Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Alec Sandner and Acting CEO Prue Mansfield have met with the Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards to explain why Council had decided not to proceed with construction of a beach at Crusoe Reservoir in 2006.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Alec Sandner said the idea of a beach at Crusoe Reservoir was first conceived back in 1999 when a broad concept plan for Crusoe and Number 7 Reservoirs was developed. Back in 1999 the drought had only just begun and the understanding of climate change was not what it is today.
“A masterplan for the park was developed in 2004 which highlighted the need to ensure adequate water levels in the reservoir prior to constructing a beach area. A management plan was subsequently developed which noted that additional investigations concerning water supply and quality must be undertaken before any development of a beach occurs.
“The management plan noted concerns about how to secure a permanent water source for Crusoe Reservoir during drought and throughout the summer months.
“Council also received significant feedback through a community consultation program for the management plan, which included an on site open day attended by 220 people.
“Members of the public spoke about the importance of Crusoe Reservoir and its natural environment and were concerned about man-made intervention of the area.
“Many were concerned that the beach proposal may have a negative impact on the natural environment of the Crusoe Park area especially the area’s natural eco-system. They felt the consequences and impact on the area need to be well understood before any decision for change is made. They understood that the project is much more involved than simply dumping a few tones of sand on the side of the reservoir.
“Issues that were raised included the impact on the areas natural environment, the ongoing management of a sandy beach, security and quality of the water resource, costs of the project, impacts of the beach on such a significant natural asset and the actual need for such a facility given the abundance of other natural waterways such as Lake Eppalock and local rivers as well as established swimming pools,” said Cr Sandner.
“Greater Bendigo was in the grips of drought. Even if we had been able to secure a permanent water source for the reservoir – the raft of other unresolved issues resulted in a decision to remove the beach project from the masterplan.
“Other projects within the Crusoe park area have since taken a higher priority. The City has constructed walking paths, installed a fishing pontoon and a picnic area for all users to enjoy a range of activities at the park since the masterplan was released and these facilities are really valued by the many people who visit the area for recreational purposes.
“While the idea of a beach for Bendigo was ambitious, it wasn’t to be. At the moment the Council’s energies on swimming spaces is directed to the proposed Kangaroo Flat pool. It is very hard to imagine prioritizing two major swimming options in the same area,” said Cr Sandner.