New entrance enhances Bald Hill Reserve experience

Last updated on 17 October 2024

The main public entrance to Bald Hill Reserve has been developed following a decade of collaboration between the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve and Council.

The 96-hectare forest, woodland and grassland reserve is located about six kilometres east of Kyneton. It is an ecologically, geologically and culturally significant site in the Macedon Ranges, featuring diverse indigenous flora and fauna, including state and nationally significant species.

In 2018-19, the Mt St Mary’s Lane Entrance Area Master Plan was developed by the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve in collaboration with Council, aiming to provide a welcoming and accessible entry to the reserve while preserving and enhancing its environmental values. Funding was initially received through Council’s ‘Places for People’ Grant in 2017-18.

Council supported the revitalisation project through a capital funding allocation of $100,000 in 2018 to deliver key infrastructure features in phase 1 of the Master Plan implementation. This included an accessible entrance with a primary pathway and elevated boardwalks to connect to the network of walking trails. The manual installation of the concrete boardwalks reduced compaction to environmentally vulnerable areas, whilst protecting the habitat of the Brown Toadlet, a rare and threatened frog species located in the area.

Further funding was secured over three years consecutively through Council’s Funding Scheme Grant program (2021-2024; $12,000 each year, totalling $36,000), enabling the construction of a new shelter and seating at the entrance, the design and installation of Taungurung welcome and interpretative signage; wayfinding signs; and a picnic setting near the shelter.

Donations were also received from Lisa Chesters Federal Member for Bendigo ($250), and the Rotary Club of Kyneton ($500). An early Landcare start-up grant covered the cost of a brochure, while the Kyneton Men’s Shed donated a brochure box.   

Council’s Acting Director Planning and Environment, Rob Ball, thanked all involved in supporting the project over the years, particularly the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve as its driving force.

“This really was a community-driven project and is a great example of how positive outcomes can be achieved when the community and Council work together,” he said.

“The new entrance includes elements that reflect the community and pay tribute to the Taungurung peoples, the Traditional Owners of the land.”

“New signage at the entrance, created by Taungurung artist Maddi Moser, shows people coming together and going about daily life on and around the reserve.”

A celebration to mark the completion of the project will be held at 10am on Saturday 9 November 2024 at Bald Hill Reserve. Anyone interested in attending the free event can register here.