Aqueduct could draw tourists

By Dion Teasdale
THE SECTION of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct that runs behind Warburton and Millgrove is set to become a major tourism draw card for the Upper Yarra.
A seven-kilometre stretch of the now defunct aqueduct that runs between Yuonga Road in Warburton and Dee Road in Millgrove will be enhanced with signage, parking facilities, picnic areas and park notes.
Parks Victoria Upper Yarra Valley Parks ranger-in-charge Ian Roche said a meeting was held in Warburton last week to discuss plans to develop the recreational facilities along the aqueduct.
“At the meeting adjoining landowners, community and interest groups heard and discussed plans to establish facilities that will best service the aqueduct and the community,” Mr Roche said.
“Enhancing the aqueduct with parking facilities, a brochure with park notes and interpretive signage will allow us to develop what is a fantastic recreation opportunity in the Upper Yarra.”
Mr Roche said Parks Victoria hoped to have plans for enhancing the seven-kilometre stretch of the aqueduct between Warburton and Millgrove finalised and installed by the end of October.
“There appears to be broad community support for developing this section of the aqueduct as a walking and cycling track,” Mr Roche said.
“We will be working closely with the community to design the new facilities and explore possible links with other attractions in the area.”
Mr Roche said it was hoped that the various sections of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail could be linked to the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.
“The grand opportunity here is to have visitors to the area travel the 38 kilometres of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and then link in with the aqueduct trail,” he said.
The aqueduct, which stretches from the O’Shannassy Reservoir beyond Reefton all the way to Surrey Hills and opened in 1914, was a major supplier of water to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs until it was decommissioned in the late 1990s.
In July last year Melbourne Water handed over a 30 kilometre linear strip of the aqueduct and adjoining land to Parks Victoria and the land is now included as part of the Yarra Ranges National Park.
The entire 30 kilometres of the aqueduct, which features a three metre wide, almost level vehicle access track, has been open to the public since December last year.