Lake Marma to Get Major Revitalisation

Last Sunday, January 26, Murtoa residents assembled at the Murtoa Angling Club rooms to hear local member and Minister  for  Water, Peter Walsh, announce “the Victorian Government was investing  $140,000 to develop Lake Marma as an important recreational setting and regional tourism attraction for Murtoa.”

Yarriambiack Shire Council Mayor, Andrew McLean introduced fellow councillor Terry Grange, chief executive officer Ray Campling and Richard Bales from Regional Development Victoria and welcomed Minister Walsh.

Lake Marma, a draw card for the pioneer settlers, was for a long time used as the town’s water supply. Since being decommissioned from that role, the lake has continued as a significant recreational asset for the town catering for walking, fishing and boating.

Mr Walsh said, “Lake Marma has become  an  important  community asset and improving and upgrading the lake’s facilities generates a greater sense of community pride and sense of community ownership.”He  said,  “Our  funding  towards  the $190,000 project is being provided to Yarriambiack Shire Council, which will manage the project as well as contribute$10,000. The Lake Marma Committee of Management will contribute $40,000 comprising cash and in-kind labour sourced from the Murtoa community.

In accepting the cheque from the Minister, CoM treasurer, Brett Schmidt thanked the Minister.

Secretary, Mark Schache said the Committee of Management was delighted to receive the grant. It had worked hard to develop the plan and this injection of  funds  will  enable  it to be implemented. Mark said “the contributions promised by local user and community groups has been significant in raising the required funds for the project”.He thanked the following groups for their financial and in-kind contributions – Progress Association, RSL, Murtoa Lions, Fire Brigade, Swimming Pool Committee, Tennis and Angling clubs. With the active, enthusiastic effort and co-operation of local groups, major projects can come to fruition for the benefit of all within the community.

It is envisaged the plan will take some time to implement but when complete the project will see a redesigned entry/exit to the swimming pool car park and installation of bollards to control vehicular traffic.

The Committee of Management hopes the foreshore revitalisation will provide better amenities for weddings, community celebrations, out-door movie screenings, angling club events and become a more prominent feature of the Big Weekend festival.