73 Location Plan 22: Spargo Creek Mineral Spring ...... 75 Location Plan 23: Taradale Mineral Spring ...... 77 Location Plan 24: Carrolls Mineral Spring ...... 79 Location Plan 25: Woolnoughs Crossing Mineral Spring ...... 81

Map 1: Mineral Springs of the Central Highlands area of Victoria ...... 5 Map 2: Central Lake Reserve - Daylesford ...... 33 Map 3: Hepburn Regional Park ...... 51

iv Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Table 1: Forty-six mineral springs of the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria ...... 6 Table 2: Victorian Mineral Reserves Grants Program – Weighted Criteria ...... 84 Table 3: Victorian Mineral Reserves Grants Program – Application Process ...... 85

v Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 1: Tipperary Mineral Springs access way

vi Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

1 Introduction

1.1 Background and Purpose The Victorian Mineral Water Committee (“the Committee”) was appointed by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water (“the Minister”) to provide advice on the cohesive and sustainable management of mineral springs reserves. This includes the preparation of a master plan for endorsement by the Minister. The Committee does not have a role in the direct management of mineral springs which are managed by a range of land managers. The Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024 (“the Plan”) provides a framework for the management and enhancement of mineral springs located on Crown land. The Plan differs from earlier plans in that it provides strategic guidance to land managers rather than the articulation of detailed work programs of the previous plans. The Plan also enables the Committee to make recommendations to the Minister on the provision of grants to land managers from the Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program.

1.2 Structure of the Plan The Plan provides: • a brief overview of mineral springs throughout Victoria, with a particular emphasis on those in the Central Highlands and Geelong areas; • detail on the attributes of each spring and identifies each springs’ land manager; • development opportunities and priorities for each spring; and • information on the Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program.

1.3 Development of the Plan The Plan was developed by the Committee in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (“DELWP”), Traditional Owners and the land managers of mineral springs reserves. The following process was used in developing the plan: • Research and analysis • Review of the previous master plans • Review of other planning documents • Site inspections • Confirmation of current management arrangements • Consultations with individual land managers • A combined land manager workshop - December 2014 • Meeting with Hepburn Shire Mineral Springs Advisory Committee chair - March 2015 • Land manager meeting to discuss the draft Plan - May 2015 • Community consultations though the CrowdSpot interactive website • Articles in a variety of local media • Information via local government authorities’ publications and web sites • Provision of flyers for community notice boards (e.g. Blackwood and Taradale)

1 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

2 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

2 Overview of Victoria’s Mineral Springs

Most of Australia’s mineral springs are located in Victoria and concentrated in the Central Highlands area, particularly in and around the townships of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. As early as 1912, over 100 mineral springs were identified across Victoria by the then Department of Mines.2 However limited information is currently available on many of these and additional research is necessary before they are considered further by the Committee in preparing advice to the Minister. Consequently, this Plan is restricted to considering forty-six mineral springs located on Crown land in the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria area. (Refer Map 1 and Table 1) The mineral springs detailed in this Plan are found in a variety of landscapes - from remote forests, bushland and beach settings, through to township settings. The number of visits made to each and the level of development of each also varies significantly. Some mineral springs reserves experience occasional, local community usage, while others receive regional, national and international visitors. The level of development at each reserve generally respects the intensity of usage. The mineral springs provide a diversity of experience for visitors and opportunities for understanding and appreciating the mineral water resource and its natural and cultural associations.

2.1 Definitions For the purposes of this Plan: • mineral water is “ground water which, in its natural state, contains carbon dioxide and other soluble matters in sufficient concentration to cause effervescence and impart a distinct taste”3. • mineral springs “means any place where mineral water issues naturally or is extracted from an aquifer”4.

2.2 History The mineral springs of the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria have a rich natural and cultural history5. The Aboriginal people occupied the area before European settlement and the land including waterways and springs is important to this community, as the landscape holds the imprint of thousands of generations of Aboriginal people. These include places where there may be no physical evidence of past cultural activities, but which are nevertheless of spiritual or ceremonial significance. Information about such places may be passed down from one generation to the next or may survive in nineteenth century documents and records.

2 Report of the State Development Committee on the Mineral Spa Water Resources of Victoria, 1970 3 Crown Land (Reserves) Act, 1978 4 ibid 5 The history of the use and development of the mineral springs is outlined in more detail in “Spa Country – Victoria’s Mineral Springs”, a handbook prepared in 2010 by the Victorian Mineral Water Committee in conjunction with the Department of Sustainability & Environment.

3 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

The Dja Dja Wurrung people are the formally recognised Traditional Owners of large areas of the Central Highlands (refer to Section 4.3). During the 19th Century gold rush, the physical landscape of the region was altered significantly. Many mineral springs sites, particularly within the Central Highlands area, still demonstrate the impact of the mining period. After the gold rush, further settlement of the region occurred with the mineral springs of the area becoming a cultural place for European settlers “taking the waters” for health benefits. In recent times, the growth in ‘health and wellbeing’ tourism has increased public awareness of mineral springs, albeit there is often confusion between ‘a spa experience’ and the naturally occurring mineral water source.

The mineral springs are important and valuable assets to Victoria. However little is understood about the quantum of this value. Further work is required to quantify not only the capital value of the mineral springs, but also the historic, cultural and social value they bring to Victoria.

4 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Map 1: Mineral Springs of the Central Highlands area of Victoria

5 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Table 1: Forty-six mineral springs of the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria

Extraction Land Reserve Spring Name Type Manager 1 Ballan Mineral Springs 1. Ballan (Shaws) Mineral 1. Pump Moorabool Shire Reserve Spring (Pump) 2. Bore – Council 2. Ballan (Shaws) Mineral headworks Spring (Bore) removed 2 Blackwood Mineral 1. Blackwood (North Pipe Blackwood Springs and Tourist Camp Blackwood) Spring Reserves Committee of 2. Soda (Blackwood South) Pipe Mineral Spring Management 3 Boots Gully 1. Hendersons Mineral Spring eye DELWP Springs 4 Castlemaine Diggings 1. Central Mineral Spring Standpipe pump Parks Victoria National Heritage Park 2. Glenluce Mineral Spring Bore 3. Vaughan Springs (Jim Pump Paull) 4. Vaughan Springs (Lawson) Pump 5 Central Lake Reserve - 1. Central Mineral Spring A Pump Hepburn Shire Daylesford 2. Central Mineral Spring B Pump Council 3. Central Mineral Spring C Pump 4. Hard Hills Spring (North) Pipe 5. Hard Hills Spring (South) Pipe 6. Sutton No. 1 Spring (East) Pump 7. Sutton No. 2 Spring (West) Pump 8. Sutton Spring - Pit Pit and Pipe 9. Wagga Spring Pit 10. Wombat Flat Spring Pump 6 Deep Creek Streamside 1. Deep Creek Mineral Spring Spring eye Parks Victoria Reserve 7 Geelong Eastern Beach 1. Eastern Beach Mineral Pump City of Greater Foreshore Reserve Spring Geelong 8 Glenlyon Racecourse and 1. Glenlyon Mineral Spring Pump Hepburn Shire Recreation Reserve Council 9 Hepburn Mineral Springs 1. Locarno Spring Pipe Hepburn Shire Reserve 2. Pavilion Spring Piped Council 3. Soda Spring Pump 4. Sulphur Spring Pump 5. Wyuna Spring Pump

6 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Extraction Land Reserve Spring Name Type Manager 10 Hepburn Regional Park 1. Argyle Mineral Spring Bore Parks Victoria (legislation pending as at 2. Golden Mineral Spring Bore August 2015) 3. Sailors Falls Mineral Pump Springs 4. Sailors Falls – Northern Pipe Spring

5. Sailors Falls – Wishing Well Pit and pump Spring 6. Tipperary Mineral Spring Pump (Pump) 7. Tipperary Mineral Spring Pit (Pit) 11 Jubilee Lake Addition 1. Jubilee Mineral Spring Pump Hepburn Shire Reserve Council 12 Kyneton Mineral Springs 1. Kyneton Mineral Spring Pump Macedon Reserve (Rotunda) Ranges Shire Council 2. Kyneton Mineral Spring Pump (Roadside) 13 Leitches Creek Springs 1. Leitches Creek Mineral Pit Hepburn Shire Reserve Spring ( Pit) Council 2. Leitches Creek Mineral Pump Spring ( Pump) 14 Lithia Springs Reserve 1. Lithia Mineral Spring Pipe DELWP 15 Lyonville Mineral Springs 1. Lyonville Mineral Spring Pipe DELWP Reserve (Pit) 2. Lyonville Mineral Spring Pump (Pump) 16 Spargo Creek Mineral 1. Spargo Creek Mineral Spring eye Moorabool Shire Springs Reserve Spring Council 17 Taradale Mineral Springs 1. Taradale Mineral Spring Pump Mount Reserve Alexander Shire Council 18 Wombat State Forest 1. Carrolls Mineral Spring Pipe DELWP

19 Woolnoughs Road 1. Woolnoughs Crossing Pump Hepburn Shire Mineral Reserve Mineral Spring Council

7 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

8 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

3 The Vision and Objectives for Victoria’s Mineral Springs

3.1 Vision for Victorian Mineral Springs Victoria’s mineral water is accessible by all, in a wide range of well-managed environments, which are respectful of the past and welcoming of the future. Land managers, the Traditional Owners and the community are supported by the Committee in the stewardship and enhancement of the mineral springs in perpetuity.

