Families heading to Lake Eildon over the coming years can expect to see the landscape looking closer to its original form. The Allan Government has confirmed that the final stage of reforestation work at Delatite Arm Reserve is being prepared, marking another step in the long transition away from commercial pine plantations.
The pines were first planted in the 1950s to help stabilise eroding slopes along the lake. For more than two decades they have been gradually removed and replaced with native species, a program that has already restored more than 1,550 hectares. The last phase will begin in 2026 with the harvesting of 463 hectares, wrapping up in 2029. Work will ease during winter and busy holiday periods to reduce disruption for visitors.
Once harvested, the pine will be taken offsite for commercial use. The cleared areas will then be replanted with native vegetation to support habitat restoration and improve the long term health of the surrounding catchment. Water quality is a major focus, with native forests typically offering better filtration and soil stability than plantations of uniform age.
The project is being run by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Action, working alongside the Taungurung Land and Waters Council. Their involvement reflects a broader shift across Victoria to incorporate Traditional Owner perspectives and knowledge in land management decisions.
Delatite Arm Reserve is a busy part of the Lake Eildon region, attracting people for camping, boating, fishing, four wheel driving, trail riding, mountain biking and bushwalking. Long weekends and school holidays usually see a surge in visitors. While the upcoming works will be noticeable, authorities expect the staged approach and reduced winter activity to keep interruptions manageable.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the plan builds on years of reforestation and more than a million native trees already planted. He described the project as one that supports both environmental health and the broader regional economy, given the ongoing role of forestry contractors and the commercial value of the harvested pine.
Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, welcomed the final phase, noting that the return to native forest will help make the area an even stronger drawcard for families seeking camping and outdoor activities around Lake Eildon.
As the harvesting window approaches, local groups and visitors will be watching how the transition unfolds. The long running project has already changed large sections of the reserve, and the coming years will complete the shift back to a more natural mix of Victorian bushland.
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