Paul Poort is one of two remaining Campaspe River Reserve Committee members.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Rochester’s Campaspe River Reserve Committee is set to wind down operations by the end of August after 38 years of commitment to the reserve.
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Formed in October 1987 by 24 residents and councillors of the Shire of Rochester, the group united to reimagine the Campaspe River riverfront between the road bridge and rail bridge.
What was once an informal dumping ground and vehicle track became the focus of a long-term effort to restore it as a community recreation space.
Committee president Paul Poort, who has been involved since the group’s inception, said the committee’s early work centred on cleaning up and protecting the site.
“We started fencing areas off and removing rubbish that was visible,” he said.
“There was actually a road track in there. So we fenced that off and the council ripped up the old road, and we planted trees along there.
“Those trees are all grown up now.”
Paul Poort has kept track of the committee’s 38 years of work.
Photo by
Daniel Harvey
The committee also removed non-native species, including palm trees, and replanted the area with indigenous vegetation.
Over the years, volunteers installed gravel walking tracks, seating, picnic tables and interpretive signage, while also managing weed control to help create a more natural riverside environment.
Situated along the Campaspe River, the reserve has also endured numerous flood events, with committee members regularly repairing damaged infrastructure and vegetation.
The committee has continued to maintain the reserve for almost four decades, and with membership gradually declining over time, only two of the original members now remain.
Campaspe River Reserve Committee’s last remaining members, Kaye Speers and Paul Poort, with new seating that was installed earlier this year.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Unless new volunteers come forward, the committee will officially cease operations at the end of August.
“We have enjoyed our time being on the committee but need new faces to take over for it to continue,” Mr Poort said.
“If anybody wants to form a committee or something I will help them.”
While the committee's future remains uncertain, Mr Poort hopes a new group will step forward to continue its work.
If a new committee is formed, he said he would help members get established and connect them with Campaspe Shire Council.
Council also has a dedicated officer available to provide training, funding assistance and advice to community groups.
For more information, contact Paul Poort on 0473 172 701 or email feetpoort@hotmail.com
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