Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings today announced the concept plan which is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s Barwon River Parklands project to create continuous parklands along the Barwon River.

“Victoria's parks, lakes and rivers are natural assets that create tourism dollars and employment which is why the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to improve their amenity and accessibility for all Victorians to enjoy,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Barwon River Parklands project will establish a continuous parklands link along the Barwon River running from Buckley Falls, through the heart of Geelong, connecting it to the sea at Barwon Heads.

“As part of the project the Taits Point concept plan outlines a range of initiatives that will improve access to Lake Connewarre and visitor enjoyment.”

Mr Jennings said the plans for the popular picnic, boating and fishing destination included an observation deck, picnic and car parking facilities, revegetation work with indigenous plants, walking tracks, rest
points and interpretive information signs. A weed control program will also be undertaken.

The works, to be conducted by Parks Victoria through a cooperative management with land managers along that section of the Barwon River, are expected to commence by mid next year with completion expected in June 2011.

“The Barwon River is integral to the natural environment of Geelong and is the source of most of Geelong's water supply. It feeds several lakes, including Lake Connewarre,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Barwon River Parklands project has been running for the past two years and follows the Government's commitment to establish parklands to invest in a liveable, sustainable future for Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.”

Lake Connewarre is situated in one of the largest estuaries in Western Victoria and forms part of an internationally significant wetland that is protected under the RAMSAR convention and provides habitat to a number of endangered migratory bird species.

Image caption: Parks Victoria's Chris McCormack (left) with Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings and Parliamentary Secretary Michael Crutchfield (right).