Lake Burrumbeet Master Plan

Background

Lake Burrumbeet is Ballarat's largest lake covering approximately 2,400 hectares.  Lake Burrumbeet refilled in January 2011 and recreational boating has returned to the lake. The Lake had been dry since 2004. 

In 2003, Council adopted a master plan for the lake on the premise that the lake would refill. Climate change modelling suggests similar rainfall, evaporation and catchments run-off would continue into the future. With a dry lake bed, Council does not have the resources nor expertise to manage a reserve of this size, and with the absence of a permanent water level there is no obvious benefit to ratepayers in the continuation of management by local government.

What is Proposed

Council is now considering relinquishing its management status back to the crown (state government), and proposing to undertake a community and stakeholder consultation process on the proposal to transfer management.

Key Issues

Public Submissions

Public submissions were invited until 29 June 2007.

Next Steps

Council will meet with all relevant stakeholders to discuss the processes and consideration for relinquishing its committee management status for Lake Burrumbeet. Council will receive a report relating to submissions and findings.

Lake Burrumbeet Overview

Lake Burrumbeet is located in Central Western Victoria, approximately 140km by road west of Melbourne and 25kms west of Ballarat. The lake is a major wetland for the region because of its size and is utilised as a recreational area for boating, fishing and camping.

Burrumbeet is the largest of four shallow lakes in the Ballarat Region covering approximately 2,400 hectares. The lake reserve is of important historical significance as many aboriginal camp sites are located around its foreshore.

Lake Burrumbeet Advisory Committee

The lake is currently managed by the City of Ballarat which established the Lake Burrumbeet Advisory Committee, convened by Council. This group is responsible for the monitoring and management of the lake with assistance from the Department of Sustainability and Environment.