3.2 Plan Objectives

Land manager stewardship and community involvement in management of mineral springs Mineral springs are a community resource, managed by land managers on behalf of their communities. On-going management and development must be cognisant of community aspirations and encourage community involvement.

Traditional Owner involvement in the management of mineral springs As a source of water, the mineral springs have significance to the Traditional Owners. The Traditional Owners’ on-going involvement in the land management of mineral springs is vital.

Safe and sustainable mineral water for consumption The provision of mineral water that is safe for the public to drink is fundamental. Regular testing and monitoring of mineral water is essential to such management. Contamination risks from effluent disposal, drainage, flooding, poor pump function and faulty bores need to be understood and addressed by land managers.

Equitable access to mineral water Mineral springs occur across a range of environments, many of which present challenges for ease of access. Visitors of all abilities should be able to access the range of mineral springs environments.

An environment which encourages visitors to the mineral springs The community’s association of mineral water with health and well-being extends beyond the water itself and includes the setting of each mineral spring and the facilities and services available. The management of mineral springs must be planned to ensure the natural and physical environment of each mineral spring is maintained, enhanced and developed to appropriate standards.

9 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Community awareness of the attributes and values of mineral springs Mineral springs occur in different settings and have different attributes, histories and numbers of visitors. Interpretive information provided at mineral springs should vary according to the attributes of the individual setting, but all should provide a basic range of information. The community’s knowledge of Traditional Owner and post-European settlement cultural histories and the comprehensive value of each mineral spring should be articulated.

Ensure mineral springs’ settings are protected The sustainability of mineral springs and the associated on-going public enjoyment of them is often dependent on the setting of the mineral springs being maintained and enhanced. Pressures external to the mineral springs reserves may impact on this enjoyment – both physically and visually. Planning controls over mineral springs or over land adjacent to mineral springs may need to be considered by the relevant responsible planning and referral authorities6.

6 Under the Planning and Environment Act, 1987

10 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

4 Management of the Mineral Springs

Mineral springs located on Crown land are managed by delegated managers including local government7, volunteer Committees of management, Parks Victoria and DELWP. Traditional Owners also have a significant role in joint management of the Hepburn Regional Park. There are a number of other authorities and organisations which have responsibility for a variety of matters relating to mineral springs. These include local councils, water corporations, catchment management authorities, the Country Fire Authority, Heritage Victoria, and community groups.

4.1 Victorian Mineral Water Committee The Committee is an advisory committee to the Minister, appointed by determination under the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act (1987) to undertake the following functions: • Assist in the cohesive and sustainable management of mineral springs reserves by preparing a Victorian Mineral Springs Master Plan for the endorsement of the Minister; • Assess grant applications from land managers managing public land (Crown land) where mineral springs exist against the Plan and provide advice to DELWP on the disbursement of grants made under the Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program; • Advise the Minister on the management and development of mineral springs reserves; • Prepare an annual business plan and an annual report. The Committee does not have a role in the direct management of mineral springs which are managed by delegated land managers.

4.2 Mineral Springs Managers Mineral springs managed by committees of management including local government, Parks Victoria and local volunteers are appointed by the Minister under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and are required to manage, improve and maintain the lands for the purposes for which the lands are reserved. Land managers may also recommend specific regulations for the reserve for Ministerial approval. Parks Victoria also manages mineral springs on land which forms part of a declared park under the National Parks Act, 1975.8 DELWP manages mineral springs that are located in state forest or on unreserved Crown land under its direct management. All mineral springs land managers should have management plans for the reserves for which they are responsible, in order to manage them in a long-term, sustainable manner and avoid ad-hoc actions. A management plan may consider business and financial planning elements in addition to physical reserve planning.

7 As Committees of management under the Crown Lands (Reserves) Act 1978 8 For example, Hepburn Regional Park proposed form imminent gazettal

11 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

4.3 Traditional Owners Mineral springs, as sources of water, hold great significance for Traditional Owners. The Dja Dja Wurrung are recognised as Traditional Owners of approximately 266,532 hectares of Crown land across Victoria in a 2013 settlement agreement made under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. This included the commitment to grant Aboriginal Title over two national parks, two state parks, one reserve and significantly for mineral springs considerations, the Hepburn Regional Park to the Dja Dja Wurrung. All of these lands will be jointly managed in perpetuity by the Traditional Owners and the State of Victoria, through Parks Victoria. The Dhelkunya Dja Traditional Owner Land Management Board will set the strategic direction for the land.9 Under the settlement agreement, the Dja Dja Wurrung people have traditional rights and will contribute to decisions on activities undertaken on all Crown land in the agreement area.

4.4 Local Government and Other Organisations

Local Government Local government performs a significant role in the provision of municipal services and as the responsible planning authority10. As the responsible planning authority, local government is responsible for developing local policy and other strategic plans. Local government is generally responsible for issuing planning permits.

Heritage Victoria Heritage Victoria is responsible for issuing permits for works on reserves and infrastructure that is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Water Corporations Water corporations such as Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Corporation (GMW) are responsible for issuing groundwater licences and for managing and administering groundwater usage in accordance with the Water Act 1989. GMW has developed the “Central Victorian Mineral Springs Groundwater Management Area – Local Management Plan”, July 2013.

9 More detailed information can be found at www.djadjawurrung.com.au. 10 Planning and Environment Act, 1987

12 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Other statutory and government authorities Land managers may be required to consult authorities (such as the Country Fire Authority, VicRoads, water authorities and catchment management authorities) which have responsibility for a variety of matters relating to mineral springs and the preparation of management plans. These agencies may also be referral authorities in the planning process.11

Tourism organisations The mineral springs are important tourist destinations in Victoria. Regional tourism organisations may assist in the planning and promotion of tourism destinations and activities, including the development of mineral springs and associated facilities and services.

4.5 Community Groups and Volunteers Community groups such “friends groups”, advisory committees and land care groups work in partnership with land managers and make important contributions to the protection, rehabilitation and maintenance of mineral springs. Through community group activities, volunteers are able to be involved in works and assist in raising awareness and fostering improved stewardship of mineral springs.

11 ibid

13 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 2: Central Spring, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park – Loddon Valley

14 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5 The Mineral Springs

This section provides information on the forty-six mineral springs located on Crown land in the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria detailed in this Plan The mineral springs are considered within the management areas in which they occur, i.e. mineral springs reserves, reserves declared for other purposes, parks declared under the National Parks Act and State Forest areas. They are listed in alphabetical order. The mineral springs and their settings are considered under the following broad headings:

Context and amenity This section provides a brief overview of the context and key characteristics of the particular mineral spring and its setting, including the landscape character, historical context and the key activities which take place at the reserve.

Opportunities and management priorities This section provides a summary of the priorities proposed for the enhancement of the mineral springs within the framework of this Plan. These priorities will also be used by the Committee when considering grant applications made by land managers under the Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program. It should be noted that the information in this section of the Plan does not replace the need for a reserve management plan, landscape plan or works programs to be developed by the relevant land manager. The opportunities and management priorities outlined are not a complete list of all management actions, but are intended to complement and be compatible with other actions undertaken by the land manager. They also generally relate to the mineral springs and their immediate surroundings rather than the broader area of management responsibility. It is expected that the land manager will address these issues during the life of the Plan, which in some cases may be assisted by a grant from the Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Programme.

