Work starts on nature reserve revamp

OCEAN Grove Nature Reserve has begun a renovation that will deliver improvements to access, parking and visitor information facilities.

Parks Victoria has provided $245,000 to deliver the facelift, which the state government said would protect the reserve as it faced increase visitation while supporting locals children and families to remain active in their community.

The upgrade includes an all-abilities drop off, parking and picnic area at the reserve’s entrance with links to an existing track network, a designated bus drop-off and new information and welcome signage.

Parks scrapped plans for a new toilet at the entrance, after 55 out of 102 respondents rejected its proposed plans due to impacts on native vegetation.

Parks will relocate plants and trees that need to make way for construction. The agency consulted with locals, advocacy groups and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners on its plans.

Friends of the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve president Peter Sullivan said discussions with the state government had produced an improved infrastructure plan.

“The new plans complement the existing facilities across the reserve and will assist people from the Bellarine and beyond to enjoy the reserve and connect with nature.”

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said she was pleased to see work get underway.

“The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is a much-loved area for the Bellarine community and it’s wonderful to deliver this project with help of the local community and stakeholder groups,” Ms Neville said.