Reservoir facilities reopen

By Jessica Micallef

Playground and barbecue facilities at Coliban Water’s three catchment storages on the Coliban River have reopened.

The water company’s community operations manager Mick Dunne said on-water access points, playgrounds and barbecues had been closed since the beginning of April in response to the coronavirus outbreak and state government restrictions.

Up to 20 people can now gather at Coliban Water’s community barbecue facilities, with physical distancing unless individuals are from the same household.

People are also urged to clean the barbecues and surrounding spaces before and after using them.

“The gradual easing of restrictions in Victoria means all facilities at Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury reservoirs are now open for people to enjoy,” Mr Dunne said.

“Shoreline fishing, kayaks, canoes and small portable craft with electric motors are permitted at Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury reservoirs, and kayaks and canoes are permitted at Barkers Creek Reservoir in Harcourt.”

Coliban Water opened a new on-water access point at Premier Mine Road at the Upper Coliban Reservoir in December last year before “thousands” of fish were delivered to the reservoir before Christmas.

“We will continue to explore opportunities for more access points in the future,” Mr Dunne said.

“We have invested to create dedicated visitor areas at Lauriston, Malmsbury and Upper Coliban reservoirs and improve signage around our reservoirs.

“We encourage people to make use of our recreational facilities at these wonderful locations.

“We have a committed team who enjoy maintaining and improving these facilities for visitors and whose key focus is protecting the environment so we can provide clean drinking water for our communities.”

More information: bit.ly/2Uptavp