Bellarine Peninsula residents encouraged to comment on new visitor facilities at Taits Point

Bellarine Peninsula residents encouraged to comment on new visitor facilities at Taits Point 02/10/2010

Immediate Release 9 February 2010

Parks Victoria is inviting residents of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula to comment on proposed new visitor facilities at Taits Point, Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve (between Geelong and Barwon Heads).

Barwon River Parklands Project Manager, Andrew McKinnon, said more than thirty people attended a recent Open Day at Taits Point to view concept plans and discuss the proposed new visitor facilities with Parks Victoria staff.

The concept plans cover improved car parking, viewing decks, walking tracks, improved access to Lake Connewarre, and information about natural features and cultural history of the area.

“The feedback we received to the concept plans at the Open Day was very positive. People overwhelmingly supported improving visitor facilities at Taits Point,” Mr McKinnon said.

“People at the Open Day were particularly interested in the proposal to install viewing platforms at Taits Point, and were supportive of the opportunity that viewing platforms would provide to see out over the wonderful Ramsar wetlands of Lake Connewarre and Hospital Swamp,” he said.

Mr McKinnon said community consultation about the proposed new visitor facilities is open until Monday 15 February. Anyone who would like to provide feedback can download the Concept Plans and feedback from www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/3taits_point.cfm

“Taits Point is currently accessible to the community, however facilities are minimal and there is a significant opportunity to establish a destination that showcases Lake Connewarre and the Barwon River Parklands,” Mr McKinnon said.

“We want to provide upgraded and expanded facilities that will encourage more people to come and enjoy this significant area, and we urge interested people to comment on the concept plans by 15 February,”

Taits Point is part of the Barwon River Parklands project which aims to create a chain of new parkland along the Barwon River connecting Geelong to Barwon Heads. For further details about the Barwon River Parklands go to www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/3barwon.cfm