Location plans and photographs The information provided on each mineral spring includes a location plan. • The dashed, red line on each indicates the reserve boundaries • The white dot on each indicates the spring’s site Photographs of current conditions evident at the springs are included (July 2015)

15 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.1 Ballan Mineral Springs Reserve Ballan (Shaws) Mineral Spring (Pump) Ballan (Shaws) Mineral Spring (Bore)

Reserve Number: 0701904 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs Land Manager: Moorabool Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities The Ballan Mineral Springs Reserve is a small, attractive and sheltered reserve • Improve pedestrian access to the located on the western bank of the low- mineral spring particularly flowing Moorabool River (East Branch). considering the steepness of the While located relatively close to the river valley and the need to cross township of Ballan, the reserve feels the Moorabool River (East Branch) secluded as vehicle access from the • Secure well-head on currently Geelong-Ballan Road reduces to an decommissioned bore unmade Shaws Road. A small picnic • area is provided in the reserve. Control weeds and revegetate the Moorabool River (East Branch) The steeply sloped river valley forms valley to improve the setting and the setting for two mineral springs enhance the experience of visitors located in the reserve, both of which lie to the mineral spring close to the riverbank. One of the springs was re-established by the • Improve signage at the reserve construction of a bore and associated • Explore the provision of directional headworks in 2008, while the other signage at Bostock Reservoir to the spring has had its headworks removed mineral spring and currently is not working. • Explore improved vehicle and The limited vehicle access and the walking connections to Bostock steep path leading to the mineral Reservoir springs in the river valley, result in low numbers of visitors to the mineral • Ensure the ongoing availability of springs. However the reserve’s close safe mineral water proximity to the adjoining Bostock Reservoir may provide opportunities for increasing visitor levels.

Photograph 3: Ballan Mineral Springs Reserve

16 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 1: Ballan (Shaws) Mineral Springs

Photograph 4: Ballan (Shaws) Mineral Springs - Pump

17 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.2 Blackwood Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp Blackwood Spring Soda Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0701760 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp Land Manager: Blackwood Crown Reserves Committee of Management

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities The Blackwood Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp is a significant • Improve pedestrian access to the recreational facility, largely due to the mineral springs, including access presence of the Blackwood Caravan for all abilities and ages Park. The reserve is important for the • local community as well as for visitors, Provide and improve information on with numbers increasing significantly the mineral springs, outlining both over the summer holiday period. the history of the mineral springs and the analysis of the mineral The reserve is an attractive space water content located on the treed alluvial terraces of • the Lerderderg River. It feels secluded Continue to control weeds and due to the steep slopes on either side of revegetate the site (particularly the the reserve. river flats) to build on the attractive nature of the river landscape and It has high natural and historic values. encourage visitors to the mineral The preservation and enhancement of springs the natural values, and the protection • Enhance visitor facilities and interpretation of the heritage values appropriate to the number of of the reserve are important. visitors to the reserve Two mineral springs are located in the • Protect and interpret the natural reserve – Blackwood Spring which is values and mining heritage of the located north of the Lerderderg River area and Soda Mineral Spring located south of the Lerderderg River. • Ensure the ongoing availability of safe mineral water and particularly Currently an access fee is charged by ensure that the springs’ eye outlets the Blackwood Crown Reserves are not contaminated Committee of Management to visit the portion of the reserve that contains the mineral springs.

18 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 2: Blackwood Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp

Photograph 5: Blackwood Spring Photograph 6: Soda Mineral Spring

19 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.3 Boots Gully Hendersons Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: not applicable Reserve Purpose: Unreserved Crown land Land Manager: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Context and amenity Opportunities and management The Hendersons Mineral Spring is priorities located in Boots Gully, a small bushland • Provide directional signage from area located on the bank of Boots Gully the Boots Gully crossing near Creek. Basalt Road Access to the spring is usually along an • Provide interpretive signage unsealed vehicle track and a narrow • undefined walking track from the car Provide basic visitor facilities to park to the mineral spring. encourage visitors However the spring can also be • Upgrade the pedestrian access accessed by following an old water race • Support projects which would foster - confirming the mining heritage of the local community involvement in the area - or following the course of the management of the spring, such as creek to the spring eye. weed control, revegetation, A plaque commemorating James provision of improved seating and Gordon Henderson, a local resident maintenance of the stone wall who formalised the spring in 1925, has • Ensure the ongoing availability of been erected at the spring. safe mineral water The relatively difficult access limits the number of visitors to the spring and the secluded nature of the location gives it a special character as a quiet and contemplative space.

The mineral water flows from the spring eye into a stone lined pit. The mineral spring usually stops flowing in summer. As the creek can inundate the spring, the water quality can be uncertain.

Photograph 7: Hendersons Mineral Spring – History Plaque

20 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 3: Boots Gully – Hendersons Mineral Spring

Photograph 8: Hendersons Mineral Spring Photograph 9: Hendersons Mineral Spring – Spring Eye

21 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.4 Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park Central Mineral Spring Glenluce Mineral Spring Vaughan Springs (Jim Paull and Lawson mineral springs)

Reserve Number: 2012772 Reserve Purpose: Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage Land Manager: Parks Victoria

The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park contains four mineral springs. While the park is reserved for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage, the mineral springs within the park provide public recreation opportunities in a range of different environments. Vaughan Springs has well developed facilities while Central and Glenluce mineral springs are located in bushland and have low level facilities. The mineral springs were originally connected by the historic Moyles Race walking track, which is no longer accessible. The Dry Diggings Track component of the Goldfields Track (which is itself, part of the Great Dividing Trail) connects Vaughan Springs to nearby Fryerstown and passes close to Central Mineral Spring. The Goldfields track provides opportunities to explore the history of the area, including viewing relics from past gold mining activities and former Chinese market gardens. Parks Victoria prepared a management plan for the Castlemaine Diggings Heritage National Park in 2007. A number of the recommendations listed in the management plan are relevant to the mineral springs in the park, and when implemented would improve the experiences of visitors to the mineral springs.

“Vaughan Mineral Springs attracts the most day visitors of all the visitor sites “The Great Dividing Trail stretches along in the park, particularly for picnicking. the top of the Great Dividing Range Vaughan Mineral Springs was formerly between Bendigo, Ballarat, Daylesford a large gold rush township called ‘The and Bacchus Marsh allowing walkers Junction’ and became a favoured and tourists the time to savour central alluvial gold and market gardening Victoria’s unique combination of gold locality for Chinese miners. Today rush heritage and its natural beauty. visitors enjoy walking along the Loddon The Diggings and Leanganook sections River and sampling the mineral waters. of the trail pass through the park offering Facilities at the site include toilets, both short and long distance walks barbecues, a lookout and a running from Porcupine Ridge in the playground.” south to Specimen Gully in the north.” Source: Source: Parks Victoria Management Plan for Parks Victoria website, July 2015 the Castlemaine Diggings Heritage National Park 2007

22 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 10: Jim Paull Mineral Spring – Children’s railway and picnic rotunda

23 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park: Central Mineral Spring

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities Central Mineral Spring is in a delightful setting in the Loddon River valley with • Install interpretive signage to visible remnants of early settler activity describe the spring and the cultural including a mature pine plantation, history of the area: evidence of Chinese market gardens - Highlight the value of the and a surviving orchard. springs in an attempt to reduce The Central Mineral Spring is located a vandalism at the reserve, and short distance from the more formal - to articulate the relationship to Vaughan Springs. other mineral springs in the Access to Central Mineral Spring is Castlemaine Diggings National difficult as the short, steep spur track Heritage Park from the Goldfields Track is no longer • signposted. Explore the opportunity to develop a walking track connecting Central Mineral Spring has a low level Vaughan, Central and Glenluce of visitation and there are no formal mineral springs facilities. There are indications of • informal camping. Review the potential to restore the pump, improve drainage and The pump is an old style cast iron hand provide regular and safe water pump, in poor condition and no longer supply. Alternatively, undertake functions. stabilisation and remediation works to prevent further decline in the cultural fabric of the reserve • Ensure the ongoing availability of safe mineral water from the mineral spring

24 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 4: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park - Central Mineral Spring

Photograph 11: CDNHP - Central Mineral Spring Photograph 12: CDNHP - Central Mineral Spring - Pump

25 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park: Glenluce Mineral Spring

