Calls to upgrade Redwood Forest

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has for called infrastructure upgrades at the Redwood Forest in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

“Considerable pressure is being placed on our national parks and reserves as more and more Victorians get out to enjoy our beautiful natural environment.”

“The Redwood Forest is just one example of infrastructure not keeping up with demand, and the lack of amenities is having a significant impact on the environment and on the local residents who live nearby,” Ms McLeish said.

Speaking last month in the Victorian Parliament, Ms McLeish called on the Minister for Environment to improve park infrastructure as a priority.

“Currently the parking space adjacent to the forest caters for less than 20 cars. It is grossly inadequate. Not only does the current situation pose dangers to the public but it also poses ongoing issues for locals living nearby,” Ms McLeish said.

Ms McLeish said that 250 cars could not find suitable parking near the forest during the Labour Day weekend, with Police having to attend to move traffic.

“On that Monday in excess of 120 cars were parked at the site at 1.30 p.m. from the one-lane bridge to half a kilometre past the Redwood Forest towards the aqueduct. Later in the afternoon 250 cars were estimated to be there. In comparison, over the last month there have been 70 cars at a time, still in excess of the less than 20 parking spaces that are there,” Ms McLeish said.

“Tourism is a great thing, and it is integral to the sustainability of this part of the Yarra Valley. However, the infrastructure around the Redwood Forest has not kept pace with the increased tourism, and this must be addressed. The amenities must be fixed as a matter of priority,” Ms McLeish concluded.