Devilbend Natural Features Reserve

{{Short description|Nature reserve park in Australia}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Use Australian English|date=August 2019}} {{Infobox park | name = Devilbend Natural Features Reserve | image = Devilbend aerial.jpg | image_size = 240 | image_alt = | image_caption = Devilbend Reservoir Park | map_image = Devilbend Natural Features Reserve Map.jpg | map_size = 240 | map_caption = Devilbend Reserve map<br/>{{small|(© [[Parks Victoria]], November 2017)}} | type = [[Natural reserve]] | location = [[Mornington Peninsula]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], Australia | nearest_city = [[Melbourne]] | coordinates = {{coord|-38.2876|145.1044|type:landmark_region:AU-VIC|display=it|format=dms}} | area = {{cvt|1005|ha}} | created = 8 March 2007 | operator = | visitation_num = | status = Open | designation = | open = }} The '''Devilbend Natural Features Reserve''' is a {{convert|1005|ha|acre|adj=on}} [[natural reserve]] [[park]] in the rural [[suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] of [[Tuerong, Victoria|Tuerong]] on the [[Mornington Peninsula]] in central southern [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], Australia, {{cvt|55|km}} southeast of the state capital [[Melbourne]]'s [[Melbourne CBD|city center]].

The park contains two decommissioned [[water supply]] [[reservoir]]s, the '''Devilbend Reservoir''' and '''Bittern Reservoir''', which are less than {{cvt|600|m|yd}} apart and linked by an often-dry [[drainage]] [[channel (geography)|channel]]. These reservoirs were the original reason the surrounding parkland was protected from general public access and was not subjected to [[land development]].<ref name=dbmp>{{cite book |title=Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Management Plan |author=Anon |year=2010 |publisher=Parks Victoria |location=Melbourne |isbn=978-0-7311-8385-2 |url=http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources07/07_2677.pdf }}</ref> Both reservoirs are along the course of the [[eponym]]ous '''Devilbend Creek''', a [[left tributary]] of the much larger Balcombe Creek that drains into [[Port Phillip Bay]] at [[Mount Martha, Victoria|Mount Martha]]. Nearby just {{cvt|500|m|yd}} in the north, there is a much smaller, unnamed third lake further downstream along the creek in the neighbouring locality of [[Moorooduc]], next to a [[golf course]] within what is known as the Devilbend Recreation Reserve.

