A secluded location near Mandurama described as a hidden gem for outdoor getaways is set to be opened to the public.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole today announced NSW Government funding of $23,480 for major access upgrades to the Bakers Shaft Reserve and Junction Reef Reserve near Mandurama.
The initiative will see one livestock grid installed at Bakers Shaft and two at Junction Reefs as well as protective fencing at both locations.
According to Mr Toole the Bakers Shaft Reserve is currently open to the community and is situated along the Belubula River, with access coming off Burnt Yards Road and then Bakers Road. “Bakers Shaft Reserve is one of the region’s best kept secrets,” he said. “There is an area close to the toilet block for caravans and just to the west in Bakers Shaft Reserve there are a number of areas along the river that are available to tent camping, with access needing a four wheel drive.”
“Bakers Shaft Reserve is one of the region’s best kept secrets” - Paul Toole MP
Mr Toole said Junction Reefs Reserve is currently closed to the public but the Crown Land Manager is working on having this open to the community in the near future.
According to Blayney Shire Councillor, Bruce Reynolds, Junction Reefs and Bakers Shaft Land Manager Deputy Chair, the government funding will enable the reserve to be opened to the public with easy access.
“There are cattle run on both reserves at various times and some people leave the gates open and the stock escape onto the road. The grids will stop this. The fencing will also protect the toilet and camping facilities from livestock,” he said.
“We appreciate the support of Paul Toole and the NSW Government in helping improve access to these wonderful community assets, which are available for camping and day visits. “We encourage people to come and use Bakers Shaft Reserve as there are some wonderful rapids and water holes along this section of the Belubula River, so it is ideal for camping and swimming. We do ask people using the site not to light fires. Portable gas barbecues are permitted.”
Cr Reynolds said they hope to have Junction Reefs Reserve open to the public in the near future.
“We will inform the community when it is open and available for use. The 130 year old dam and waterfall are spectacular and we hope many in the community will enjoy once we can open this reserve as well,” he said. Mr Toole said that $1,322,349 has been secured for regional projects this year under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund program to maintain and upgrade local reserves as well as facilities located on them.
“This funding will see infrastructure updates to reserves, showgrounds, walking trails and recreation grounds as well as noxious weed control on our reserves.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government is providing $51.7 million from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund this year to support 705 maintenance and upgrade projects on Crown reserves across the State.