Recreation meets nature

A 20-YEAR plan to enhance and protect the Sparrovale Wetlands and create a nature park for recreational activities has been greenlit by the City of Greater Geelong.

The adoption of the Sparrovale Master Plan follows an allocation of $582,366 in the 2021-22 Budget to complete the stormwater infrastructure and a range on-site work including starting construction on a shared trail at the western end of the site.

The master plan for the 500-hectare site in Charlemont, adjacent to the Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve, sets out a staged opening of the wetlands park and the creation of a regional gateway to the Lake Connewarre area.

The city acquired the land in 2019 to provide an end-of-drainage solution for the stormwater from the Armstrong Creek and Horseshoe Bend development precincts.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the master plan was one of the council’s most exciting and innovative environmental sustainability projects.

“We have a rare opportunity to create a unique parkland ecosystem that will protect the area’s biodiversity and cater to a range of passive recreational and educational activities,” Cr Asher said.

“It will also increase access for water-based activities, such as fishing, canoeing and kayaking. “Having been a private farm for many decades, Sparrovale’s environmental and cultural values are largely unknown.

“The site has the potential to provide a gateway to the internationally-significant Lake Connewarre Ramsar Area and become another of our high-class nature-based attractions.”

The council’s environment portfolio chair Cr Jim Mason said the ultimate vision for the area would allow the community to enjoy a variety of light recreational uses.

“Improving connections to walking and cycling links, including the popular Barwon River Trail, is a key priority,” he said.

“You’ll be able to enjoy the relatively short walk to the river or take a one-hour return journey around the wetlands.

“Other nature-based tourism and recreational activities will also be available, such as bird watching and fishing. With migratory birds travelling from as far afield as Alaska and Siberia to feed and rest on the wetlands, these plans for the area will allow more people to view and appreciate these species and their amazing resilience.”

The master plan also identifies the potential to build a regional wetland interpretation centre and lookout structure, to promote the wetlands and Lake Connewarre Ramsar area.

The plan contains three phases, with phase 1, including major drainage infrastructure works, pest plant and animal control, protection of threatened species and preparation of a revegetation plan to be completed in 2021- 2022.

Phase 2, planned for 2022 to 2030, is the establishment of public parkland and facilities; pest plant and animal control and revegetation; creation of public walking access through to the Barwon River and informal access around the wetlands.

Phase 3 is the connection of the Barwon River Trail to Geelong, upgrade of walking tracks, revegetation, and promotion of Sparrovale Wetlands as a key tourism, environmental, cultural and recreational site is planned for 2030 to 2040.