By Mitchell Clarke
Parks Victoria will keep a large section of the Bunyip State Park closed, giving the bushfire ravaged area time to recover, and to also protect people from the potential of tree fall.
Lightning strikes on 1 March sparked a fierce bushfire which destroyed nearly 60% of the 16,000 hectare park.
Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Jack Dinkgreve said that while the closure is important for the environment to heal and recover, they have opened the eastern section of the park.
“Bunyip State Park is important to many recreation users. We have reopened the eastern section of the Bunyip State Park and this provides an opportunity for four-wheel drive enthusiasts and trail bike riders to access the nearby state forests,” Mr Dinkgreve said.
“This area, which was affected by the 2009 bushfires, is a great illustration of how, when looked after, we can expect the park to regenerate following a bushfire.”
Camping is not permitted in the eastern area however people are able to picnic, birdwatch and bushwalk in the area which includes Tea Tree Road, Western Track, Gentle Annie Track, Lawson Falls Track and Picnic Ground and the Discovery Track.
“We ask all visitors to please observe and respect all signage indicating road or track closures as they are in place for public safety and to ensure careful rehabilitation of the area,” Mr Dinkgreve said.
“The region offers some great neighbouring alternatives such as Kurth Kiln Regional Park and the state forests to the north and east of Bunyip State Park.”
The park will remain closed until further notice.