==History== {{Infobox dam | name = Devilbend Reservoir | name_official = | image = Devilbend levee.jpg | image_size = 240 | image_caption = The [[levee]] and [[intake tower]] on the northern edge of the reservoir | image_alt = | location_map = | location_map_size = 240 | location_map_caption = Location of the former dam and reservoir in [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] | location_map_alt = | mapframe = no | coordinates = {{coord|-38.277995|145.099998|type:landmark_region:AU-VIC|format=dms|display=inline}} | country = Australia | location = [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] | purpose = W | status = D | construction_began = | opening = 1965 | demolished = | cost = | builder = State Rivers & Water Supply Commission | designed_by = | owner = [[Melbourne Water]] | operator = | dam_type = F | dam_crosses = ''Balcombe Creek'' | dam_height_foundation = {{cvt|29|m}} | dam_height_thalweg = | dam_length = {{cvt|275|m}} | dam_elevation_crest = | dam_width_crest = | dam_width_base = | dam_volume = {{cvt|222|e3m3}} | spillway_count = 1 | spillway_type = [[Spillway#Types|Uncontrolled]] | spillway_length = | spillway_capacity = {{cvt|40|m3/s}} | spillway_volumetric_flow_rate = | spillway_type2 = | spillway_length2 = | spillway_capacity2 = | spillway_volumetric_flow_rate2 = | spillway_type3 = | spillway_length3 = | spillway_capacity3 = | spillway_volumetric_flow_rate3 = | res_name = | res_capacity_total = {{cvt|14600|ML|acre.ft}} | res_capacity_active = | res_capacity_inactive = | res_catchment = {{cvt|23|km2}} | res_surface = {{cvt|243|ha}} | res_max_length = | res_max_width = | res_max_depth = | res_elevation = | res_tidal_range = | lower_dam_type = | lower_dam_crosses = | lower_dam_height_foundation = | lower_dam_height_thalweg = | lower_dam_length = | lower_dam_elevation_crest = | lower_dam_width_crest = | lower_dam_width_base = | lower_dam_volume = | lower_spillway_count = | lower_spillway_type = | lower_spillway_length = | lower_spillway_capacity = | lower_spillway_volumetric_flow_rate = | lower_spillway_type2 = | lower_spillway_length2 = | lower_spillway_capacity2 = | lower_spillway_volumetric_flow_rate2 = | lower_spillway_type3 = | lower_spillway_length3 = | lower_spillway_capacity3 = | lower_spillway_volumetric_flow_rate3 = | lower_res_name = | lower_res_capacity_total = | lower_res_capacity_active = | lower_res_capacity_inactive = | lower_res_catchment = | lower_res_surface = | lower_res_max_length = | lower_res_max_width = | lower_res_max_depth = | lower_res_elevation = | lower_res_tidal_range = | plant_name = | plant_coordinates =  | plant_operator = | plant_commission = | plant_decommission = | plant_type = | plant_hydraulic_head = | plant_turbines = | plant_pumpgenerators = | plant_pumps = | plant_capacity = | plant_capacity_factor = | plant_efficiency = | plant_storage_hours = | plant_annual_gen = | plant_annual_gen_year = | website = | extra = }} The Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is located within the [[native title in Australia|traditional country]] of the [[Bunurong people]], part of the [[indigenous Australian|indigenous]] [[Kulin nation]].[[File:ISS016-E-16429 - View of Victoria, Australia.jpg|thumb|[[Satellite imagery|Orbital view]] of the [[Mornington Peninsula]] around the Devilbend Reserve (just right of the center) taken during [[ISS]] [[Expedition 16]].]] [[File:Devilbend Reservoir approch road 2008.JPG|thumb|Graydens Road [[causeway]] across the reserve.]] The Bittern Reservoir, the smaller of the two reservoirs with a capacity of {{cvt|573|ML}}, was built in the 1930s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224475904 |title=Recent Conditions and Happenings in Rural Areas: Agricultural |newspaper=[[Weekly Times]] |issue=3434 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=22 July 1933 |access-date=5 March 2017 |page=52 (FIRST EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}}, ''...An application for £10,000 will be made to make an open cut from Bittern Reservoir, now being constructed, to Dromana, 15 miles away...''</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203382761 |title=COUNTRY SECTION |newspaper=[[The Age]] |issue=24,562 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=2 January 1934 |access-date=5 March 2017 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12100491 |title=PENINSULA WATER Position Alarming |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,863 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=23 February 1939 |access-date=5 March 2017 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}, ''...Already the Bittern reservoir had been completed...''</ref> The much larger Devilbend Reservoir, with an area of {{cvt|243|ha}} and a capacity of {{cvt|14,600|ML|acre.ft|lk=on}}, was built during the 1960s and opened in 1965, and is currently the largest [[freshwater]] [[waterbody|body]] in the [[Shire of Mornington Peninsula]].<ref name=nta/> The two reservoirs provided backup [[drinking water]] to the Mornington Peninsula until the completion of a water [[pipeline transport|pipeline]] between the [[Cardinia Reservoir]] and [[Pearcedale, Victoria|Pearcedale]] in December 2000 made them redundant. In September 2006, most of the reservoir land was transferred to [[Parks Victoria]] with the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve being [[gazette]]d on 8 March 2007.<ref name=dbmp/> A management plan for the reserve was voted in 2010, and in 2011 a new masterplan aiming to turn the area into a tourist area was prepared.<ref name="devilbend vicparks">[https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r. Devilbend Natural Features Reserve] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926230800/https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r. |date=26 September 2019 }}, ''Vic.gov.au'' (accessed on 26 September 2019)</ref>

The Devilbend Foundation was created in 2002 to lobby against recreational fishing in the Devilbend Reserve, and against [[horseriding]] in the vicinity, arguing it would compromise the natural equilibrium of the park.<ref name="open doubts"/>

In 2012, after 6 years of land renovation that required a budget of $1.6 million, the reserve reopened to the public.<ref name="2012 reopening">[https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/fishing-locations/devilbend-reservoir Devilbend Reservoir], ''Vic.gov.au'', 2012 (accessed on 26 September 2019)</ref> The reserve was inaugurated by [[Peter Walsh (Australian politician)|Peter Walsh]], and took the name Devilbend Natural Features Reserve on this day. Among the new features of the park are the entrance gateway, the [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]] entrance road, sealed car park, the picnic and barbecue facilities, the [[walking track]]s and the [[boardwalk]].<ref name="open doubts">Mike Hast, [http://www.mpnews.com.au/2012/11/22/devilbend-open-but-doubts-remain/ Devilbend open but doubts remain], ''Mpnews.com.au'', 22 November 2012 (accessed on 26 September 2019)</ref>

