Southern Grampians Shire Council is seeking community feedback on the draft Volcanic Trail Masterplan prior to council adoption.
The volcanic landscape of South West Victoria is one recognised for its global significance. Forming part of the Western Volcanic Plains, the Trail is geologically important for their extent and relatively recent volcanic activity. They also hold cultural significance to Traditional Owners who have inhabited the region for at least 45,000 years.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Bruach Colliton said the volcanic sites sit between the two visitor attractions of the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park and with appropriate development, will improve the sites for visitors and the community alike.
“The development of the Volcanic Trail is an opportunity to not only progress the visitor economy of the region, but to also vitally preserve and protect these important sites for future generations to come,” said Cr Colliton.
“The primary purpose of the Masterplan is to provide Council with strategic direction on ways to increase the visitor economy through the improvement of the supportive infrastructure and resourcing for the volcanic attractions in the Shire over the next 10 years whilst also preserving these culturally rich landscapes.
“The draft Masterplan has incorporated feedback from prior community consultation and has been prepared with cultural advice from Traditional Owners. We are lucky enough in the Greater Hamilton region to be one of the only areas in the world to have two World Heritage Areas within two hours drive of one another - which is undoubtedly pretty special.
“Council is committed to improving the management of these assets in partnership with other stakeholders, and to acknowledge and celebrate the heritage and history of our region. We understand that it is essential our community contributes to the masterplan for our volcanic trails future,” concluded Cr Colliton.
Cooper Scaife Architects and LookEar interpretive design were engaged in July 2020 to undertake a master planning process for the Volcanic Trail, in consultation with Council and other user groups.
The ‘Trail’ is comprised of seven sites within the Shire: Wannon Falls, Nigretta Falls, Byaduk Caves, Harman’s Valley Lookout, Wallacedale Tumuli, Mt Napier and Mt Rouse. The opportunities identified in the draft masterplan cover both infrastructure and heritage interpretation with examples provided to illustrate a best-practice approach. Infrastructure upgrades range from improvements to existing walking trails, through to the development of new campsites and picnic grounds.
Council is now seeking feedback on the draft masterplan which will remain open for two weeks. Submissions received will be considered prior to considering the final masterplan for adoption.
The Masterplan, along with feedback survey is available to view on Councils website www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. Alternatively feedback can be submitted directly to sscott@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au