Blue Rock Lake - Erosion Control Project

The construction phase is now complete.

An added bonus to this project has been the creation of 8 fish hotels, built by community members with the support of OzFish. OzFish, Australia’s only fishing conservation charity, called on local fishers and the broader community to step forward to support our new Blue Rock Lake habitat restoration project. In a hands-on effort to enhance one of Victoria’s most iconic Australian bass fisheries, community members are invited to help construct and install eight large, specially designed "fish hotels." These habitat structures are destined for the waters of Blue Rock Lake to provide important shelter, breeding grounds, and suitable habitat for native fish.

In a big win for the region, the habitat building event was made possible through the generosity of the local community—via donation drives at the Warragul BCF store—which helps increase community ownership of the project. Andy Foudoulis, OzFish Project Manager for Victoria, says the project is a game-changer for both the environment and local fisheries. “Blue Rock Lake is already a jewel in Victoria’s fishing crown, but even a great fishery needs a solid foundation of habitat," said Mr Foudoulis. "By installing these fish hotels, we aren't just giving the fish a place to hide, we are building a more resilient ecosystem. These structures will specifically benefit shore-based anglers, making sure that you don’t need a boat to get in on the action."

 The next stage of this fantastic project will be a community planting day of aquatic, ephemeral and terrestrial plant species. The planting of aquatic species needs to occur when the water level has risen more …but not too much. The aim of aquatic planting is to create a natural buffer which will naturally absorb the energy from waves produced by weather and recreational water craft. The vegetation will also provide valuable fish habitat for our native fish species and no doubt, an added challenge for shore based anglers who favour this spot …shhh.

If you are interested in participating in the community planting day, please keep an eye on our socials …and the Tanjil Valley Landcare groups facebook page as well as the notice board at the beginning of the track.

Blue Rock Lake is located in Willow Grove, 17kms north of Moe. It is managed by the local Tanjil Valley Landcare Group who have over the years planted and improved the walking track along the western side of the Lake. In 2026, works will commence to fix a section of track … scroll down for more information ….

Shoring up Blue Rock Lake’s popular walking track starts this summer 

Visitors to Blue Rock Lake will benefit from new erosion control works that will protect the foreshore track – ensuring continued access and supporting the lake’s health.  

The Blue Rock Lake Foreshore Stabilisation and Community Path Renewal Project will start in February 2026, when water levels at the lake are typically lower, to rehabilitate around 130 metres of eroded shoreline. 

Funding of $43,000 from Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund will see large rocks placed adjacent to the track, creating a ‘beach’ that will protect the foreshore and track from further damage caused by wave action and weather. 

Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network Project Officer Caroline Hammond said the track must be temporarily closed to complete the works. 

“We will need to close the track for between seven to ten days, depending on the weather and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to complete the job quickly,” she said. 

“We will notify the community and install signage and project information on notice boards at the lake and in the local area to keep residents and lake users updated,” she said. 

This project is being delivered in partnership by Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network (LCLN), Southern Rural Water, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (the CMA), and the Tanjil Valley Landcare Group. 

Caroline said this project will help protect the environmental and recreational values of Blue Rock Lake well into the future. 

Once erosion control works are complete, Tanjil Valley Landcare Group will host a community planting day to revegetate the site with native riparian, ephemeral, and aquatic species.  

The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Rivers and Wetlands Officer, Matt Koury said these plantings will strengthen the foreshore, slow water impact, and create valuable fish habitat. 

“This project will protect and improve access to this much-loved community space, while later next year native aquatic plants will be restored to the foreshore as new habitat for fish and wildlife,” said Matt. 

Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund helps small towns enhance local infrastructure, strengthen communities, and create healthier, more vibrant places to live. 
 
Media enquiries: 
Caroline Hammond                                                                                             Phone: 0472 503 088 
Project Officer – Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network                              Email: info@lcln.com.au 

This project is supported by the Victorian Government through Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns grant.