==Environment== [[File:Devilbend lake.jpg|thumb|The southern, main part of Devilbend Reservoir, viewed from Daangean Point]] [[File:Australian Backyard backing onto Devil's Bend Reservoir.jpg|thumb|Residential backyard backing onto the reservoir]] Much of the Mornington Peninsula's native [[bushland]] has been cleared, and it is estimated that less than 5% of the original habitat remains. Devilbend is one of just a few sites on the Peninsula containing significant areas of these remnant native vegetation. Over 200 species of indigenous plants have been recorded in and around the reserve, including trees, shrubs, ground plants, [[aquatic plant|aquatics]], [[orchid]]s and their associated [[plant community|communities]].<ref name=nta>{{cite web |url=http://www.nattrust.com.au/trust_register/search_the_register/devilbend_reservoir_and_environs|title= Devilbend Reservoir and Environs|access-date=2011-06-17 |publisher=National Trust of Australia - Victoria}}</ref> Other sizeable fragments of bushland remaining on the Peninsula are at [[Point Nepean]] ({{cvt|333|ha}}), Green's Bush ({{cvt|1100|ha}}) and [[HMAS Cerberus (naval base)|HMAS ''Cerberus'']] ({{cvt|1700|ha}}).

Past restrictions on public access to the Devilbend Reserve have created favourable conditions for wildlife, as shown by large numbers of [[waterbird]]s and [[frog]]s recorded there.<ref name=nta/> The {{cvt|243|ha}} Devilbend Reservoir has been identified by [[BirdLife International]] as an [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA) because it supports, seasonally, over 1% of the global population of the [[near-threatened]] [[blue-billed duck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.birdata.com.au/iba.vm |title=IBA: Devilbend Reservoir |access-date=2011-06-17 |work=Birdata |publisher=Birds Australia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102341/http://www.birdata.com.au/iba.vm |archive-date=2011-07-06 }}</ref> The reserve also contains the only nesting site of the [[white-bellied sea eagle]] on the Mornington Peninsula. The [[growling grass frog]] and [[Galaxiella pusilla|dwarf galaxias]] have been recorded in the reserve.<ref name=dbmp/>

44 species of birds were inventoried in the Reserve.<ref name="oarsome paddlers"/> In 2005, 140 indigenous plant species were inventoried.<ref>[https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/70311/download-report Devilbend Reservoir And Environs], ''Heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au'', 15 September 2005 (accessed on 26 September 2019)</ref>

<gallery> Haliaeetus leucogaster -Gippsland, Victoria, Australia-8 (3).jpg|The reserve contains the only nesting site of the [[white-bellied sea eagle]] on the Mornington Peninsula. Blue-billed-duck.jpg|The reserve is an important seasonal site for [[blue-billed duck]]s. Anas castanea Coolart Wetlands 1.jpg|[[Chestnut teal]] Black swan jan09.jpg|[[Black swan]] File:Platycercus elegans Wilsons Prom.jpg|[[Crimson rosella]] is a common sight in Devilbend Reserve Ninox strenua 148494149.jpg|[[Powerful owl]] Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied) (1865) by Karl Bodmer.jpg|[[Red-eared slider]] turtles were also spotted in the reserve.<ref name="devilbend vicparks"/> Litoria raniformis.jpg|[[Growling grass frog]] has been recorded in the reserve. File:Blotched Blue Tongue (Tiliqua nigrolutea) (8485228336).jpg|[[Blue tongue skink]] File:Tachyglossus aculeatus (23598816752).jpg|[[Short-beaked echidna]] </gallery>

== Recreation == [[File:Devilbend-Walking-Track.jpg|thumb|Shoreline Track, part of Devilbend's Reservoir Circuit Trail]] [[File:Devilbend Daangean inlet.jpg|thumb|The [[inlet]] on the west shore of Daangean Point, part of the boating zone of the Devilbend Reservoir.]] [[File:Devilbend pier.jpg|thumb|[[Fishing pier]] and [[floating dock (jetty)|pontoon]] on Daangean Point]] [[Picnic table]]s, shelter, [[public toilet]]s and [[Barbecue grill#Electric grill|electric barbecue]]s are available in the Daangean Point Picnic Area. There is no [[drinking fountain]] available.

=== Hiking and cycling === The features of Devilbend can be explored by selected [[walking tracks]]. * Western Shoreline Track — {{cvt|1.2|km}} long, {{cvt|2.5|m}} wide [[soil compaction|compacted surface]] shoreline trail, descending from the Devilbend Picnic Area to the [[fishing pier|fishing platform]]s and [[boardwalk]]s. * Daangean Point Track — {{cvt|1.5|km}} long bushwalk, running through remnant lowland forest from Daangean Point to the southern shoreline. * Devilbend Circuit Track — {{cvt|11.5|km}} long circuit, combining Daangean Trail and the Catch Drain Trail to circumnavigate Devilbend Reservoir and meandering through lowland forest and grassy woodland with multiple access points to the tranquil waterbody providing birdwatching and passive recreation. Bittern Reservoir Circuit is accessible off the southern end at Hodgins Road and can be incorporated into the broader circuit.

