Devilbend Reserve open in time for summer fun

Thursday 22 November, 2012

The Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is now officially open to visitors for the first time in six years after $1.6 million of works funded by Parks Victoria.

Water Minister Peter Walsh and Member for Hastings Neale Burgess joined park visitors, Parks Victoria rangers and anglers to officially open the reserve tlast Saturday 17 November 2012.

There are two new fishing and viewing platforms at the reserve, funded with an additional $200,000 grant by the Victorian Government through revenue from recreational fishing licenses.

This is the first time the public has had access to this site since it was formally transferred to the Crown in 2006, after the reserve was decommissioned as a water supply facility.

As well as improving fishing access to the site, the Department of Primary Industries has stocked the old Devilbend Reservoir with brown trout and rainbow trout, boosting recreational fishing opportunities in time for the opening.

Thanks is due to many stakeholders and community groups that had contributed to the planning of the reserve, including the Devilbend Foundation, the Friends of Daangean Point, the Bunurong Land Council, VRFish, local angling clubs and the Future Fish Foundation.

Visitors can now enjoy direct access to the water’s edge with extensive walking tracks and a boardwalk.

Works also completed were a new park entrance gateway, asphalt entrance road, a car park, picnic and barbecue facilities and new signage.

Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is located at Tuerong, Melways Map 152 J3.