Reedy Creek track closures raise ire of locals

ELDORADO residents and visitors are upset about recent track closures between Woolshed Road and Reedy Creek. These residents asked Dr Roxanne Bodsworth, from the Eldorado Dredge Access Group, to contact the Wangaratta Chronicle to express their concerns that the action by Parks Victoria (PV) further alienated locals from popular recreational areas as well as jeopardising local tourism. "Parks have now closed off a number of smaller tracks up Reedy Creek, which was designated as Historical Reserve in 2002 to allow continued activity by prospectors, campers and dog walkers," Dr Bodsworth said. "It's upset a number of people who have been camping and gem fossicking and gold panning there for generations." Eldorado resident, Fiona Stephens, who has been gem-hunting in the area with her family since her childhood, said she was stunned by Parks Victoria's actions. "We noticed a week or so ago when we were driving to Beechworth that the track to Jordan's Hole was half closed and then saw that nearly all the tracks off Woolshed Road going to Reedy Creek were closed," she said. "There had been nothing locally advertising this was going to happen. "The tracks are incredibly popular and attract lots of tourists. "I just can't believe it." Ms Stephens said there appeared to be excavation works near the entry to the tracks with large boulders. Responding to Chronicle enquiries, Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said the closures were made as part of the regular maintenance program. "We want as many Victorians as possible to enjoy the great outdoors,” Mr Dimopoulos said "As part of a regular maintenance program, Parks Victoria are undertaking improvements to park safety along Reedy Creek resulting in the temporary closure of some areas. “Reedy Creek is not being locked up - community safety is always our top priority and these works are crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable visitor experience for all. "The community can be assured that Parks Victoria are working to reopen these areas as soon as possible, with improved safety and access to tracks, roads to campsites and recreational activities along Reedy Creek." Dr Bodsworth said Minister Dimopoulos’s comments contradict the information on the Parks Victoria website (https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/reedy-creek-day-visitor-area#change-of-conditions), which states that access will be restricted with signage and large rocks, and that revegetation of the tracks will be undertaken. “There are obviously no plans to reopen access to these areas,” said Dr Bodsworth. The website claims that camping and prospecting along Reedy Creek have become very popular, and many illegal tracks have been formed that are not part of Parks Victoria’s formal track network and are not maintained. Parks Victoria said the tracks are deeply rutted, unsafe and affecting environmental values in the area. They will be consolidating the track network and better defining camping areas. It is planned that those access roads which are part of the formal track network will be improved. These works will take place during September and October in the Reedy Creek (Woolshed and McFeeters Road) area. Prospecting is still allowed in Reedy Creek and in other designated areas of Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park for prospectors who hold a current Miner’s Right. The elevated walkway and access to the art site at Yeddonba in Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park has also been closed for safety reasons. An engineering assessment on the walkway identified a number of structural defects that require remediation and recommended closure. The walking track and visitor facilities at the site remain open.

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