HISTORY
The Reserve contains two decommissioned water-supply reservoirs, Devilbend
and Bittern, which were the original reason the land now in the park was not
developed and was protected from general public access.
1920s. Bittern Reservoir, with
a capacity of 573 ML, was
commissioned.
1960s. Work started on the Devilbend
Reservoir.
1965. Devilbend Reservoir opened with
a capacity of 14,600
ML
December 2000. The two reservoirs originally
provided backup
drinking water to the Peninsula until they were made redundant by the completion
of a water pipeline between the Cardinia Reservoir and Pearcedale.
September
2006. It was
announced that the Reservoir was no longer neded, and most of the 1025 hectare
site was officially transferred to Parks Victoria. A Management Plan was
developed for long-term usage of the Reserve.
March 8 2007.
Devilbend Natural Features Reserve Gazetted .
ABOUT THE RESERVE
It comprises 422 hectares of native vegetation, almost 250 hectares of water
surface area associated with the former Devilbend and Bittern Reservoirs, 328
hectares of non-native vegetation predominantly in the form of cleared grazed
land. Access is currently limited to the Daangean Point area.The reserve also
includes the largest inland water body on the Mornington Peninsula providing
valuable habitat for waterbirds and shorebirds as well as opportunities for
recreation.
The landscapes
and landforms of
the reserve are intrinsic elements of the Country of the Boonwurrung/Bunurong
people. The reserve is of considerable aesthetic, historical, scientific and
social value to the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people and has been assessed as being
of state significance for its unique combination of cultural and environmental
values near in a population area.
THE
PRESENT DAY
The Reserve has been landscaped in recent years,
with a pleasant shady Picnic Area, car park, barbecues, toilet block and information boards. Signed walking tracks
lead to the Eastern Shoreline, the jetty. and former quarry.
