Mineral Springs Master Plan announced for Victoria

Mineral springs are already a budding tourism attraction for Victoria, with visitors drawn to their history and wellbeing benefits. The Victorian Government has announced the Mineral Springs Master Plan (2025–2032) for long term planning and management of Victoria’s mineral springs with the plan aimed at attracting more visitors to enjoy the benefits the mineral springs offer and support local communities with tourism.

A mineral spring is a naturally occurring spring where the water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals. Most of Australia’s mineral springs are in Victoria, predominantly in the Central Highlands.

The plan has four objectives:

1. attract more visitors,

2. improve accessibility and experience,

3. maintain water quality 

4. ensure Traditional Owners can determine their involvement in management of the springs.

Victorian Acting Minister for Environment Gayle Tierney noted “Naturally occurring mineral springs are a unique resource and we are making sure they and protected for all Victorians to enjoy.

“The Mineral Springs Master Plan will ensure that mineral springs in Victoria continue to support local communities, attract new visitors and involve Traditional Owners in their management.”

Victoria is home to most of Australia’s mineral springs, with 39 publicly accessible springs across 19 different sites. Most of Victoria’s mineral springs are concentrated in Hepburn Shire Council where the tourism industry employs around 4,500 people.

The Master Plan will help land managers identify ways they can promote their mineral springs, make them more accessible and keep them healthy.

Local communities and Traditional owner groups were involved in the development and gave feedback to ensure it meets the needs of the community.

The new Mineral Springs of Victoria website has been launched as a central resource to find information about minerals springs, their unique offerings and current status

The Master Plan is available at engage.vic.gov.au/mineral-springs-masterplan. 

Image. Soda Spring: is just a short walk from the renowned Hepburn Bath House. It is in close proximity to Sulphur and Wyuna Mineral springs. All were discovered and then almost lost in the gold rush. Their waters were utilised for washing gold and they nearly disappeared under tons of mullock and mining spoils. Thankfully individuals such as Dr Rosetti, Mr B. Burner and others agitated and eventually gained protection of the springs with the Hepburn Mineral Spring Reserve being established in 1867.In 1930 a 5-8m bore was drilled and equipped with a hand pump. The present bore was drilled in 2002 and is 12.5m deep. Image Credit: Chloe Smith Photography