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities The Glenluce Mineral Spring is accessible by road and is located in a • Explore the opportunity to construct bushland setting. It provides access to a walking track to Central and high quality mineral water. Vaughan Springs A new bore was installed in recent • Complete the installation of years however a pump is yet to be headworks associated with the installed. Two previous bores nearby mineral water bore have been capped. • Undertake planned landscape The spring has a low level of visitation works including restriction of and there are no formal facilities at the vehicle access, protection of the reserve. pump from inadvertent damage and provision of picnic facilities. • Install signage to interpret the spring, the cultural history of the area, and the relationship to other mineral springs in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park • Ensure the ongoing availability of safe mineral water from the mineral spring

Photograph 13: CDNHP - Glenluce Mineral Spring - Pump

26 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 5: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park - Glenluce Mineral Spring

Photograph 14: CDNHP - Glenluce Mineral Spring - Bore Photograph 15: CDNHP - Glenluce Mineral Spring - Entrance

27 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park: Vaughan Springs Jim Paull Mineral Spring Lawson Mineral Spring

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities Although formally part of the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage • Explore the opportunity to develop Park, Jim Paull and Lawson mineral a walking track connecting springs are locally known as Vaughan Vaughan, Central and Glenluce Springs. mineral springs Vaughan was formerly a large gold rush • Reinstate bore headworks and township called ‘The Junction’ and siphon became a favoured alluvial gold and • market gardening area for Chinese Ensure the ongoing availability of miners. safe mineral water from the two mineral springs The Vaughan Springs area has well developed facilities including toilets, • Maintain signage interpreting the barbecues, a lookout and a playground springs, the cultural history of the – including a significant slide for area, and the relationship to other children and a run for three-legged mineral springs in the Castlemaine races. Diggings National Heritage Park The reserve includes a camping ground • Support projects that involve the and is identified as an overnight stop on local community and Friends of the Goldfields Track. Vaughan Springs such as community planting days or local Both of the springs have paved arts projects etc. surrounds and provide access to mineral water in an attractive parkland • Ensure activities at the reserve landscape, which contains heritage maintain and revere the historic features. character of the reserve Vaughan Springs attracts the most day • Maintain and improve visitor visitors of all the destinations within the facilities (seats, shelters, paths etc.) park and is well used for sampling the suitable to the character of the park mineral waters, swimming, picnicking, bushwalking, camping and local events.

28 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 6: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park - Vaughan Springs

29 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 16: CDNHP - Jim Paull Mineral Spring - Pump

Photograph 17: CDNHP - Jim Paull Mineral Spring – Interpretative Signage

30 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 18: CDNHP - Lawson Mineral Spring – Adjacent to Loddon River

Photograph 19: CDNHP - Lawson Mineral Spring – Access steps

31 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.5 Central Lake Reserve - Daylesford Central Springs Mineral Spring A (South) Central Springs Mineral Spring B (Centre) Central Springs Mineral Spring C (North) Hard Hills Spring (North) Hard Hills Spring (South) Sutton No. 1 Spring (East) Sutton No. 2 Spring (West) Sutton Spring – Pit Wagga Spring Wombat Flat Spring

Reserve Number: 0512616 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs, Lake and Recreation Land Manager: Hepburn Shire Council

Context and amenity The Central Lake Reserve - Daylesford The Hepburn Shire Council is a popular open space area with a commissioned CPG Australia to strong relationship to the adjoining prepare a master plan for the Central township. Lake Reserve in 2009, and Land Lake Daylesford is the key destination Design Partnership Pty Ltd to prepare a for visitors to the reserve. management plan for the Central Springs area, located in the south- The reserve is important for passive western part of the reserve. recreation providing walking trails, 12 picnic areas and playground spaces, as Currently council is also preparing a well as a number of small commercial further report on Lake Daylesford and operations. Surveys of visitors to the Central Reserve. lake have confirmed that over 50% visit A number of the recommendations the lake ‘to walk’. listed in each of the plans are relevant The reserve is linked to the history of to the mineral springs in the reserve, Daylesford and the use of mineral and when implemented would improve water. It includes a number of heritage the experiences of visitors to the features such as the mineral springs, mineral springs. the remains of the bandstand pavilion and the former power generator shed (near Central Springs). The reserve contains ten recognised mineral springs, two of which are currently inactive (Wagga Spring and Sutton Spring No.2 (West)). The mineral springs in this reserve provide examples of different types of public mineral springs that have existed in this region for over 100 years.

12 July 2015

32 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Opportunities and management • Provide more interpretative priorities signage to interpret both the diverse nature of the mineral • Assist the Dja Dja Wurrung springs and the heritage Traditional Owners and associated with the reserve Hepburn Shire Council as partners on projects of joint • Enhance the Wombat Flat relevance Spring given its high profile on the Lake Daylesford walking • Implement aspects of the Lake track Daylesford and Central Springs Reserve Master Plan that are • Ensure the ongoing availability relevant to the mineral springs of safe mineral water from all the springs • Enhance walking tracks and the Central Springs landscape • Provide directional signage from the Midland Highway

Map 2: Central Lake Reserve - Daylesford

33 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Central Springs13

Central Mineral Springs (A, B & C) are the first of a group of four springs extending downstream along the valley of Wombat Creek ...... below Lake Daylesford.....

.... Each bore has a rock-faced collection pit and hand pumps. Surrounding the pumps is a paved area...

Photograph 20: CLR – Central Mineral Springs Photograph 21: CLR – Central Mineral Springs – from Lake

Photograph 22: CLR – Central Mineral Springs - Photograph 23: CLR – Central Mineral Springs – B Pump and C

13 Department of Sustainability and Environment in conjunction with the Victorian Mineral Water Committee (2010) Spa Country - Victoria’s Mineral Springs .p. 114

34 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Hard Hills Springs14

Hard Hills trench has ...... steps at both ends provide access to the two pipes and sump at the bottom of the trench ...... Mineral water flowing from the two pipes is usually very similar, suggesting that collection points come from different parts of the same reef....

Photograph 24: CLR – Hard Hills Spring - Access Steps

Photograph 25: CLR – Hard Hills Spring - North Photograph 26: CLR – Hard Hills Spring - Pit

14 Ibid, p. 116

35 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Sutton Mineral Spring15

The spring is located ...... about 200m downstream (west) of Central Springs and Lake Daylesford .... a trench had been excavated to expose the spring and had a pipe driven into the spring eye...... in 1991 the bores were cleaned out ...... and new hand pumps installed ...... in 1997 the trench was renovated ....

Photograph 27: CLR – Sutton Spring Photograph 28: CLR – Sutton Spring - Apron

Photograph 29: CLR – Sutton Spring – Walking Track Signage

15 Ibid, p. 120-122

36 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Wagga Spring16

...... this spring was not shown on a tourist map of the early 1900s...... it is thought the semi-circular concrete pit and steps were constructed above the spring eye sometime during the 1950s

Photograph 30: CLR – Wagga Spring - Track Photograph 31: CLR – Wagga Spring - Pit

Wombat Flat Spring17

...... a recent arrival to the Daylesford scene ...... was drilled and tapped in 2004 but its history is as old as Daylesford’s

Photograph 32: CLR – Wombat Flat Spring – Photograph 33: CLR – Wombat Flat Spring - Pump Signage

16 Ibid, p. 119 17 Ibid, p. 124

37 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.6 Deep Creek Streamside Reserve Deep Creek Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0513990 Reserve Purpose: Public Recreation & Conservation of an Area of Natural Interest Land Manager: Parks Victoria

Context and amenity Opportunities and management The Deep Creek Streamside Reserve is priorities located to the west of Deep Creek. It • Provide visitor infrastructure has basic level picnic facilities and appropriate to the visitor numbers spring eyes are visible in the creek bed. such as improved walking track and The historic Deep Creek Mineral Spring the installation of seats pump house is not located on Crown • Provide information relating to the land but on private land on the other environment and history of the side of Deep Creek. mineral springs The boundary between the reserve and • Control weeds and revegetate the the private land runs along Deep Creek. Deep Creek environment Access to the bridge connecting the • Investigate options for possible Crown land with the historic pump acquisition of the pump house and house is through the reserve. bridge to enable them to be added The waking track from the car park to the reserve and ensure on-going used to access the creek is in poor public access to these assets condition. Protection of the natural environment and view lines to the historic pump house are important.

