The state government has released its You Yangs Precinct Masterplan to ensure the You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary are protected into the future.
The plan, created by Parks Victoria, was released last week, almost three years after initial work began.
It sets out how the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary, near Little River, will be managed in the future to preserve the area’s 30,000 year cultural history.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the plan aligned with the aspirations of the Wadawurrung people, the traditional Owners of the land, for future joint management of the park.
“This masterplan for the future of the You Yangs respects the deep connection that Wadawurrung traditional owners have to these lands and waters and strikes the right balance between conservation and visitation,” she said.
In the short term, the plan proposes opportunities for cultural education, cultural trails and visitor information to be provided.
The popularity of the You Yangs Regional Park as a mountain-biking destination is reflected in a recommendation to create a mountain-biking hub with improved facilities, as well as a kiosk and storage rooms that could be used for events.
The masterplan includes options to upgrade the visitor information centre, carparks, picnic and barbecue areas, and existing tracks and trails to support activities like bushwalking, trail-running, sightseeing, rock-climbing and abseiling and horse riding.
Under the plan, Serendip Sanctuary will continue to be available for wildlife conservation and breeding programs and visitor facilities for schools and groups in the sanctuary will be upgraded.
The You Yangs Regional Park is one of the major attractions in the region and contributes to Greater Geelong and the Bellarine region’s $1.1 billion tourism industry.
Lara MP John Eren said it was pleasing to see the roadmap for the You Yangs’ future completed.
“The You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary are special places for the community and I am delighted to see a plan that celebrates the cultural heritage of the area and seeks to improve the way people enjoy the park,” he said.
The plan is available at engage.vic.gov.au/future-investment-you-yangs-and-serendip-sanctuary.
