Victorian Acting Minister for Environment, Gayle Tierney, has today announced the Mineral Springs Master Plan(2025–2032) for long term planning and management of the state’s mineral springs.
A mineral spring is a naturally occurring spring where the water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals. Most of Australia’s mineral springs are in Victoria, predominantly in the Central Highlands.
The plan has four objectives, to attract more visitors, improve accessibility and experience, maintain water quality and ensure Traditional Owners can determine their involvement in management of the springs.
“Naturally occurring mineral springs are a unique resource and we are making sure they and protected for all Victorians to enjoy,” said Minister Tierney.
“The Mineral Springs Master Plan will ensure that mineral springs in Victoria continue to support local communities, attract new visitors and involve Traditional Owners in their management.”
Victoria has 39 publicly-accessible springs across 19 different sites. Most of Victoria’s mineral springs are concentrated in the Hepburn Shire Council area, where the tourism industry employs around 4,500 people.
Mineral springs are already a budding tourism attraction, with visitors attracted to their history and wellbeing benefits. The Master Plan will help land managers identify ways they can promote their mineral springs, make them more accessible and keep them healthy, the Minister said.
“Local communities and Traditional owner groups were involved in the development and gave feedback to ensure it meets the needs of the community,” she said.
The new Mineral Springs of Victoria website has been launched as a central resource to find information about minerals springs, their unique offerings and current status mineralspringsvictoria.com.au.
The Master Plan is available at engage.vic.gov.au/mineral-springs-masterplan.
