Lilydale+Lake+-+The+Beginning

Outer Eastern MelbourneThe original proposal for the particular land site where the now, Lilydale Lake is situated, was first proposed in 1853 by the land surveyor, James Blackburn. His proposal was to build a water catchment to supply water for Melbourne. This proposal was abandoned and the Yan Yean scheme was chosen instead [|www.melbournewater.com.au].



In 1969 a 160 acre (65 ha) park was proposed by Council, which would have taken up much of the current lake site. Over the next seven years, many more proposals, both from Council and private developers were submitted, none of which were successful.

In 1976 Council announced plans for a 28 ha lake, and a 80 ha park for the primary purpose to protect Lilydale from flooding and provide a recreation facility for the general public [|www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au]. However, with the estimated cost of 1.5 million, they needed financial assistance to continue with the proposal. In 1979 a report was given to the Premier of Victoria in a bid to gain financial assistance. Unfortunately their request was once again unsuccessful.

In 1984 the breakthrough for the lake proposal eventually came when responsibility for drainage and water supply was transferred from the Council to Melbourne and Metro Board of Works (MMBW) [|www.austehc.unimelb.edu.au]. That same year the township of Lilydale suffered significant flooding, thus convincing the Minister for Water Resources to meet with the Council and MMBW to once again consider the lake proposal.

After much consideration the construction of a dual purpose retarding basin, lake and a recreational facility was finally given the go ahead. Construction commenced in May 1988 and was completed by June 1990. The Lilydale Lake and Park were officially opened to the public on the 7th July 1990. media type="custom" key="3842787"

The Lilydale lake now covers an area of 100 ha and is visited by over 700,000 people each year.