Photograph 34: Deep Creek Mineral Spring – Historic Pump House (in Private Ownership)

38 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 7: Deep Creek Streamside Reserve

Photograph 35: Deep Creek Mineral Spring – View Photograph 36: Deep Creek Streamside Reserve - from Historic Pump House to Streamside Reserve Entry

39 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.7 Geelong Eastern Beach Public Park Eastern Beach Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0701761 Reserve Purpose: Public Park Land Manager: City of Greater Geelong

Context and amenity Opportunities and management The Eastern Beach Mineral Spring is priorities located on the foreshore within a public • Provide information on the history park on the southern shore of Corio Bay and other aspects of the mineral in Geelong. springs Three natural mineral springs have • Maintain and improve pedestrian been known at this site since the late access to the mineral spring 19th Century; however all of the springs • have stopped flowing with the last Ensure the ongoing availability of ceasing to flow in 1959. Mineral water safe mineral water was not accessible until a bore and • Maintain ongoing community pump were completed in 2000. access free of charge to the As the Eastern Beach Mineral Springs mineral spring as part of any provides a unique experience, it is development of the broader area important to preserve the mineral water supply and increase public awareness of the spring. The City of Greater Geelong is investigating the potential for the development of a mineral water bathhouse/resort at Eastern Beach which would increase tourism in the area.

Photograph 37: Eastern Beach Mineral Spring

40 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 8: Eastern Beach Mineral Spring - Context Plan 1

Location Plan 9: Eastern Beach Mineral Spring – Context Plan 2

41 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.8 Glenlyon Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Glenlyon Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0512644 Reserve Purpose: Racecourse & Public Recreation Land Manager: Hepburn Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management Glenlyon Racecourse and Recreation priorities Reserve located on the Loddon River at • Control weeds and revegetate, Glenlyon contains both active and building on the work that has been passive recreation features including a undertaken by the Glenlyon Upper horse-racing track, tennis courts, Loddon Landcare Group barbecues, picnic areas, walking tracks • and car parks, as well as the Glenlyon Improve visitor facilities including Mineral Spring. the provision of seats, shelters and paths and the pedestrian bridge Historically the reserve has been a focal • point for the township and is used by Support projects that involve the the local community for events such as local community such as the Glenlyon New Year’s Day Sports community planting days or local Day, which attracts a large number of arts projects etc. visitors to the region. • Interpret the history of the reserve Although the reserve has two mineral and mineral springs springs, mineral water can only be • Ensure the ongoing availability of accessed via a bore and pump installed safe mineral water in 2007/08 which provides a continual and sustainable mineral water supply. • Improve the pedestrian access to the mineral spring Visitation for mineral waters has increased in recent years since the springs were upgraded.

Photograph 38: Glenlyon Mineral Spring - Pump

42 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 10: Glenlyon Racecourse and Recreation Reserve

Photograph 39: Glenlyon Mineral Spring - Signage

43 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.9 Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Locarno Spring Pavilion Spring Soda Spring Sulphur Spring Wyuna Spring

Reserve Number: 0512662 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs and Public Park Land Manager: Hepburn Shire Council

Context and amenity It is important to protect the cultural and The Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve heritage character of the reserve and to is a major tourism destination. It encourage community stewardship of provides a range of recreation and the facilities. leisure opportunities for local, regional, The Hepburn Shire Council state and international visitors. commissioned CPG Australia to The Hepburn Bathhouse, a major prepare a master plan for the Hepburn drawcard of the reserve, has the Mineral Springs Reserve in 2009. A reputation of being Australia’s largest number of the recommendations listed and oldest such facility. The renovation in the plan are relevant to the mineral and expansion of the Bathhouse in springs in the reserve, and when 2009 rejuvenated the reserve’s profile implemented would improve the and its potential to attract large experiences of visitors to the mineral numbers of visitors. springs. Opportunities and management The reserve is a significant local priorities community park, popular with residents for its open space and diverse passive • Enhance the interpretation of the recreation opportunities including physical and social history of the mineral water collection. A number of reserve and its heritage features to Swiss-Italian heritage features are engage all visitors to the reserve located in the reserve. • Enhance the interpretation of the Five mineral springs Locarno, Pavilion, diverse mineral springs in the Soda, Sulphur and Wyuna are located reserve, as well as the nearby in different settings in the reserve which mineral springs within the Hepburn provide visitors with a variety of mineral Regional Park spring experiences. • Provide high quality facilities Locarno Spring, which has a number of suitable for regional, state and sources, underwent a significant international visitors redevelopment in 2003 to provide an improved visitor experience. The stone • Ensure high standard management monoliths from which the water now of the reserve including its natural flows, provide a convenient method of and heritage assets tasting the water. • Ensure ongoing availability of safe mineral water from all of the springs

44 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 11: Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve

45 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Locarno Spring18

...... Water comes from four outlets: one continuous flow pipe and the others spring-loaded taps. ... It is the most prominent of the public springs within the reserve......

Photograph 40: HMSR – Locarno Spring Photograph 41: HMSR – Locarno Spring - Pipe

Photograph 42: HMSR – Locarno Spring - Signage Photograph 43: HMSR – Locarno Spring – View along Creek

18 ibid. p. 166

46 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Pavilion Spring19

.... is located within the present pavilion. A timber framed and slatted building ‘pavilion’ was built over the spring ......

Soda Spring20

...... Soda Spring is perhaps the most palatable water as it does not contain high levels of any one mineral.....

Photograph 44: HMSR - Soda Spring

19 ibid .p. 160 20 ibid .p. 153

47 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Sulphur Spring21

...... landscaped with semi-circular free stone rock ...... Between Sulphur and Locarno springs, the creek flows underground ......

Photograph 45: HMSR - Sulphur Spring

21 ibid .p. 168

48 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Wyuna Spring22

..stopped flowing in the period 1910-1912 due to reef mining activity further to the south ......

Photograph 46: HMSR - Wyuna Spring - Pump

Photograph 47: HMSR - Wyuna Spring - Channel

22 ibid .p. 171

49 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.10 Hepburn Regional Park Argyle Mineral Spring Golden Mineral Reserve Sailors Falls Mineral Springs Sailors Falls – Northern Spring (Pipe) Sailors Falls – Wishing Well Spring (Pit and Pump) Tipperary Mineral Spring (Pump) Tipperary Mineral Spring (Pit)

Reserve Purpose: Regional Park Reserve Number: Not assigned Land Manager: Parks Victoria

At the time of preparation of the Plan, the formal gazettal of the Hepburn Regional Park under the National Parks Act – 1975 was imminent. In anticipation of this, Parks Victoria is the current land manager of the proposed park. The Hepburn Regional Park will incorporate a large area of land following creek valleys around the Daylesford and Hepburn townships. The park includes a variety of landscape types and has significant cultural and historical values. The mineral springs in the park form an important regional mineral spring experience. Springs in the Hepburn Regional Park are often visited as destinations within the network of walking tracks throughout the park. The tracks vary in topography and terrain and require constant maintenance. Currently notices installed on many of the pipes and pits throughout the park advise visitors that the mineral water is unsuitable for drinking. There is a need to develop consistent and informative signage throughout the park which details the springs’ historical context and simultaneously inform visitors of the reasons behind the variability of water quality. There is an opportunity to pursue the installation of directional signage at strategic locations along the major vehicle access routes to inform visitors of the spatial coverage of the park and encourage its use. There is further opportunity across all springs within the Hepburn Regional Park to assist the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria as partners on projects of joint relevance. The following sections examine in turn each of the mineral springs located within the proposed Hepburn Regional Park.

“The park is located around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. Here you will find natural mineral springs and relics of the gold mining era set in delightful bush surroundings.” Source: Parks Victoria website, July 2015

50 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Map 3: Hepburn Regional Park

51 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Hepburn Regional Park: Argyle Mineral Spring

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities Although the Argyle Mineral Spring lies within the Hepburn Regional Park, it is • Ensure high standard pedestrian remote and most easily accessed from access to the mineral spring from the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. the Hepburn Mineral Springs The Argyle Mineral Spring is a 30- Reserve minute walk from the reserve car park • Provide headworks necessary to along a pleasant track through different obtain mineral water from the bore landscapes and past a number of constructed in 2011 former gold mining features and • artefacts. Provide information on the Hepburn Regional Park and the mineral The spring is located in an attractive springs that it contains clearing in an open woodland close to Wild Cat Creek and contributes to the • Pursue the installation of directional diversity of the experiences for visitors signage at strategic locations along to the reserve. the major vehicle access routes To overcome periodic contamination of • Provide information on natural and the mineral spring over recent years, a heritage features along the access new bore was constructed in 2011. walking track However the headworks required to • Provide visitor facilities such as provide access to the mineral water has seating at the mineral spring not yet been installed.

