Lake Weeroona Precinct
Lake Weeroona BENDIGO, GREATER BENDIGO CITY
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Statement of Significance
Lake Weeroona, dating from c 1874 and continuously maintained as a public park and recreation reserve is of local/regional significance:
- as a reserve for significant exotic and native plant species;
- for its role in providing passive and active recreation to the citizens of Bendigo and neighbouring areas;
- for its role in demonstrating the social and recreational activities associated with water and boating;
- for its aesthetic setting and layout and association with the nearby Bendigo Gad Works site.
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Lake Weeroona Precinct - Physical Description 1
The Lake Weeroona reserve is a relatively flat site which extends from Nolan Street in the south to Weeroona Avenue in the north. The eastern boundary is formed by the Midland Highway and of the western boundary The Bendigo Creek channel separates the reserve from housing and the Bendigo Gas Works site.
The majority of the reserve is taken up by the artificial lake dating from 1878 and ornamental planting to the south of the lake and around of perimteter. The planting is largely ornamental and is considered to have no nature conservation values. There is no longer fencing ont he boundary nor is it known when this was removed.
Planting is of mixed native and exotic plants, predominantly trees. These included good speciments of pines and conifers, Araucaria bidwilli ; Phoenix canariensis, Ulmus procera and Ulmus x hollandica; Brachychiton acerfolia and numerous Eucalyptus spp.
The reserve contains two ornamental pavilions of c1910 (see plan for planting) as well as a Chinese tea pavilion which was constructed for the Melbourne International Festival in 1990. Boatsheds have always been a feature on the northern end of the lake; these appear ine arly photogrpahs and the present boatsheds are of recent original (1954? with later additions. The Bendigo Sea Cadets have utilised buildings on the lake since 1953 when they were first allowed use of the Rowing Club's building.
The interplay between the Lake and the nearby Gas Works site would need to be investigated by way of oral history interviews with former employees of the Gas Works. It would seem likely that the adjacent location of a large ornamental reserve would have provided an aesthetic retreat and recreational venue for the industrial workers. Its social and recreational value is not well documented but the Gas Works conservation study currently underway may examine the social aspects in more detail.
Heritage Study and Grading
Greater Bendigo - Eaglehawk & Bendigo Heritage Study
Author: Graeme Butler & Associates
Year: 1993
Grading:
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FORMER BENDIGO GAS WORKSVictorian Heritage Register H0781
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BENDIGO CHINESE TEMPLEVictorian Heritage Register H1791
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KINGS BRIDGE, OVER BENDIGO CREEKVictorian Heritage Register H1935
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