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Damage to Gippsland parks suffer from slow repairs times compared to urban park renovations under Allan Labor government

Danny O'Brien calls for Gippsland park repairs, highlighting closures and lacking timelines, contrasting with swift urban park renovations by the Labor government.

By news@gippsland - 17th November 2023 - Back to News

As summer fast approaches and Gippsland enters peak tourism season, The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien is calling on the Allan Labor government to ensure our national and state parks are open for business. Mr O'Brien said many of our local public land parks have been impacted by storm, flood and/or bushfire damage over the past few years, resulting in damaged infrastructure and closed walking tracks.

Danny O'Brien urges Labor to prioritise opening Gippsland parks for tourism, noting delays compared to city projects' speed

Tourist trails maintenance

Mr O'Brien said, "Gippsland is home to many amazing natural tourist destinations and it is important that we maintain the walking tracks that provide access to them and the amenities that facilitate them. I regularly receive emails and phone calls from frustrated would-be campers and hikers who are keen to get back out to their favourite locations. It is very disappointing to see many of our local walking tracks out of commission for significant periods of time."

According to Victoria Parks website there are current closures in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Morwell National Park, Holey Plains, Sale Common and Cape Liptrap Coastal Park with no timeline provided for when works will be undertaken. Mr O'Brien said it was time for the Allan Labor government to make Gippsland National Parks a priority.

Delayed regional projects

Mr O'Brien also said, "Earlier this year we saw the Labor government brag about completing a $21 million Urban Parks Active Well-being Program. Meanwhile, the Sealers Cove boardwalk located in the Wilsons Promontory National Park that was damaged in severe storms in October 2021 remains closed."

"There is a similar story in East Gippsland with the Thurra River bridge at Croajingolong and the Cape Conran boardwalk and cabins still awaiting repairs after the 2019 - 20 fires. It seems that when it is a city project like the Urban Parks we can build quickly, but when it is something in a part of regional Victoria that is critical to our tourism offering, we are left waiting," he said.

Pictures from Help SAVE the Victorian Timber Industry Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com