- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 11/Jul 00:49

Redwood Forest upgrade works

Following the announcement of proposed upgrades in 2023, works have now commenced in the Redwood Forest at Yarra Ranges National Park in Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Parks Victoria has collaborated with Melbourne Water, Yarra Ranges Council, and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, to ensure that the upgrades to the iconic forest are delivered to the highest standard. Visitors can look forward to several upgrades, including additional car parking, a safety gate, accessible public toilets, and a visitor shelter. We will also be formalising sections of the existing trial network, which will further efforts to protect the environment and growth of the surrounding fauna. The funding for these upgrades has become available in part due to the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund. This fund supports new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects that increase visitation, drive private investment and deliver more jobs to Victorians. Melbourne Water has also invested an additional $400,000 to deliver their portion of work, which will help to improve the river health of the Yarra. This will run concurrently to the works that Parks Victoria is delivering. “The Redwoods project has been many years in the making with a lot of planning that has gone into this very complex site. Did you know that the Redwoods was never designed as a visitor site? The visitation grew organically and at an incredibly fast pace, largely due to social media promoting the beauty of the plantation and its surrounds.” Conrad Annal, the Chief Area Ranger for Yarra Rangers said. “With the funding secured, and the necessary planning and approvals completed – it’s really exciting to see construction commencing. “Having these upgrades and new facilities will provide tangible benefits to the visitor experience and to the environment.” We expect these works to be finished in late 2025, subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions. The project includes environmental protection works from both Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water to minimise the impacts of visitation to the site. Works delivered by Parks Victoria will include formalising sections of the existing trail network, and closing some informal trails, which will reduce the site’s exposure to foot traffic. This will help protect the forest understorey and replenish important habitat that provides a home for plants and wildlife. Works delivered by Melbourne Water will include the construction of boardwalks, viewing platforms and fencing, as well as re-vegetation, along the Cement Creek and the Yarra River. These improvements will reduce the impacts of foot traffic, improve river health and provide and protect native habitat.