Photograph 48: HRP - Argyle Mineral Spring

52 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 12: Hepburn Regional Park - Argyle Mineral Spring

Photograph 49: HRP – Track to Argyle Photograph 50: HRP – Car Park Signage to Argyle Mineral Spring Mineral Spring

53 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Hepburn Regional Park: Golden Mineral Spring

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities Golden Mineral Spring provides an example of the diversity of mineral • Provide information on the Hepburn springs in the Hepburn - Daylesford Regional Park and the other area. mineral springs located in the park It is a small, relatively remote spring, • Pursue the installation of directional accessible from the Hepburn township signage at strategic locations along along the Tipperary walking track. The the major vehicle access routes constrained nature of the site means • that it has little opportunity for further Ensure high standard pedestrian development. access to the mineral spring A new bore was sunk in 2007, however • Monitor water quality and if water the pump was decommissioned due to quality is suitable for drinking, then water quality issues, with high level provide new headworks arsenic readings being received. The • Install headworks to achieve bore is located in the middle of a reliable ongoing availability of walking track. mineral water, on the basis that As the spring does not currently have chemical readings indicate the appropriate headworks, visitors are water is suitable for human unable to access the mineral water. consumption The availability of mineral spring water • Lower the bore and place it within a is an important experience for users of pit the regional park walking track network. • Provide fencing and landscape associated with the new headworks • Control weeds and revegetate the creek environment

Photograph 51: HRP – Track to Golden Mineral Spring

54 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 13: Hepburn Regional Park - Golden Mineral Spring

Photograph 52: HRP – Golden Mineral Spring – Photograph 53: HRP – Golden Mineral Spring – Bore in middle of track Capped Bore

55 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Hepburn Regional Park: Sailors Falls Mineral Springs Sailors Falls – Northern Spring (Pipe) Sailors Falls – Wishing Well Spring (Pit and pump)

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities The Sailors Falls mineral springs area is located on the Ballan-Daylesford • Investigate potential for improved Road, a main access route to pedestrian access to the valley Daylesford from Melbourne. mineral springs24, including safe The visitor area forms a significant access across Sailors Creek gateway to the mineral springs of the • Provide information on the Hepburn Daylesford and Hepburn region. Regional Park and all the springs The site has a number of quality picnic including those located within the shelters and public toilets, making it a park closer to Daylesford and popular picnic stop. Hepburn A new bore and pump was installed in • Pursue the installation of directional this area in 2012 (Park Spring). It signage at strategic locations along provides a reliable, sustainable and the major vehicle access routes accessible mineral water supply. • Develop consistent and informative From the Sailors Falls visitors’ area, signage which details the springs’ there is a walking track to the original historical context and informs Sailors Falls mineral springs. (Northern visitors of the reasons behind the and Wishing Well springs) variability of water quality These two springs are located beside • Define parking bays and improve the creek in a spectacular setting on the the presentation of the car park on edge of the deeply incised Sailors Ballan-Daylesford Road Creek valley with views to Sailors Falls. • Ensure that safe mineral water is Unfortunately both these mineral available from all the mineral springs are often subject to springs, including the valley springs contamination. • Control weeds along the river valley To access the original Sailors Falls and manage the recent tree Mineral springs, visitors need to plantings in the Sailors Falls area descend a steep stairway23 into and then along the creek

23 Although as at July 2015, the staircase is closed 24 Including making safe and re-opening of the to public access for safety reasons staircase

56 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 14: Hepburn Regional Park - Sailors Falls Mineral Springs 1

Photograph 54: HRP – Sailors Falls

57 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 15: Hepburn Regional Park - Sailors Falls Mineral Springs 2

Photograph 55: HRP – Sailors Falls Mineral Photograph 56: HRP – Sailors Falls Mineral Springs - Entrance from Car Park Springs – Pump and Picnic Shelters

58 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 57: HRP – Sailors Falls – Northern Spring (Pipe)

Photograph 58: HRP – Sailors Falls – Wishing Well Spring (Pit and Pump)

59 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Tipperary Mineral Spring (Pump) Tipperary Mineral Spring (Pit)

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities The two Tipperary mineral springs located close to Daylesford, are well • Provide information on the Hepburn known and have a high number of Regional Park and its mineral visitors. springs The mineral springs are linked by • Develop consistent and informative walking tracks to the other springs and signage highlighting the cultural visitor areas in Hepburn Regional Park and heritage values of the mineral as well as the Lake Daylesford and springs and informs visitors of the Central Springs Reserve. Along with reasons behind the variability of this accessibility, the attractive water quality landscape setting of the springs makes • the location popular for picnics. Control weeds and revegetate the area along Wombat Creek The two springs comprise a hand pump on a bore and associated headworks • Improve pedestrian access to the constructed in 2002, as well as a pit mineral springs spring on the opposite side of Wombat • Ensure the ongoing availability of Creek safe mineral water from both It is desirable to preserve and protect springs the heritage and cultural aspects of the mineral springs and their settings.

Photograph 59: Tipperary Mineral Spring - Pump

60 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 16: Tipperary Mineral Springs

Photograph 60: Tipperary Mineral Spring - Pit

61 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.11 Jubilee Lake Jubilee Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0512650 Reserve Purpose: Recreation and Scenic Purposes Land Manager: Hepburn Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management Jubilee Lake is located on the south priorities eastern edge of the township of • Improve the standard of the Daylesford and is part of the Wombat facilities and landscaping relevant Recreation and Scenic Reserve. to the mineral spring The landscape comprises open grassed • Provide improved the directional areas including an oval, areas with a and interpretation signage relating mix of exotic and native plantings and a to the mineral spring more densely vegetated riverine • environment along Wombat Creek. Control weeds and revegetate areas of the reserve particularly It offers a range of recreation and along Wombat Creek leisure experiences, including, camping, fishing, swimming, walking, informal • Ensure the ongoing availability of sporting activities, picnicking and safe mineral water from Jubilee barbecuing as well as access to mineral Mineral Spring water at Jubilee Mineral Spring. The Jubilee Mineral Spring, originally known as Soda Spring, is located near the Wombat Creek, where a bore and pump were installed in 2000. The Hepburn Shire Council commissioned CPG Australia to prepare a management plan for the Jubilee Lake Reserve in 2009. A number of the recommendations are relevant to the mineral spring in the reserve, and when implemented would improve the experiences of visitors to the mineral spring. Photograph 61: Jubilee Mineral Spring - Pump

62 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 17: Jubilee Mineral Spring

Photograph 62: Jubilee Mineral Spring - Analysis Photograph 63: Jubilee Mineral Spring – Elm Walk

63 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.12 Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve Kyneton Mineral Spring (Rotunda) Kyneton Mineral Spring (Roadside)

Reserve Number: 0615924 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs Land Manager: Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities The Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve is located close to the Campaspe River • Enhance the historic and cultural just north of the township of Kyneton. character of the reserve, including This part of the Campaspe River is planting complementary tree locally known as Boggy Creek. species in the areas already planted with exotic trees The reserve features large oak and elm • trees planted on open lawns forming a Continue to provide information on high-quality park setting. the history of the reserve and the mineral springs The reserve has a playground, picnic and barbecue facilities and provides a • Control weeds and remove other discharge sump for campervans at the exotic plants (particularly woody car park. The reserve is well visited. weeds and trees) and replant with indigenous species especially The reserve contains two mineral along the Campaspe River / Boggy springs. They are popular for tasting Creek and collecting mineral water. • Maintain and improve existing The first spring (Rotunda) is located in appropriate park infrastructure such an historic Edwardian rotunda while the as seats, playgrounds, barbecues second spring (Roadside) is a bore and pump located in a more contemporary • Maintain and improve condition of setting including a fabric shade existing buildings and consider structure surrounded by native trees. restoration options for the historic picnic shelter The roof of the rotunda is showing visible signs of deterioration. An historic • Consider establishing a low impact timber picnic shelter located in the visual and sound buffer between reserve is in a state of disrepair and has the reserve and adjacent highway been fenced-off from public access for • Ensure the ongoing availability of some time. safe mineral water from both springs

