By Callum Ludwig
Draft designs for a $2.6 million upgrade to the Redwood Forest in Warburton have been released by Parks Victoria.
The works are set to begin in early 2024, with Melbourne Water also getting involved and completing their own work late this year.
District Manager at Parks Victoria Charlie Bisset said they know people from near and far love coming to the Redwoods in Warburton.
“We’re really excited to be making Cement Creek Redwood Forest more accessible for visitors while making improvements that will help preserve this special landscape for years to come,” she said.
“By formalising trails in the park, visitors will be able to explore the stunning Californian Redwood Forest, without disturbing or impacting native plants and wildlife,”
“The proposed upgrades will also provide better facilities such as improved car parking, accessible toilets and a visitor shelter, allowing more people to get into nature, and experience and actively protect this magical place.”
Currently, the Redwood Forest remains closed to vehicles as works are completed on the Cement Creek Road Bridge, estimated to be completed by late August.
Melbourne Water’s Manager of Water Resources and Upper Yarra Waterways and Catchment Operations Ross Bleazby said the works will help maintain the Redwood Forest’s status as one of Victoria’s most beautiful and important landscapes.
“Melbourne Water is committed to the ongoing health of our waterways and surrounding lands, which is why we’ll plant ferns, shrubs and other plants that are native to the area to help repair and revitalise this stunning space,” he said.
“What we do will not only be appealing to the community and the thousands of people who travel there, but it will help protect the Cement Creek and Yarra River banks and support and protect the fish and wildlife that depend on this environment and its regeneration. It’s a truly exciting project that we are proud to support.”
The Cement Creek Plantation, which includes the Redwood Forest, was recently added to the Victorian Heritage Register in April to ensure the protection of the site.
“Improving the visitor facilities at the Redwoods will help support increased visitation, which is great for local businesses, the local community and nature lovers alike,” said Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Sport Steve Dimopoulos.
“We know the Redwood Forest in Warburton is well-loved by visitors and these upgrades will ensure we can continue to appreciate and protect this amazing place,” said Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing.
Parks Victoria and Melborune Water are also partnering with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Yarra Ranges Council and Heritage Victoria to deliver the upgrade.
$2.3 million of the upgrade is being funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, with Melbourne Water’s works totalling $400,000.
