Reserve facelift

By Kath Gannaway
MURRINDINDI Scenic Reserve will get a $2.5 million restoration in the wake of the 2009 bushfires.
Seymour MP Ben Hardman said the project to restore the reserve, which suffered significant damage in the fires, would be undertaken in stages and was due for completion by the end of 2011.
The reserve between Toolangi and Narbethong attracted around 30,000 campers and around the same number of daytrippers each year.
Mr Hardman said the reserve was an important recreational asset.
“The fires had a devastating impact on the reserve, destroying picnic and camping areas, toilets, shelters, bridges and walking paths.
“Only four recently installed metal bridges survived the fire,” he said.
DSE Ranger Mike Lauder, who has been instrumental in the continual development of the site over the past 20 years, will manage the project.
He said the reserve was very popular with day visitors and campers.
“Traditionally, Easter holidays have been our busiest time of year, with about 3000 campers coming for the weekend.
“This project will ensure that the reserve is re-opened ready for visitors to return to this beautiful area,” he said.
Mr Lauder said it was hoped to have some sites open by Melbourne Cup weekend this year.
He said the reserve, which is only 80 kilometres from Melbourne, provided a unique environmental experience for visitors.
It is well-known for its iconic walking tracks and many picturesque streams, including Wilhemina Falls and Murrindindi Cascades.
Although the main road through the reserve is open to all picnic areas, the campsites and walking tracks remain closed to the public due to safety and environmental concerns.
Mr Lauder said the project would include two larger toilet blocks and eight smaller toilet blocks on the seven campsites to be redeveloped.
Six footbridges are to be replaced and two suspension bridges, one of which will allow access to Wilhemina Falls.
Mr Lauder said the project would assist the local economy through employment of local contractors and workers, as well as sourcing of materials through local businesses.
“We’ve gone out of our way to make sure locals are getting work here and the materials we buy are bought locally,” Mr Lauder said.
Mr Hardman said the redevelopment of the 840 ha reserve was among the top three priorities identified by the Melba Group Community Recovery Committee.