Draft designs revealed for You Yangs, Serendip Sanctuary

THE Victorian government has today (Tuesday, April 1) unveiled draft concept designs to improve the visitor experience of both the You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary, as part of its $11 million commitment to revitalise the precinct.

Among the improvements proposed for both parks are redesigned entrances and car parks, with a focus on improving traffic flow, and upgraded picnic areas featuring new seating and accessible pathways.

At the You Yangs Regional Park, an extension to the Epic Loop Trail has been suggested, aiming to enhance the experience for mountain bikers, while a cultural interpretation space is also being considered.

The state government said opportunities to expand and remodel the carpark to improve traffic flow are being explored at the You Yangs. Upgraded toilet facilities and bike racks have also been proposed.

The designs propose a remodelled carpark at Serendip with designated parking for vehicles and buses and improved access for people with diverse abilities.

Meanwhile, the concept designs for Serendip Sanctuary focus on the wildlife viewing experience, with new and upgraded bird-viewing areas, upgrades to the Wetland Circuit Trail and refurbishments to the site’s predator-proof fencing proposed.

The sanctuary’s Education Centre will also be refurbished.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the upgrades would “boost visitation to the region” and provide the growing community with “access to green spaces closer to home”.

Serendip Sanctuary’s Education Centre, which is currently closed to the public, will be refurbished as part of the upgrades.

Inside, the Education Centre will receive an new internal fit out to improve education experiences for school groups.

Lara MP Ella George said it was an exciting time for the region and encouraged the community to take the opportunity to share their thoughts on the new concept designs, which have been released for community consultation until April 27.

“I know how important the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary are to our local community, and that’s exactly why we are investing in these parks, to ensure they are preserved and protected for years to come,” she said.

“I encourage local residents to engage with these draft designs and share your thoughts, as we work together to shape a vibrant future for this beloved precinct.”

An uplifted picnic area has been proposed at Serendip Sanctuary with new toilets, shelter, picnic tables and benches.

The new designs come as works continue on Serendip Sanctuary’s new sensory garden, which remains a point of contention with several members of the local community who question its tourism appeal over the site’s former captive breeding program for threatened and endangered species.

Parks Victoria started quietly removing these native exhibits from the reserve in mid-2022, and while the masterplan for the precinct, released in 2022, suggests the sanctuary will continue to play a role in supporting threatened species, the form this will take is still unknown.

However, a business case for the reserve’s future, made public in 2023 after Lara Care Group successfully applied for the documents through freedom of information legislation, has confirmed Parks Victoria never intended to keep the breeding program and its return is unlikely.

Improvements will be made to the wildlife walking paths, with landscaping and revegetation proposed to ensure visitors keep to the paths when exploring.

Parks Victoria district manager Dave Petty said the masterplan was developed through extensive community consultation, and confirmed the site’s display pond, which like much of the ailing precinct has been in a state of disrepair for months, will be repaired after the sensory garden is completed.

“These upgrades will give locals and visitors more ways to enjoy the You Yangs precinct, boost tourism in the area, and help people connect with the special cultural and natural values of this landscape,” he said.

For more information, or to share your thoughts on the new concept designs, head to engage.vic.gov.au/future-investment-you-yangs-and-serendip-sanctuary