Lake reserve is Roger’s living legacy

A project to protect one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s most important freshwater wetlands has honoured the memory of a man who helped formulate the initiative.
Drysdale’s Roger Lavingdale played a key role in the upgrade of Lake Lorne Reserve, City Hall’s Will Tieppo said.
“Roger was very influential in the initial stages leading up to the preparation of the Lake Lorne Reserve master plan, bringing the vision of establishing a pathway network and stronger conservation focus to our attention.”
A plaque at the reserve would acknowledge his contribution, Mr Tieppo said.
Community groups and residents joined forces with City Hall to deliver the upgrade of the reserve, habitat for a variety of rare and threatened bird species. The works included construction of a gravel pathway around the lake, a new boardwalk, seating and fencing.
“We have now constructed a new pathway network around the lake, to be utilised by Drysdale and Clifton Springs residents and, of course, visitors to the region as they step off the Bellarine Tourist Railway,” Mr Tieppo said.
“Local schools are already using the reserve for environmental studies and Waterwatch activities.
“There’s also new seating and fencing around the lake. New interpretative signs are to be installed later in the year.
“The support by the local community to this project has been fantastic and we are proud to deliver a great outcome.”
City Hall also thanked members of Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association, Bellarine Tourist Railway, Vic Track Drysdale Rotary Club and Geelong Field Naturalists Club.