Feedback shapes all-access water facilities

AFTER recently completing several capital works to improve recreational use at regional storages, Goulburn-Murray Water staff are reviewing feedback on the projects with the aim of shaping future upgrades.

Known as the 2023 Land and Water Recreation User Survey, the process received 629 elements of input, and the feedback could be used to help guide future plans.

Public input on this year’s survey was up by 372 responses from the previous year.

GMW Water Storage Services general manager Martina Cusack said the data retrieved from the survey was helpful to the utility and irrigation provider.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with us,” she said.

“The feedback we received is really valuable, not only to us but to other agencies we work with to fund and deliver projects improving our recreation areas.”

Following the 2022 survey, GMW worked on making recreational areas more accessible by installing wheelchair-friendly barbeques at Waranga Basin and disabled toilets at Tullaroop Reservoir.

This year’s survey also showed a rise in respondents knowing where all-ability facilities were located, compared to the 2022 process.

Other projects to be completed following the 2022 survey include boat ramp upgrades, navigation aids and improved car parking.

Ms Cusack said she was thankful for the support of other organisations including the Victorian Fisheries Authority, and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and to those who took part in the 2023 survey.

“The recreational user survey helps us understand which projects we need to prioritise to ensure visitors are getting the most out of storages,” she said.