Grey nomads and other travellers are being warned that the devastating impacts of widespread storm, wind, and flood events in Victoria will continue to be felt for months to come.
Parks Victoria says that many of the state’s most popular national parks are still closed or are offering limited access, and that a return to ‘normality’ can’t be rushed.
Parks Victoria’s Director of Fire, Emergency and Enforcement, David Nugent, has been managing the organisation’s response to the current situation.
“We are yet to see the flood peak in some parts of Victoria, such as along the Murray River in north-west Victoria,” he said. “This summer will be different for Victorians … above average rainfall is expected to continue into January 2023, which means that favourite spots may not be accessible or safe to visit.”
Floods impacted the main visitor area at Vaughan Mineral Springs Reserve in October. PIC: Ranger Jamie / Parks Victoria
The extreme weather has damaged roads, tracks and visitor facilities managed by Parks Victoria, as well as the environment and cultural heritage.
Mr Nugent said safety was the top priority, and that the organisation was asking people to plan ahead and to be prepared for changing conditions.
“Even if the rain has stopped, the impacts of flooding can continue for weeks and months after the weather event,” he said. “Where it is safe to access, we are assessing the damage so we can then determine how to make roads, campsites and visitor areas safe.”
Assessments may include analysing landscape, heritage, engineering and other impacts to determine the next steps.
Parks Victoria said that only once a site has been confirmed as safe for staff and contractor access, can plans be made to further stabilise impacts and consider repair efforts.
“Victorians getting into nature this summer must plan ahead for significant weather forecasts and changes to some of their favourite destinations,” Mr Nugent said.
Details of which Victorian locations are being affected by floods and storms can be found here.
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Absolutely we have had to change plans even before these floods. Some parks are supposed to be accessible to big rigs but on inspection the access roads were full of ruts. Hate to think what those tracks are like now. Given the lack of staff in Parks and money I for one am not hopeful of any quick recovery
Some areas of National Park are still closed from the January 2019 bush fires so I wouldnt be holding my breath waiting for the ones that have been damaged recently to open anytime soon.