Due to the extensive damage to roads and infrastructure, Wilsons Promontory National Park remains closed.
However, Parks Victoria aims to have limited camping available at Tidal River for the Easter long weekend.
Parks Victoria Chief Executive Dr Bill Jackson said this does depend on our ability to get the main road reopened and other essential services in Tidal River up and running again.
“No roofed accommodation will be available, but we will work to get some camping in the park for Easter. In the meantime we are looking to get the northern section of the Prom reopened in the next week or so, so day visitors can continue to experience and enjoy the beauty of the park,” said Dr Jackson.
Wilsons Promontory received 370mm of rain in a 24 hour period, a third of the park’s annual average. Severe flash flooding has caused significant damage to the Tidal River General Store, cabins, offices and other essential services equipment that supports power, fresh water and the campground sewerage system.
“Our rangers supported Victoria Police and the SES to airlift around 400 people out of the park last week. Our attention over the weekend has been to begin the task of assessing the extent of the damage and getting the park reopened”.
“VicRoads have completed initial assessments and advise that even limited access will be at least a couple of weeks away,” said Dr Jackson.
“We will continue to keep the public informed as the situation changes over the coming weeks. In the meantime we ask visitors to be patient and respect the closures for their own safety,” said Dr Jackson.
“The Prom is a much loved park, with this summer proving the most popular on record. We are doing everything possible to give visitors access to Tidal River as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Visitors with a campsite booking will be contacted by Parks Victoria for the period leading up to Easter for a full refund of their booking.
Prom Country Tourism will also be able to assist with alternatives for accommodation and sightseeing ideas within South Gippsland. Visitors are encouraged to contact them on 1800 630 704 or www.visitpromcountry.com.au
Eight severe storm and flood events since September last year has had a significant impact on parks across Victoria. Over 70 parks and reserves have total or partial closures with 150 campgrounds and visitor sites severely affected.
The most affected parks are Wilsons Promontory, the Grampians, Mount Buffalo, Alpine National Park, You Yangs, Creswick, Hepburn, Bendigo, Beechworth, Upper Murray and Dandenong Ranges.
“Easter is a great time to get away and there are still many places that are open and keen for people to visit. We just urge visitors to check local conditions in parks and forests before setting off.” said Dr Jackson.
Images and footage of the Prom are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/parks_victoria/
http://www.youtube.com/parksvictoria
For further information about park conditions visit Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au
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