Work is about to start on a new project to protect the Lake Ranfurly area.
Located closed to the Mildura city area, Lake Ranfurly is home to a host of threatened native plants and animals, as well as a popular location for walking, bike-riding and bird-watching.
Unfortunately, it has also been subject to littering, cutting of fences, illegal dumping and off-road driving, all of which have threatened the future of the area.
In a bid to protect the lake, Council will install gates and bollards at the bottom of Fifteenth Street, which leads into Lake Ranfurly, and a gate at the end of the Fourteenth Street/Ontario Avenue boundary to the lake.
Councillor for Environment and Farming Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said the works were largely designed to prevent people entering the area with vehicles.
"By preventing vehicle access into the Lake Ranfurly area, it will deter people from driving in and illegally dumping rubbish, as well as stop off-road driving and motorcycle riding around the lake, which has created numerous informal vehicle tracks," Cr Cirillo said.
He said Sunraysia was fortunate to have such a valuable asset so close to the city centre.
"Lake Ranfurly is easily accessible to the community and supports a very diverse range of water birds," Cr Cirillo said.
"The walking trail around the lake offers locals and visitors the opportunity to appreciate the natural environment with minimal impact on the surrounding area, all in a safe atmosphere.
"The works planned for this month will protect the lake from environmental damage, ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come."