64 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 18: Kyneton Mineral Springs

Photograph 64: Kyneton Mineral Spring (Rotunda)

65 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 65: Kyneton Mineral Springs (Rotunda) - Civic Signage

Photograph 66: Kyneton Mineral Springs – Old Shelter

66 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 67: Kyneton Mineral Spring (Roadside) – View from Entry Road

Photograph 68: Kyneton Mineral Spring (Roadside) – Pump and Apron

67 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.13 Leitches Creek Springs Reserve Leitches Creek Mineral Spring (Pit) Leitches Creek Mineral Spring (Pump)

Reserve Number: 0512682 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs Land Manager: Hepburn Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management priorities The Leitches Creek Springs Reserve is a small reserve in a bushland setting • Improve the car parking without with a small car park and some seating. intruding into the mineral spring It contains two mineral springs and is environment or contributing to popular with the local community for the contamination risk tasting and collection of mineral water. • Control weeds and revegetate the It also attracts significant numbers of area along the adjoining waterway visitors because of its proximity to • Provide signage of the role and Daylesford, and ease of access from history of the mineral springs Currys Road. • Support projects which would foster The two mineral springs consist of a pit local community involvement in the spring and a spring with a pump. management of the spring, such as Further development of the reserve is weed control and revegetation limited by its size. • Ensure the ongoing availability of safe mineral water from the springs

Photograph 69: Leitches Creek Mineral Spring - Signage

68 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 19: Leitches Creek Springs Reserve

Photograph 70: Leitches Creek Mineral Spring - Pit

69 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.14 Lithia Springs Reserve Lithia Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0513702 Reserve Purpose: Public Purposes Land Manager: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Context and amenity Opportunities and management Lithia Mineral Spring is only accessible priorities by 4WD vehicles as the vehicle access • Maintain and improve pedestrian track from the Hepburn-Newstead Road access to the mineral spring is steep and slippery in wet conditions. • Install signage including information The spring is intermittent and on how to access the spring at the occasionally contaminated. Hepburn-Newstead Road Close to the mineral spring is the • Provide interpretive signage seasonal Lithia Creek, an apple tree and some steep stone steps. • Ensure that safe mineral water is available, including undertaking The spring experiences low numbers of works to manage any visitors, which is unlikely to change contamination risk to mineral water unless regular flows of the mineral water can be achieved and the spring infrastructure improved. The character of the mineral spring and its environment should be protected.

Photograph 71: Lithia Mineral Spring – Steps to spring

70 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 72: Lithia Mineral Spring - Pipe

Location Plan 20: Lithia Mineral Spring

71 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.15 Lyonville Mineral Springs Reserve Lyonville Mineral Spring (Pit) Lyonville Mineral Spring (Pump)

Reserve Number: 0512725 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs, Recreation & Public Purposes Land Manager: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Context and amenity Opportunities and management 25 priorities The two active Lyonville mineral springs are located in an attractive • Control weeds revegetate the setting on the banks of the Loddon area along the Loddon River in River in the Wombat State Forest, a the vicinity of the two Lyonville short distance from the Lyonville mineral springs township. Visitor facilities comprise a • car park, barbecues, picnic tables Provide picnic and other basic and toilets. forest facilities • Lyonville Mineral Spring (Pit) is an Address the contamination of older style pit spring lying below the mineral water at Lyonville level of the Loddon River and Mineral Spring (Pit) caused by therefore is subject to flooding and the Loddon River flooding and contamination. A new bore and falling leaves and branches pump were installed at Lyonville • Ensure the ongoing availability Mineral Spring (Pump) in 2007 as of safe mineral water from both well as surrounding pavement. Lyonville mineral springs

25 A third spring, Township Spring is located in the Wombat State Forest (Reserve Number Photograph 73: Lyonville Mineral Springs - 0512726) and accessed by a rough, unsurfaced Signage forest track. The spring, located in a brown Besser brick building, is an uncapped bore and currently closed. It has little potential for development

72 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 21: Lyonville Mineral Springs

Photograph 74: Lyonville Mineral Spring –Pump Photograph 75: Lyonville Mineral Spring – Pit and and Shelter Steps

73 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.16 Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve Spargo Creek Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0701881 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs Land Manager: Moorabool Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management The Spargo Creek Mineral Springs priorities Reserve is an important local recreation • Control weeds and revegetate the reserve that was used for a range of local creek and drainage lines near community activities and organised the spring sporting events in the past. The reserve • currently has little formal use. However Provide visitor facilities such as the reserve is an attractive area near picnic table and seating Spargo Creek, planted with exotic trees • Support projects which would foster which contrast with the surrounding local community involvement in the native vegetation. management of the spring, such as The mineral spring is a free flowing weed control and revegetation spring eye, with a continuous flow of • Ensure the ongoing availability of water emerging from a retaining wall. safe mineral water from the mineral Facilities include a gravel vehicle spring access track and car park, and a small paved area at the spring. • Improve exotic-tree arboreal practices in the reserve to allow Improvement of the mineral springs appreciation of the spatial extent of reserve may encourage more the reserve. recreation activities such as picnics and social gatherings.

Photograph 76: Spargo Creek Mineral Spring – Pipe and Apron

74 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 22: Spargo Creek Mineral Spring

Photograph 77: Spargo Creek Mineral Spring – Photograph 78: Spargo Creek Mineral Spring – Pit Car Park Entry and Analysis Sign

75 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.17 Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve Taradale Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 0610027 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Springs Land Manager: Mount Alexander Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management The Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve priorities is an attractive local reserve catering for • Consider projects that would a range of recreation activities. The enhance opportunities for visitor facilities provided include a playground enjoyment of the mineral springs which is important to the local that may be recommended in the community, a large covered picnic and landscape plan which is currently26 barbecue area and a public toilet. being finalised by the Mount Walking tracks connect to a range of Alexander Shire and the reserve local cultural and natural features in the Committee. area. • Other items may include: The reserve is well used by local and regional visitors and it is the venue for - Upgrade the facilities the annual Taradale Mineral Springs associated with the mineral Festival, which is held on the Labour spring in line with the approved Day weekend. The reserve also reserve master plan contains the Taradale war memorial - Increase the visibility of the and is used for Anzac Day and Mineral Springs Reserve from Remembrance Day events. the Calder Highway through The mineral spring consists of a single landscaping and signage hand pump located in the centre of the - Install low stone seating wall reserve that was installed in 2006. This around mineral spring pump spring replaces a previous spring - Provide signage explaining the located on the edge of the creek that relation of this spring to other was subject to flooding and mineral springs in the Calder contamination. Highway - Castlemaine corridor Mount Alexander Shire Council’s - Support projects which continue Mineral Springs Reserve Committee local community involvement in assists with the management of the the management of the spring, reserve. such as weed control and The Mount Alexander Shire Council and revegetation the Taradale Mineral Springs - Ensure the ongoing availability Committee are currently developing the of safe mineral water from the Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve mineral spring Landscape Plan.

26 As at July 2015

76 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 23: Taradale Mineral Spring (NB CFA shed removed)

Photograph 79: Taradale Mineral Spring - Pump Photograph 80: Taradale Mineral Spring - Signage

Photograph 81: Taradale Mineral Spring - Festival Photograph 82: Taradale Mineral Spring – Disused Former Pump Site

77 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.18 Wombat State Forest Carrolls Mineral Spring

Reserve number: Not applicable Reserve purpose: State Forest Land Manager: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Context and amenity Opportunities and management Carrolls Mineral Spring is located in a priorities clearing in the Wombat State Forest • Protect the unique character and located east of the Ballan-Daylesford setting of the mineral spring Road near the Werribee River. • Protect the mineral water supply The site has minimal development of • the mineral water assets and appears Provide signage relating to the to experience relatively few visitors mineral water composition, the other than campers. There are no spring’s history and it’s place within facilities. Basic picnic facilities and the surrounding forest signage existed in the past, however • Provide simple visitor facilities such they were continuously vandalised. as seats and picnic tables Vehicles can access the mineral spring • Improve pedestrian access and along the rough unsealed Carroll Track signage from the Werribee River and walkers can reach the spring along picnic area to the mineral spring. a track from the Werribee River picnic area located on the Bunding-Blakeville Road, west of the site. The mineral spring comprises a small pipe eye emerging from a simple historic stacked stone. It is unique being located in an open grassed area and discharging into an informal shallow channel which dries before meeting any waterway.

