Redwood Forest set for upgrade

Plans to improve pedestrian access and build a new public toilet block are being developed as part of a long overdue master plan for the Redwood Forest, a popular tourist destination in East Warburton.

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish has been fighting for upgraded facilities and environmental care at Redwood Forest, first raising it in Parliament in March 2018.

Locals were in despair about the damage being caused to the site and surrounds by the large number of visitors. The local amenities could not accommodate the sudden influx of tourists and car parking space was extremely limited and disorganised.

In January and again in July this year, Ms McLeish raised the issue with the Minister for Environment & Climate Change, as additional works needs to be done, including establishing walkways and protecting areas from erosion.

Ms McLeish said, “The Redwood Forest has become a very popular tourist attraction for its natural beauty. Unfortunately, it is its popularity which now seems to be causing the destruction to the area.”

“Improvements to access, new pedestrian walkways and protections for surrounding vegetation need to be made to ensure Redwood Forest is properly maintained and looked after.”

“I am concerned visitors are destroying the forest floor due to the lack of pedestrian walkways. Rubbish is regularly left behind which is really disappointing to see in such a beautiful location,” Ms McLeish concludes.

The masterplan is scheduled for completion by the end of 2020.