HALLS GAP AND PARTS OF GRAMPIANS (GARIWERD) NATIONAL PARK TO REOPEN TO VISITORS
With the Grampians fire now contained, fire agencies and local councils have been working with businesses to reopen Halls Gap township to visitors at 10:00am tomorrow, Wednesday 8 January.
Incident Controller Peter West is also happy to announce that parts of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park not affected by fire will reopen to visitors at 9:00am Friday 10 January.
Sites that are reopening include the northern section of the Grampians Peaks Trail from Mt Zero to Halls Gap, the popular MacKenzie Falls and the Zumsteins Historic Area. The Stapylton and Smiths Mill Campgrounds will also reopen. In the southern section, Mt Sturgeon, Mt Abrupt and the Victoria Range will be open to visitors.
Some parts of the park still have active fire and are not safe to enter. Many roads and tracks within the park are closed. Fines may apply to anyone found behind road closed signs.
Visitors are reminded to be cautious of ongoing risks and changes in the environment which may include smoke, fallen trees or branches, and injured wildlife. Drivers may encounter fire crews and heavy machinery on roads and tracks. Please take care and drive safely.
Visitors are urged to monitor the VicEmergency app or website for any changes in conditions and to plan ahead for their trip to Halls Gap using the VicTraffic website as many roads remain closed.
For more details about access to the Grampians National Park, visit the Parks Victoria Website: www.parks.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Incident Controller Peter West
“I would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts in responding to this fire. The incredible work over the past three weeks, especially over the holiday period, is testament to the commitment of our emergency services to keep Victorians safe.
“A special mention also to our interstate emergency service colleagues, as this result wouldn’t have been possible without their time and resources.
“We are also grateful to the local community for heeding the warnings and advice from emergency services and continuing to work with us to help protect the community.
“We understand this has been a very challenging time for Halls Gap residents, visitors and business owners, so we are pleased to be able to start welcoming back visitors to the area.”
Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Charlie Richardson
“This has been a difficult time for the community and everyone who loves the Grampians, and we’re delighted to be able to welcome visitors back in to the unaffected areas of the park.
“As efforts to fight the fire continue, we will gradually be able to assess and reopen more sites over the coming weeks and months.”
-ENDS-
Media contact:
State Control Centre Media via 1300 287 289
