By Callum Ludwig
At the first in-person Yarra Ranges Council meeting for over two years, councillors discussed works to upgrade the Cement Creek Rd Bridge that provides access to the stunning Redwood Forest in East Warburton.
The works are being completed as part of the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program and Bridges Renewal program and $2.6 million granted by the Victorian Government in January 2022, and are set to be delivered by Yarra Ranges Council.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said that the topic of the bridge works is very dear to his heart.
“The bridge is the crucial link to the Redwood Forest in East Warburton, a site that is very fond among those from Metropolitan Melbourne that come and visit on a regular basis and locals as well,” he said.
“It’s become so popular that there isn’t even a sign out there that advertises the place, all shared through word of mouth and social media.”
Yarra Ranges Council is set to to increase the road limit of the bridge, include a pedestrian accessway and conduct resurfacing between the bridge and the entrance to Redwoods Forest
Mr Child said it reached a stage a couple of years ago where the parking and traffic jams became horrendous.
“This will strengthen the bridge for the significant investment from Parks Victoria and the State Government, to install toilet facilities and other amenities out there and additional works to the car park as well,” he said.
“What really warms my heart is that it’s not costing Council anything, we know how to deliver projects and that’s the important part about this particular project which we will deliver on behalf of the stakeholders. It’s a wonderful outcome for our community and to our visitors to the Upper Yarra and the Redwood Forest.”
Steeton Ward councillor Andrew Fullagar seconded the motion.
Mr Fullagar said it will be very opportune to fix the bridge with the expansion going on at Redwood Forest.
“For me, it’s all about safety as well, separating the pedestrians from the traffic so I think that’s a great addition to this particular bridge,” he said.
“And it’s awesome that we aren’t having to fund much of it.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
Funding for the upgrades at Redwood Forest is coming from $2.3 million from the Victorian Government’s $46 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund and a further $300,000 from the Victorian Government as well as $300,000 from Melbourne Water, collected through the waterways and drainage charge.
On top of the works conducted by Yarra Ranges Council, Parks Victoria is adding around 200 new carparking spaces, constructing an accessible public toilet facility, a visitor weather shelter and provision of utilities, formalising 3.8 km of existing trails to create a signed walking trail network and installing a visitor safety gate.
Melbourne Water is also going to be responsible for the creation of boardwalks and viewing areas along Cement Creek for accessibility and environmental protection and fencing and revegetation along the creek and riverbank.
