OK to picnic area

By Dion Teasdale
REDEVELOPMENT of the Fernshaw picnic area on the Maroondah Highway between Healesville and Narbethong is to continue.
Parks Victoria earlier this month announced that it had completed consultation with community groups and individuals and was preparing to proceed with improvement works.
But the redevelopment plans have drawn criticism from Healesville identity, Ray Donkin, who has campaigned strongly for improvements.
Upper Yarra Valley Parks Ranger-in-Charge, Ian Roche, said works would include construction of new toilets, improved picnic facilities and installation of new information on the history of the site.
He also said the redevelopment would include changes to car parking arrangements at the site.
The car park will be smaller, allowing for improvements to the landscape.
“We must also protect the Watts River and the water it supplies to Melbourne and so design of the site provides for protection of this critical community resource,” Mr Roche said.
Difficulties with waste management from the toilets and the need to protect the high quality of drinking water in the Watts River has seen a number of temporary closures of Fernshaw.
“Reducing the amount of vehicle movements will also reduce the level of compaction around the significant trees,” Mr Roche said.
He rejected the reasons Parks Victoria have given for reducing car-parking spaces to just 15 vehicles.
“They are denying people and tourist buses the opportunity to visit the picnic area and have an enjoyable stay.”