Proposed river reserve plan gets cash grant

A PROJECT to improve public land beside the Moorabool River at Batesford has received State Government backing.

Known as the Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan and set to be run by Golden Plains Shire, the project has received $60,000 from the State’s Barwon and Waterways of the West Grant Program to assist in developing the document.

The money will be used to create the masterplan that covers 17 hectares of public land beside a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the river.

“The Moorabool River Reserve is an important public space, and the development of the masterplan is an important step to ensuring its environmental protection and growth for both native wildlife and the community,” said mayor Cr Gavin Gamble.

“Council is delighted to receive funding from the Victorian Government’s Barwon and Waterways of the West Grant Program to develop the Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan.

“Council is committed to preserving and protecting its natural environments and we look forward to consulting with the community and other relevant stakeholders to develop the Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan.”

A statement issued by the Shire’s media group said work to start developing the plan would begin in November and will be run by the Shire’s environment and sustainability team.

Following the completion of the Riverstone Estate, the Ramsey Property Group handed the Moorabool River Reserve over to the Golden Plains Shire earlier this year.

After more than a century in private hands, the green space is now able to be freely enjoyed by Batesford locals.

The River Reserve has various ecosystems, trails, dog rocks granite, and rare greenstone.