Pics From The Past | From swamp to lake

Sometime after this the “Ornamental Lake” idea was revoked (notice it is crossed out on the map) for some reason. Perhaps the the project would be too costly and funding not available for the fledgling township.

In 1877 the population was around 500 people and Shepparton was growing slowly with a police building, some inns, Furphy’s blacksmith shop, a church, A.F. Rowe’s shop, a flour mill, Forester’s Hall, a bank, a school, the Mooroopna Hospital, the Shepparton News was established and the first Agricultural Show.

The focus was most likely on the needs of goods and services, roads and bridges.

From the 1880’s the swamp, also known as the Common, was used as a grazing paddock for “home cows” and kept by town residents for milking. Common managers were appointed throughout the district to collect grazing fees and oversee the local herdsmen who would organise the musters for branding the cows and were responsible for jobs like maintaining the fencing.

W.S. James, in his book the History of Shepparton (1838-1938) continues the story:

“Practically nothing was done in continuing the work of the pioneers in town beautification until 15 years ago (c1923), when Mr. C. Palling was elected to the Shire Council. He made it a platform matter during the election fight to develop a swamp at the south-west of the town into a lake. His opponents belittled it. Unfortunately, Cr. Palling received no support from the council for his scheme, and it was dropped until six years ago when a Progress Association advanced the matter. The Borough Council then took it in hand. A Parks and Gardens Committee was elected by the Borough Council, which, with the aid of citizens’ movements had the following schemes carried out (Cr. Riordan being the chairman) - Lake and reserve: Swimming facilities, tennis courts, bowling and croquet greens. Playgrounds: Miller Reserve and Banner Paddock. Extensive tree planting in the streets; street paving by business people at their own expense.”

The Lake and Reserve was to be called Victoria Park Lake and in 1929 a concept plan was drawn up and featured in the Goulburn Valley Stock and Property Journal. Prior to this there was talk of getting funding for the project via inviting tree fellers to donate their time felling trees and the timber sold to help pay for the project. Back in 1923 the Shepparton Advertiser promoted the Lake idea whenever the opportunity arose: “One means of effecting a substantial improvement to Shepparton, and at the same time creating a beauty spot that would for all time gladden the hearts of residents and visitors, could be the transformation of the present swamp in Victoria Park into a lake, providing rowing and swimming facilities, serving as a centre for picnic parties, and forming the nucleus of a garden worthy of the name.

That this is not impossible, we are shown by Ballarat, where an insignificant swamp has been converted into a beautiful lake, of which the citizens are justly proud. What is first necessary is to empty the swamp and remove the timber for firewood – a valuable asset. When this is done, a comparatively inexpensive bank across the lower end would impound a considerably larger area of water, providing ample length for boat races and swimming matches.”

The Victoria Park Lake was officially opened in October, 1929 and the Shepparton Advertiser summed up the occasion thus: “The operation of filling Shepparton’s artificial lake was completed on Saturday afternoon. The debris which had risen to the surface and was washed to the eastern bank was removed, and the scene presented yesterday was a very picturesque one. Throughout the day, many indulged in swimming, whilst all kinds of watercraft were afloat, including pairs and crews of fours from the Shepparton Rowing Club. Hundreds, from near and far, visited the lake on Sunday, and there were general expressions of satisfaction and commendation of the councillors for their foresight and enterprise in taking steps to beautify the surroundings of the town. Visitors were particularly loud in their praise of the members of the parks and gardens committee of the Borough Council for having pushed ahead with the work. It was admitted by all that any sum which the council had expended on the venture from the general fund was fully justified.”

It should be noted that the efforts of Councillor Cornelius (Con) Palling, who proposed the idea of a lake back in the 1920s, were acknowledged on the site with a reserve named in his honor – Con Palling Reserve. This reserve is located near the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) and includes the barbecue area.

However, it appears that the signage honoring him has been removed, leaving no recognition of his contributions. This oversight should be rectified.

Similarly, recognition should be reinstated for John Pick, a former Councillor and Mayor, who played a significant role in the Lake project. The area formerly known as John Pick Playground, now a skate park and play area, had signage commemorating his contributions, which, like Palling's, has been removed. It is important to preserve the acknowledgment of his contributions to the reserve and the original play equipment for posterity.