Maryborough - Goldfields Reservoir
Goldfields Reservoir is a quiet lake on the fringe of Maryborough which has a nature based playground, BBQs (wood and electric), picnic tables and toilets.
It is a popular place for water activities such as water skiing, swimming (when power boats are not operating), fishing plus walks and picnics.
There is a 1.7km easy scenic walking track which circles the reservoir. Stick to the track since there is a danger from mine shafts. About half way round the reservoir there are two tables and a wood BBQ and on the west side there is a shelter with seats, BBQ (non-functional), two tables and carpark.
There is an information sign at the carpark which reads:
Gold towns faced droughts in summer and contaminated water in winter.
Alluvial miners used water for sluicing and the big mining companies constantly pumped water from shafts. The Goldfields Reservoir was built in 1862, but failed to bring a steady water supply to Maryborough. The Evansford reservoir brought a second source from 1882-3. The Centenary Dam was added in 1957 and connected to Tullaroop in 1960.
Two men, from opposing political backgrounds, led the drive for a reliable water source. Clive Stoneham, born in Maryborough in 1909, went from running the railway union to leading the Victorian Labor Party. He joined forces with Keith Turnbull, prominent in the Country Party, to create the Centenary Dam. Stoneham also secured a sewerage system for the town and Turnbull, as Minister for Conservation, drove reforesting of mining wastes and protection for river catchments.
Maryborough almost ran out of water again in the 21st century's drought. The Moolort Aquifer, rather than new dams, appears the most likely answer to the town's long search for a dependable water source.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on-leash.
Location
Reservoir Road, Maryborough 3465 Map
