The Campaspe River in Kyneton is the place to be for “wild swimming” this summer, according to local residents.
Kyneton local Dave Allen said the town had a long history of people swimming in the river and he was pleased to see its resurgence.
“There is nothing more wonderful than seeing a bunch of kids swimming in our local Campaspe River in Kyneton,” he told the Express.
“We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful town with this natural waterway running through the centre, where our kids can walk, ride their bikes, and in summer jump in the water to cool off.”
Dave is part of a group of local residents eager to keep river swimming alive in the town and to see the river’s health front and centre.
“Nothing replaces wild swimming,” agreed fellow river swimmer Lenka Thompson.
“I think it is so important that our kids have places where they can swim in rivers and other natural environments.”
“There is an increased awareness of river health within the community, but at the same time it is beyond the capacity of community members to be trying to mitigate the effects of pollution, weed infestation within the river and to improve the water quality and amenity for swimming.
“We really need the local authorities including Macedon Ranges Council, Parks Victoria, the NCCMA and Coliban Water to get on board and help with this – the benefits for the community, our kids, the river ecology, native plants and animals are there for all to see.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council advised people to contact the responsible water authority for any concerns around a specific natural waterway’s water quality before swimming in it.
“We encourage residents to ensure they play it safe by the water and always supervise children in and around of natural waterways,” said council’s director of planning and environment, Rebecca Stockfeld.
“We recommend residents take advantage of supervised alternatives available – such as council’s aquatic centres – wherever possible due to the dangers associated with natural waterways, especially those with flowing water that may still be impacted by flood debris from October 2022.”
General tips on water safety can be found at: vic.gov.au/water-safety
