Middle ground sought

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
WARBURTON Caravan Park was looked favourably upon last week during a visit by the State Environment Minister, who said there was definitely room to find middle ground between the environmental requirements and public accessibility of camping alongside the Yarra River.
The Warburton Caravan Park complex master plan currently includes the removal of 70 campsites from the river banks under direction of a 20-metre buffer zone from the Department of Sustainability and Environment, which could see the town lose an estimated $1 million.
Environment Minister Ryan Smith visited the park on Tuesday 19 April to assess the environmental and economic concerns, and said some sites might be restricted due to degradation, but he wouldn’t indicate how many until it was looked at in more detail.
“There are areas that are clearly too close to the edge and are just sand and will need revegetation,” he said.
“But he’s (park operator Andy Walker) obviously done a fantastic job keeping a great eye on the environment over the years that he’s been here.”
Mr Smith noted certain sites were already restricted to certain times of the year, and he said by walking along the path and observing the flood bank there was an obvious natural barrier.
“It may not be the prescribed 20 metres but it is a more sensible way of approaching things,” he said.
Mr Smith said he was a big believer in people enjoying public land without having too much of an impact.
“Certainly it’s clear that people have been staying here and enjoying it for a number of years and there’s no reason why we should restrict that to a great degree if we can help it.”
Mr Smith said discussions would now occur between the DSE, Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water and himself, to work through some of the directions previously given for the master plan.
“Council has rightly felt the DSE set some hard and fast rules…but I think revisiting it is the right thing to do,” he said.
Mr Battin said the way that Mr Walker has maintained the park over the years would definitely work in his favour.
He also said it was important to take into consideration the economic concerns of the community during discussions.
DSE executive director of public land Peter Watkinson said the park was well maintained, there was no litter anywhere, the bushes were pruned and big trees had exclusion zones with mulch.
“It’s an important part of this local community so we want to work with the council and Melbourne Water, and deliver something for the minister and the local member,” he said.
Yarra Ranges Council environment director Mark Vermalis was also on site to hear the discussions and understand the direction that would be taken.
“The master plan will be influenced by what direction the minister allows us to go forward with,” he said.