How and Why did this Facebook page get started?

Dayle and Shell had returned to the caravan park once it reopened for the summer period on the 1st of August 2014. They noticed the water levels had not come up over the winter period.

A few weeks later in October 2014 they returned and were sitting at the caravan park discussing how the water had dropped. Dayle then announced, "Hey Shell I have just started a Facebook page named 'Save Lake Eppalock', and we are the administration people." Shell's reaction was oh, ok that sounds good, not thinking anyone would really get onboard.

Within two days the page had grown to around 600 followers. The followers were requesting we should get media attention to help spread the word. So we did. And the numbers just kept climbing. 

Since then meetings have taken place with Jacinta Allan, Bendigo's state parliamentarian, members from the City of Greater Bendigo council, and members of Save Lake Eppalock team. We have also had a great deal of media coverage. Even a protest was held at the spillway at Lake Eppalock on the Australia Day long weekend, with many people showing their support. 

Dayle was overwhelmed and delighted with the response of how quickly the page grew, however due to work and other commitments she felt she could not give our great cause the attention it deserves, so in mid January she appointed Naomi to step in and help. 

Whilst our admin team on Facebook is small, our actual numbers have almost reach 8000 followers.

We also have others actively involved whom are not on Facebook helping us out. 

Everyones input is appreciated and needed. If we band together as a community our voice is loud and strong. Keep following us on Facebook and help to spread the word. Share water with a friend, every drop counts. 

​Cheers, Naomi and Shell

About Lake Eppalock

Lake Eppalock is located in central Victoria, approximately a 30 minute drive from the centre of Bendigo, and 1 hour 15 minutes from Melbourne CBD. 

It is a popular spot for many boating activities such as skiing fishing, sailing and in recent times flyboarding. The "Griffith Cup" a Victorian Speed Boat Race, is held in April at the lake.

Lake Eppalock is now 50 years old. Construction started on the lake in 1960 and it was officially opened on the 17th of April 1964.

At full supply the reservoir has a maximum depth  of 36 meters and a capacity of 304,651 ML.

When the catchment was first built its main aim was to be a water storage for irrigation and a backup for Bendigo and Heathcote's drinking water. 

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Before the drought of 2002-2010 the Brolga a happening pub/motel/restaurant located near the mosquito creek fire brigade existed and so did Nankervis a thriving boat repair and sales yard. A floating bowser also existed on the lake making it easy for recreational power craft users to refuel. One could even hire a jet ski from 'Baldy' on the lake. 

But coupled with the drought, some law changes and  lease renewal difficult these businesses closed.

Caravan parks and ski, social and sailing clubs have existed along the lake for the majority of the lake's creation. Making this a major recreational lake for many power craft and non power craft users.

In recent times the main use of the lake has changed. Its water is also now used for environmental water flows and urban supplies to Ballarat.

The team at 'Save Lake Eppalock' recognise that all these uses are valid and important. But so are we the community and recreational users whom bring much needed economic benefits and jobs to the surrounding towns of Bendigo, Axedale, Heathcote, and Redesdale to list a few.

But why choose the location of Lake Eppalock to create a community lake, why not another? Lake Eppalock is located over the Great Dividing Range, the weather is warmer during the summer months, and it is located very close to a major Victorian town to support the infrastructure and amount of jobs required to make Lake Eppalock a thriving destination. Lake Eppalock is also a good size to accommodate a large number of users and is central Victoria's largest water storage. Currently there are excellent facilities for day visitors and holiday makers. With four caravan parks, picnic areas, boating ramps, public toilets and even a kiosk, the basic infrastructure already exists to build on.  

It is time for a change again. Our towns and people are important too. Don't discriminate against us!

GMW list the names of 24 lakes and weirs they manage and show the water storage levels across Victoria. We would like just one dedicated to the entire community not just select members.