Lake Learmonth

Learmonth Foreshore Regeneration: Project Update May 2009 (3748KB)

Learmonth Foreshore Regeneration: Map.pdf (PDF - 563KB)

Learmonth Foreshore Regeneration: Project Update July 2008 (PDF - 3019KB)
Learmonth Foreshore Regeneration: Project Update September 2008 (PDF - 2760KB)

 

Lake Learmonth Master Plan

A Lake Learmonth Master Plan 2002 (PDF - 674KB) was developed in 2002. The Lake had been drying out since 1997 and has been completely dry since 2001 for the first time in fifty years. A revised master plan has been developed in response to current climatic conditions, as well as the economical and social situation of the township of Learmonth and its relationship to the Lake.

 

A revised Lake Learmonth Master Plan 2007  (PDF - 945KB) was adopted by council which focuses on the Northern foreshore abutting the township. It provides alterations that encompass current economical and climatic conditions and rationalization of infrastructure which will provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors whether the lake is dry or wet.

Council is now in the process of implementing and developing some of the initiatives outlined within the Masterplan and addressing some that have arisen since its conception.

Key Issues

• Revitalise and encourage use of the Lake foreshore
• Investigate the possibility of creating feature ephemeral wetlands
• Address the issues associated with many of the foreshore trees coming to the end of their useful lives through a removal and replacement program
• Facilitate passive recreation of the foreshore area through expansion of pedestrian networks
• Address the issues associated with the poor state of the foreshore road
• Understand the effects of development of fairy grass

Contact Details

For more information contact Ian Rossiter by phone on 03 5320 5131 or email ianrossiter@ballarat.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, contact Customer Service on 03 5320 5500.

About Lake Learmonth 

Lake Learmonth is located in Central Western Victoria, approximately 120kms north west of Melbourne and 15kms north west of Ballarat along the Sunraysia Highway. Lake Learmonth and the surrounding foreshore cover an area of 500ha.

It is one of four shallow lakes in the Ballarat area and was used extensively for water-skiing, fishing, sailing and swimming. Due to the prolonged nine year below average rainfall, Lake Learmonth has now been declared dry.

 

 

 

Lake Learmonth Advisory Committee

In 1997, an Advisory Committee to Council was formed which has been responsible for investigating a number of studies and implementation of the Lake Learmonth Master Plan.

Fairy grass

Dry conditions have created an environment suitable for unwanted vegetation to grow on the lake bed, in particular, Agrostis Avenacea, commonly known as fairy grass or tumble weed. When dry, this type of grass produces a seed head that becomes wind-blown and can become a nuisance and fire hazard due to it gathering in wind drifts.

Fairy grass will continue to be a problem as long as water levels remain low within the lake. The strategy implemented to assist the community has been to undertake yearly aerial spraying commencing in December when conditions are best suited.