Building bridges to sparkling springs in Hepburn

Thursday 12 July, 2012

The reconstruction of three footbridges and installation of a new mineral spring and picnic facilities at Sailors Falls have put Hepburn Regional Park on the outdoors "must do" list.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today said the proejctsundertaken in Hepburn Regional Park would improve access to popular bush walking tracks and a new mineral water pump and promote the health benefits of a day outdoors.

The mineral spring project was undertaken by the Mineral Water Committee and Parks Victoria with a $235,000 grant from the Victorian Coalition Government.

Sailors Falls has a long history of community involvement, with an active committee of management until recently when Parks Victoria took over management.

Visitors arriving at Sailors Falls will tbe able to taste the mineral water while enjoying the site‟s natural beauty and learn a bit more about the local area and stories of local people.

Sailors Falls now has a new and easily accessible mineral water pump in the picnic area, as well as paved areas and upgrades to picnic tables and benches. Visitors will be able to take home some of the mineral water that is found 130 metres below ground.

Stage two of the project will commence in spring to upgrade the toilet facilities and to improve orientation and mineral water signage.

The ongoing flood recovery works in Hepburn Regional Park has included the reconstruction of three footbridges, a new gravel path at the Blowhole and the installation of a stepping stones bridge at Bryces Flat.

The $276,000 project is part of the Victorian Government‟s $19.7 million flood recovery program.

The reconstructed footbridge at Tipperary Springs restores access to both sides of the Tipperary walking tracks and loop walks in the area, some of which form the Great Dividing Trail.

Flood recovery works at Wombat Creek Car Park, Twin Bridges Picnic Area and Tipperary Springs Picnic Area will continue until August with possible disruption at the work sites which will be minimised where possible and signs will be present to alert visitors.

For further information got to the Hepburn Regional Park page or call  13 1963.