Photograph 83: Carrolls Mineral Spring – Pit and Surrounds

78 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Photograph 84: Carrolls Mineral Spring – Pit

Location Plan 24: Carrolls Mineral Spring

79 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

5.19 Woolnoughs Road Mineral Reserve Woolnoughs Crossing Mineral Spring

Reserve Number: 2017455 Reserve Purpose: Mineral Spring Reserve Land Manager: Hepburn Shire Council

Context and amenity Opportunities and management The Woolnoughs Road Mineral priorities Reserve is an attractive area on the • Provide interpretive signage northern bank of the Kangaroo Creek. explaining the role and history of It is relatively secluded and has limited the spring infrastructure and facilities and appears • Undertake weed control and to be used by the local community as a improvement of the banks of source of mineral water. Kangaroo Creek. The reserve is connected to the • Support projects which would foster Glenlyon Mineral Spring via Back local community involvement in the Glenlyon Road. management of the spring, such as weed control and revegetation • Ensure the ongoing availability of safe mineral water from the mineral spring • Consider upgrading existing parking area.

Photograph 85: Woolnoughs Crossing Mineral Spring

80 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Location Plan 25: Woolnoughs Crossing Mineral Spring

Photograph 86: Woolnoughs Crossing Mineral Spring – Pump and Apron

81 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

82 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

6 Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program

6.1 Overview The State government has established the Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program in order to assist land managers to improve the condition and management of mineral springs located on Crown land. The Committee’s specific roles in the program’s implementation are: • To develop a strategic master plan to provide guidance to land managers on the developmental needs of mineral springs; • To consider grant applications from land managers, and • To provide recommendations to DELWP on the distribution of the grants. The criteria to assess applications are outlined in this section and are based on the objectives (Chapter 3) and management priorities (Chapter 5) for mineral springs reserves outlined in this Plan. These grants are only available to land managers of mineral springs reserves on Crown land and works must be associated with the mineral springs listed in this Plan. Grants will generally be considered for projects that will improve the condition and presentation of mineral springs and their surrounds, improve access to safe mineral water and/or increase the community awareness of the cultural and historical values of the mineral springs. Generally, grants will not be considered for routine maintenance works. This section outlines the overall grant application process including the application requirements and assessment criteria.

6.2 Grant Application Content To be considered for funding, each grant application must include or address the following: 1) The reserve name, number and spring name as shown in Appendix 1. 2) The project name, scope and summary of intended outcome(s). 3) A description of the proposal’s consistency with the objectives of this Plan (Chapter 3). 4) A description of how the proposal is consistent with the opportunities and management priorities listed for particular specific mineral spring (Chapter 5). 5) Confirmation that Traditional Owners, community and stakeholders have been meaningfully consulted during the development of the proposal (as appropriate). 6) The provision of written evidence of land owner consent for the proposal. 7) Demonstration that the applicant is aware of and can reasonably expect to obtain the relevant planning approvals and meet any other applicable legislative requirements. 8) Inclusion of a detailed works program and timeframe for delivery of the project. 9) Specification of the proposed budget including financial, material and in-kind contributions by the land manager and (any) other parties. NB. Any application which involves external contractors will be asked to include quotes where possible (or indicative estimates) for the specific works. 10) A description of ways in which the ongoing maintenance of the project works will be supported and/or funded.

83 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

6.3 Grant Application Assessment Criteria Upon receipt of completed grant applications, the following criteria and weighted scoring matrix will be applied by the Committee in determining a recommended Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Grants Program. Land managers will be encouraged to undertake a self-assessment of their proposal against the weighted criteria prior to lodging their grant applications.

Table 2: Victorian Mineral Reserves Grants Program – Weighted Criteria

WEIGHTED CRITERIA PARTICULAR ITEM / DESCRIPTION SCORE

1. Alignment of The proposed work will improve the delivery and/or safe quality project to the of mineral water. 25 Plan The proposed work will improve visitor access to a mineral spring and/or the enjoyment of mineral water and/or improve visitor 25 understanding of mineral water. The applicant commits to consulting with relevant parties in planning the works. 10

The proposed work will provide visitors and the community with an increased understanding of the value of the mineral spring and need for protection in the long term The proposed work will protect and enhance and/or interpret an aspect of Indigenous cultural or historical use or connection to 15 the mineral spring or related surroundings. The proposed work will protect and enhance and/or interpret an aspect of the post-settlement cultural or historical use or connection to the mineral spring or its related surroundings.

2. Maximising The applicant commits to proportionate co-funding or in-kind funding for contribution. 15 project works The applicant demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the maintenance of any new work resulting from the proposal. 10

100

84 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

6.4 Grant Application Process Below is a summary of the 10-steps and nominal timelines for the proposed annual grants program. Table 3: Victorian Mineral Reserves Grants Program – Application Process

Step Action Completed by:

1 The Committee invites grant applications from land managers. Week 0

2 Land managers submit grant applications to the Committee. Week 6 (6-weeks allowed to enable the preparation of applications and the obtaining of support and/or approval by the land manager of its governing body)

3 The Committee reviews grant applications. Week 8 (2-weeks allowed for initial review of applications and the seeking from land managers of any further information required)

4 The Committee submits recommendations for grant approval to Week 12 DELWP. (4-weeks allowed to enable provision of any further information sought and to formalise recommendations at a ordinary meeting of the Committee)

5 The Committee advises all land managers of its decision. Week 14 (2-weeks allowed to enable DELWP to consider Committee recommendations)

6 The Committee sends out deeds of grant to approved grant Week 14 applicants.

7 Land managers return deeds of grant and submit an invoice for 80% Week 19 of the grant. (5-weeks maximum allowed to enable land managers to confirm with the governing body, if required)

8 Invoices are paid by DELWP. Week 24 (5-weeks allowed to enable DELWP’s normal payment cycles)

9 Upon completion of the project, land managers prepare and submit a project completion report to the Committee together with an invoice Report lodged for the remaining 20% of the grant. within agreed timeframe for (Week of completion not specified as delivery time will be dependent on the project nature of each individual project)

10 The Committee receives and reviews the project completion report Within 6 weeks and approves final payment (or agrees to processes for project review). DELWP pays final (6-weeks allowed for Committee consideration and formalisation at an instalment within ordinary meeting) 3-weeks of (3-weeks allowed to enable DELWP’s regular payment cycle) Committee approval of project completion report

85 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

86 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

References

The references consulted during the preparation of the Plan are detailed below: • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Undated) Risk Assessment Reports – Lyonville and Henderson Springs, State of Victoria, Melbourne. • Department of Sustainability and Environment in conjunction with the Victorian Mineral Water Committee (2010) Spa Country - Victoria’s Mineral Springs. State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. • Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (2014), Dhelkunya Dja – Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan 2014-2034 • Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Corporation (2013), Central Victorian Mineral Springs Groundwater Management Area – Local Management Plan July 2013 • Hepburn Shire Council (2012) Central Springs Master Plan. Final Master Plan Report prepared by Land Design Partnership Pty Ltd for the Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Daylesford. • Hepburn Shire Council (2009) Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Management Plan, Report prepared for the Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Daylesford • Hepburn Shire Council (2009) Jubilee Lake Reserve Management Plan. Report prepared by CPG Australia Pty Ltd for the Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Daylesford. • Hepburn Shire Council (2009) Lake Daylesford Reserve Management Plan. Report prepared by CPG Australia Pty Ltd for the Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Daylesford. • Minister for Environment and Climate Change (2012) Determination of Advisory Body Function - Victorian Mineral Water Committee, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne. • Parks Victoria (2007) Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park – Park Management Plan. Parks Victoria, Melbourne. • Parliament of Victoria (1970) Report of the State Development Committee on the Mineral Spa Water Resources of Victoria, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne. • Parliament of Victoria (1978) Crown Land (Reserves) Act, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne. • Parliament of Victoria (1987) Planning and Environment Act, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne. • Parliament of Victoria (2010) Traditional Owner Settlement Act, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne. • Victorian Mineral Water Committee (2010) Victorian Mineral Springs Reserves Master Plan Review. Report prepared by Land Design Partnership Pty Ltd for the Victorian Mineral Water Committee, Victorian Mineral Water Committee, Melbourne.

87 Victorian Mineral Springs Strategic Master Plan 2015-2024

Appendix 1: Forty-six mineral springs of the Central Highlands and Geelong areas of Victoria

88