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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