By Jed Lanyon
Popular Yarra Ranges tourist destinations were closed by Parks Victoria and Victoria Police over the weekend due to concerns of severe overcrowding.
Warburton’s Redwood Forest, Ferntree Gully’s 1000 Steps and Sherbrooke’s Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens were closed, just weeks after reopening.
Police were called to the Redwood Foreston the weekend of 23-24 May as cars lined both sides of Cement Creek and Woods Point roads at the entrance of the forest after the 200 or so parking spaces were quickly filled.
Yarra Ranges councillor Jim Child described some of the behaviour in the forests as ‘disgusting’, while locals took to social media to vent about visitors who had left litter scattered in the area and in some cases toilet paper and faeces as there are no amenities in the area.
Yarra Ranges Council asked visitors to the region to avoid overcrowding at tourist attractions to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, while passing a motion to push for immediate action on road safety issues.
Council will now work with government authorities to investigate implementing ‘no stopping’ signage along Woods Point and Cement Creek roads, upgrading Cement Creek Road and installing toilets in the area.
Councillor Fiona McAllister said she was horrified at a video circulating on social media highlighting the busy roads into the forest, while calling for a quick response from Parks Victoria to remedy the situation.
Mr Child feared the issue may be repeated at the locations with the upcoming Queen’s birthday long weekend.
“Outside of the City of Melbourne, Yarra Ranges is the most visited tourist region in Victoria – and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of,” Mr Child said.
“But we’re asking visitors to be mindful of overcrowding during this time, when there are still risks of COVID-19 spreading through the community.
“The last thing we would want to see is outbreaks from hundreds of people visiting an area in the region, which could result in people’s health being at risk and restrictions being re-introduced by the State Government.
“If you’re planning a visit to the Yarra Ranges, please be flexible and willing to find a new spot to visit if you see a full carpark. Ensure you’re parked safely and away from busy roads and keep social distancing in mind whenever you’re around groups of people.
A Parks Victoria spokesperson said, “With physical distancing requirements still in place, people should use good judgment if a park is busy – such as by heading to a quieter alternative.”
“We will continue to work with Victoria Police and the Office of the Conservation Regulator to ensure people look after Victoria’s parks, keep each other safe, and follow essential physical distancing requirements.”
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation, Parks Victoria staff will monitor visitation rates with the possibility of further changes to park closures, pending advice from health authorities.