The trail system includes all‐ability [[hiking]] access to the shoreline, viewing/fishing platforms and boardwalk. [[Cycling]] is permitted on all trails in the reserve. Dogs and other pets are not permitted.

=== Horseriding === A {{cvt|6.2|km}} long, {{cvt|10|m}} wide [[horse trail]] is available for [[horserider]]s, accessed off Hodgins, Turners or Derril Roads around the southern boundary.

=== Birdwatching === [[Birdwatching]] is popular in the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, which is of high [[nature conservation]] significance, and the Devilbend Reservoir is recognised as an [[Important Bird Area]], meaning an area recognised by [[BirdLife International]] as being globally important for the conservation of bird populations. The reserve supports over 1% of the global population of [[blue-billed duck]], which is listed as [[threatened species|threatened]] under the [[Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988]], as well as being the only [[nesting instinct|nesting]] [[habitat]] for the majestic [[white-bellied sea eagle]] on the Mornington Peninsula. There have been 158 bird species recorded in the area, including 14 international [[migratory bird]]s.

=== Boating === By the end of 2017, [[Parks Victoria]] allowed [[human-powered watercraft|non-powered paddlecraft]]s (including [[canoe]]s, [[kayak]]s, [[paddleboard]]s and [[windsurfer]]s) on the lake,<ref name="fishing access">[https://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/on-water-fishing-access-for-devilbend-reservoir-vic On-water fishing access for Devilbend Reservoir, Vic.], ''Fishingworld.com'', 16 October 2017 (accessed on 26 September 2019)</ref><ref name="oarsome paddlers">[http://www.mpnews.com.au/2017/12/05/oarsome-news-for-paddlers-at-devilbend/ Oarsome news for paddlers at Devilbend], ''Mpnews.com.au'', 5 December 2017 (accessed on 26 September 2019)</ref> but only on a {{cvt|33|ha}} designated [[boating]] zone in the northwestern arm of the reservoir, west of a peninsula known as the Daangean Point, with yellow [[buoy]]s and signs marking the boating zone boundary. Two launch facilities are available by walking along the Western Shoreline Trail, the first of which is approximately {{cvt|240|m|yd}} from the [[picnic]] ground and [[car park]].

=== Fishing === Devilbend and Bittern Reservoirs have [[game fish]]es regularly [[fish stocking|stocked]] by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, both [[introduced species|introduced]] (such as [[rainbow trout]], [[brown trout]] and [[yellow perch]]) and [[native species]] (such as [[estuary perch]], [[Australian bass]] and [[surf bream]]), as well as variously [[naturalisation (biology)|naturalized]] [[invasive species]] (such as [[European perch|redfin]] and [[common carp|carp]]). [[Angling]] is permitted but all adults aged between 18 and 69 require a [[recreational fishing|recreational]] [[fishing license]] and all fishing activities needs to be done in accordance with the ''Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide''. [[Bank fishing]] is permitted only in five designated fishing zones in the northern shores of the two reservoirs (four in Devilbend, one in Bittern), and [[recreational boat fishing|boat fishing]] only for non‐powered watercraft ([[human-powered watercraft|human-]] and [[sailboat|wind-powered]]) in the designated {{convert|33|ha|adj=on}} boating zone in the northern arm of the Devilbend Reservoir.

Starting in 2010, the Devilbend Reservoir was stocked with 14,000 rainbow trout and 21,000 brown trout.<ref name="2012 reopening"/> Those first trout stocks were done secretly, and much of the initial [[fingerling (fish)|fingerling]]s were eaten by [[Macquaria|native perches]].<ref name="open doubts"/> In November 2017, the Victorian Fisheries Authority released 180 thumping brown trout ({{cvt|2.5|kg|disp=or}} each, grown at the Snobs Creek hatchery) into the Reservoir to "improve the mixed fishery".<ref>[https://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/big-brown-trout-for-devilbend Big brown trout for Devilbend], ''Fishingworld.com'', 4 November 2017 (accessed on 26 September 2019)</ref> 100,000 trout were stocked in the Devilbend Reservoir between 2010 and 2017.<ref name="fishing access"/>

==See also== {{stack|{{portal|Australia|Environment}}}} * [[Lakes and reservoirs of Melbourne]] * [[Protected areas of Victoria]] * [[Boon wurrung]]

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * [https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r. Victoria State Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926230800/https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r. |date=26 September 2019 }} * [http://www.devilbendfoundation.org.au/ Devilbend Foundation]

[[Category:Mornington Peninsula]] [[Category:Important Bird Areas of Victoria (state)]] [[Category:Nature reserves in Victoria (state)]] [[Category:2007 establishments in Australia]] [[Category:Reservoirs in Victoria (state)]] [[Category:Former dams]] [[Category:Dams in Victoria (state)]] [[Category:Dams completed in 1965]] [[Category:Earth-filled dams]]