Devilbend Reserve open in time for summer fun

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Devilbend Reserve open in time for summer fun

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.

One of the two new fishing and viewing platforms at the reserve has been completed, thanks to additional funding of $200,000 from Fisheries Victoria through revenue from recreational fishing licences.

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 at Devilbend Reservoir (dam) .

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

This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to get out in nature and enjoy this great new reserve – and hopefully land a fish.

Many stakeholders and community groups have 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.

The Devilbend Foundation and its affiliated community groups have campaigned for many years to ensure the planning would protect the natural values of the reserve.

Visitors can now enjoy direct access to the water’s edge with extensive walking tracks and a boardwalk. The area of the reserve available for park visitors to explore has increased six fold, with an additional 30 hectares being opened up.

Works also completed include 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


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