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BRIDGEWATER ON LODDON

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

FOR 2003

SOUTHERN GATEWAY TO

THE LODDON SHIRE

PAVING THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE

BRIDGEWATER ON LODDON

SOUTHERN GATEWAY TO THE LODDON

SHIRE

First settled in 1860, Bridgewater is situated on the Calder Highway, 170 kilometres from Melbourne and 36 kilometres

from Bendigo, with a growing population.

The area is engaged in a number of diverse agricultural, horticultural, manufacturing and allied service industries.

This rural community centres around the Loddon River, the

life blood for the district. As well as a unique recreational and holiday venue, it provides diverse sporting facilities within the township,

catering for all interests and age groups.

Mildura (4 hrs) Echuca Albury (4 hrs)

BRIDGEWATER Bendigo (1/2 hr) Adelaide (6 hrs) Geelong (2½ hrs) Melbourne (1½ hrs)

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The Aim Of This Booklet Is

To Work Towards Achieving A Sustainable

Progressive And Pro-Active Community

By Building On The

History, Natural Assets And Goodwill

Of Our District.

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COMMUNITY PRIORITY LIST

1 STREETSCAPE 2 BEAUTIFICATION 3 TOWN SIGNAGE 4 PUBLIC CARAVAN PARK 5 RIVER USAGE / RIVER MAINTENANCE AND

BEAUTIFICATION 6 MARKETING PLAN AND TOWN LOGO 7 HOUSING AND FLOOD LEVEL 8 HALL UPGRADE 9 INFORMATION BOARD AND PARKING AREA 10 ELDERLY PERSONS UNITS 11 COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE

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STREETSCAPE Upgrading, resurfacing and completion of all footpaths, curbs and channelling, especially the main street. A safe footpath to be established on the west side of the bridge to coincide with the widened footpath on the bridge. BEAUTIFICATION This was given high priority. Improvements to create a visually pleasing main street include, garden beds on road corners and adequate public seating at appropriate sites i.e. Mobile library, bus stops, phone boxes and other chosen sites. The existing trees in the main street are dying due to necessary pruning. These need to be interplanted with recommended natives that are suitable for powerlines, wildlife and the dry conditions that often exist. When these plants have become established the deciduous Ashes can be removed. Litter minimization traps to be fitted on all stormwater drains, to prevent litter going into the river. Maintenance of nature strips throughout the town. Both private and commercial needs to be encouraged. Consideration to be given to employ a graphic designer for the main street.

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TOWN SIGNAGE Entrance Signs to town are the first contact visitors have and definite upgrade is needed. The entrance sign should display a “Welcome to Bridgewater on Loddon”. All tourist information should be clearly visible. Likewise the exit sign could include a “Farewell” or “Hope you enjoyed your stay”, and again a designer could create visually eye catching signs. Local tourist sites need to be adequately and clearly signposted. All line marking in the main street to be upgraded and maintained, regularly. Driveways to be clearly marked “Keep Clear” to avoid parking problems. It was considered unnecessary to mark actual parking positions. Also consideration to be given to Long Vehicle parking areas ie, trucks and caravans. PUBLIC CARAVAN PARK This valuable asset needs a complete upgrade. New signage as you approach town is vital. It was considered extremely important, an area of the park be kept caravan free to allow the local and public access to the river, preferably close to the river and include B.B.Q, picnic tables and chairs and playground equipment. A general clean up and removal of rubbish and unused caravans needed. The entire billabong area to be cleaned, mowed and maintained. This park has incredible potential as a focal point for our town.

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RIVER USAGE, MAINTENANCE, BEAUTIFICATION

River access for water skiing within the gazetted area is well catered for, however this limits access points for non-skiing users. The boat ramp on the West Bank of the Loddon, under the bridge is both inadequate and unsightly. Further access points on both sides of the Loddon need to be provided and clearly signposted with current regulations. The west side river picnic area is a very popular stop over point, which should be capitalised on by improving the facilities, beautification and provision of a dust free road. A priority for discussion with Vic Roads is the dangerous

nature of the access to this spot from and to the Calder Highway by the bridge. Consideration of how to prevent traffic from entering onto the Calder just before the bridge from this picnic area is also essential, as visibility is very poor and a number of near misses have already occurred. The present walking track is very popular and with the support of the Laucke Mill management should be extended to the Mill area, where the Mill hopes to have a turbine viewing area and historical information boards erected in the future. Establishment of a walking track along the west side to take in historical sites such as Chinese Gardens, Chinamans Hole and old Cemetery would be a further tourist drawcard and asset to the locals. Limitation of vehicle traffic in this area is imperative to allow for revegetation and litter control. Planned revegetation needs to be ongoing and constant attention to pests such as introduced species i.e. blackberries, rabbits, various weeds etc, will keep the riverbanks healthy and a delightful place for recreation. The River is our reason for being here; it is our greatest asset we must repay it by taking care of its environment.

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MARKETING PLAN AND TOWN LOGO A marketing plan to be established to publicise the advantages there are to moving to Bridgewater as either a resident or business, highlighting lifestyle, business and employment opportunities. Poor water quality may hamper the establishment of some industries. This needs addressing. Public transport needs improving as inability to reach services not available in town could disadvantage some residents. Town logo to be formulated, representative of the entire town. Possibly a competition could be held to utilize all the publics skills. HOUSING AND FLOOD LEVEL A need for access to information on land blocks for sale for potential new home builders. 100 year flood level standards are confusing and could hamper potential development, this needs to be clarified. HALL UPGRADE Complete restoration of hall, to include upgrade of kitchen, stage, supper room and meeting rooms. Outside lighting needs upgrading to meet safety standards and improve security. Replace or repair toilet block and beautification of grounds to include a watering system.

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INFORMATION BOARD AND PARKING Long vehicle parking bay to be established on Bendigo side of town, possibly near Derby. Parking bay to include picnic table and seating, rubbish bins and information board with map. Toilet access if possible. ELDERLY PERSONS UNITS Council to investigate the proposal for elderly persons units to be established in Bridgewater. COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE There is a need for a suitable location to hold counselling services within the town i.e. hall meeting rooms or the railway station. Possibility of employing a qualified youth worker to develop activities, counselling and employment opportunities. A skateboard or bike park, along with a youth group has been suggested.

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THE FOLLOWING ARE ITEMS FOR

FUTURE CONSIDERATION

NATURAL GAS INVESTIGATION OF AVAILABLITY AND QUALITY OF UNDERGROUND WATER COMMUNITY BUS THE MULTI PURPOSE PAVILION RECYCLING DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL PARK UPGRADE OF SWIMMING POOL STORMWATER PIPES INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SLOANS RESERVE TOILETS INLAND PORT PEDESTRIAN CROSSING WITH LIGHTS IN MAIN STREET

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THE BRIDGEWATER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

WAS FORMED UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT

AND THE LOCAL SHIRE.

AFTER A SERIES OF MEETINGS, THIS DETAILED BOOKLET HAS BEEN FORMED.

WITH THE IDEAS AND VISIONS FOR THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN.

THE OBJECTIVES OUTLINED CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED WITH THE CONTINUED

CO-OPERATION AND ENTHUSIASM OF THE LOCAL AND NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES

AND THE LODDON SHIRE.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED.