Hi birders,
Here is a media release from Parks Victoria regarding the indefinite closure of the You Yangs Regional Park following the recent flooding. Any planned outings to this park should be postponed or moved to another location.
Ruth Woodrow
Docklands, Victoria
You Yangs Regional Park Closure Update
Immediate release – 10 February 2011
You Yangs Regional Park is closed until further notice as a result of recent heavy rain and subsequent damage. Parks Victoria is urging visitors to adhere to park closures to ensure public safety.
Parks Victoria Chief Ranger Siobhan Rogan said safety hazards include extensive rutting on roads, tracks and car parks, loss of road surface, and possible asbestos exposure in areas where culverts have been damaged. Heavy machinery is also operating in some areas to repair the damage as soon as possible.
“We estimate the You Yangs Regional Park has received nearly 400mm of rainfall, in three recent storm events, causing massive run off and erosion,” said Ms Rogan.
“Rangers have worked quickly to assess the full scale of damage throughout the park and identify the work required to make the park safe for public use.
“Throughout this process we have identified areas throughout the park where culverts have chipped and cracked possibly uncovering asbestos.
“In addition to sealing off the suspect areas, Parks Victoria has closed the park as a safety precaution until the results of a full risk assessment are available,” said Ms Rogan.
It is anticipated the You Yangs Regional Park will stay closed until Monday 14 February, pending the results of an independent environmental assessment on suspect areas including laboratory testings and air monitoring.
“During this time Parks Victoria is asking people to be patient and stay away from areas that are closed.
“Closures are put in place to protect visitor safety and it is important people respect all closures and advice from rangers,” said Ms Rogan.
Ms Rogan said Parks Victoria has employed contractors to ensure the park is re-opened as soon as possible, and will keep the public informed as sites re-open. Some of the closures may be longer-term as the damage will take some time to repair.
As a result of closures, the planned Crazy 6 Enduro (12 Feb) and VIC Downhill Series (19 & 20 Feb) mountain bike races will be re-scheduled. Participants should check the event organiser’s websites closer to the event for further details.
For more information or alternative locations to enjoy a park visit please call 13 1963 or check www.parks.vic.gov.au.
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