Weddin Landcare would like to invite members of the public to provide feedback on the draft Masterplan for Vaughn’s Dam Reserve. We are interested in hearing if people have any major objections to elements of the plan as well as any great ideas!
What is the Vaughn’s Dam Reserve Masterplan?
In late 2022, Weddin Landcare secured funding through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program to develop a masterplan for Vaughn’s Dam Reserve. The plan will then be used to seek funding to implement components of the plan in the future.
Sally Bourne from Sally Bourne Landscapes has been engaged to develop the Masterplan. Sally has now completed a draft plan for the Reserve after consultation with various stakeholders and broader community members including Weddin Landcare, CWLLS, Weddin Shire Council, Crown Lands, Weddin Tourism, local Wiradjuri women and several other interested individuals.
What is the vision for Vaughn’s Dam Reserve?
It is hoped that we can create an inclusive, educational, culturally dynamic and natural community space whilst managing important habitat for local flora and fauna at Vaughn’s Dam Reserve.
Elements of the draft Masterplan include:
– Designated parking area for cars and small buses along Holy Camp Rd, obscured by plantings.
– Rock or log bollards to prevent vehicles from entering the Reserve (except for grazing or management purposes)
– Natural pathways (some natural dirt and some gravel) through the Reserve and several creek crossings
– Signage to describe the natural features and history of the Reserve
– Plantings of endemic species to enhance and extend the Box-Gum Grassy woodland
– Firebreaks and access ways for neighbours
– Natural seating areas
– Vertical timber plints and perching poles to add interest
– Cultural meeting place, immersion circle, yarning circles and dancing circle.
– In the centre of the Reserve will be three pathways that imitate the 3 rivers important to Wiradjuri people, the Murray, the Murrumbidgee and the Lachlan, with the cultural circle placed in the location that Grenfell lies in relation to these rivers.
– The dam, creek and woodland area will remain relatively untouched.
No permanent structures (that cannot be easily removed) will be built in the Reserve. Ability to graze the site and conduct regular maintenance eg. weed control will be retained.
While we hope that both locals and visitors will make greater use of the Reserve we do not envisage that it will become a major tourist attraction. Educational and cultural activities will be held throughout the year and may attract crowds between 20-50 people. With the new pre-school and the high-school being located close-by, the Reserve will be utilised by these for outdoor education.
For further information, please contact Melanie Cooper on 0417 963 475 or weddinlandcare@outlook.com