This month the local community are encouraged to provide feedback on a draft Activation and Linkages Plan for the Tower Hill State Game Reserve.
Amid increasing visitation to the region, the draft plan explores how to celebrate this natural and culturally significant place while exploring opportunities to strengthen links the region.
With proximity to the Great Ocean Road and other significant cultural places, such as the UNESCO World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, Tower Hill is well positioned as part of a broader itinerary within Victoria’s south-west.
More than 200 people have already provided input to Parks Victoria on the draft plan, which aims to establish a vision and recommended directions for the reserve. This includes works to improve basic facilities through to raising the profile of the Reserve as a visitor destination within the region.
The Victorian Government recently announced $11.3 million for upgrades at Tower Hill Reserve as part of the $2.7 billion Building Works program. This money will be used to achieve some of the initiatives outlined in this draft plan.
Located in an extinct volcano, the wildlife and game reserve holds great social, cultural and geological significance. It supports an array of birds and animals, and has become a popular place for domestic and international visitors. Last year, more than 295,000 visitors visited the reserve, which has seen a steady increase in visitation over the past five years.
The draft master plan is now publicly available on the Engage Victoria website, where you can also register to attend an online community information session. Hosted by Parks Victoria, the information session will be held on Thursday 17 September, 5.30pm to 7.00pm.
For more information visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/revitalising-tower-hill-wildlife-reserve or call 13 1963.
*Tower Hill Reserve is currently closed to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Visitors to other parks and reserves are reminded of the public health measures in place across regional Victoria, including physical distancing, the wearing of face masks, and that there are only four reasons for leaving home.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney:
“Tower Hill is a special place in Victoria’s south-west, a volcanic landscape that holds enduring connections for Traditional Owners of the land.”
“The plan will help to strengthen linkages with other significant experiences in the region, which will be integral to boosting visitation to the area to aid in regional recovery efforts.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio:
“I look forward to the community’s views on how we set a course for Tower Hill that enhances its unique cultural and natural values.”