It’s been five years since the Black Summer Bushfires ripped through the region, however communities around East Gippsland are still waiting for multiple bushfire recovery projects to either be completed or start entirely.
The Marlo Ratepayers and Residents Association (MRRA) is currently running a petition to bring attention to the failure of the State Government to honour its Bushfire Recovery announcement (August 23, 2020) to construct a shared pathway between Marlo and Conran as part of its “Essential Services Connection and Shared Pathway” project, which was allocated $13.15 million.
MRRA president, Shayne Boyd, expressed her concerns at the lack of recovery work while speaking with on Melbourne radio on Monday.
“The one that really concerns us is the failure to complete the promised shared pathway between Marlo and Conran – that was something the community has called for for a long time,” Ms Boyd said.
“When that was announced there was absolute pleasure and joy in the community – something good will come from the bushfires, and in fact nothing has happened, nothing’s happened at all.
“I’ve had calls with one executive at Parks Victoria who basically said ‘well, you know, it’s not happening’.
“This particular community has virtually had no bushfire recovery money whatsoever.”
The petition forms can be accessed at the Marlo Caravan Park, Ocean Views Caravan Park, Marlo Bait and Tackle, Marlo Local, Marlo Hideaway, Orbost Slab But and East Gippsland Coffee Roasters.
The concept of a shared pathway between Marlo and Cape Conran has been discussed among residents for more than a decade and was first brought to light at an MRRA meeting in 2009.
The project gained momentum in April 2010 when Ms Boyd outlined the possible benefits in a letter to East Gippsland Shire Council.
Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said it is typical of the disdain shown by this Government to all of rural and regional Victoria, not just East Gippsland, with roads falling to pieces state-wide and only 13 per cent of infrastructure funding spent in the regions, which have 25 per cent of the population.
In mid-2020, the former Minister for Environment, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the Cape Conran Cabins would be rebuilt ‘soon’ and the rebuild will be ‘bigger and better’.
However, final plans saw the number of cabins reduced from 13 to 10. Ironically, the sign spruiking the works located at the entrance of the Cape Conran Coastal park has disappeared.
THURRA RIVER BRIDGE
Half a decade on and the work to re-instate the Thurra River Bridge has not been completed, meaning another missed summer of access to iconic Point Hicks and the second biggest campground in the region at Thurra River.
“Forty years ago, a bridge was built there in 12 months that survived the test of time,” Mr Bull said.
“This was a tourism priority for the local community that is frustratingly still some time off completion.”
MALLACOOTA JETTIES
A total of $2.8 million was allocated to repair jetties around Mallacoota Lake in 2020.
“In 2023 we were told Parks Victoria was ‘working through the regulatory approvals process for construction to commence and we envisage it will commence in mid-2024’ – construction has not yet commenced,” Mr Bull said.
WALKING TRACKS
A number of tourist walks remain closed in East Gippsland from both the fires and flood damage sustained in 2022. These include Dunes Track, Saros Track, Sledge Track, the Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk and Betka Track.
Despite Mr Bull seeking timelines from the Minister, he said none have been given, raising concerns some will not be re-opened.
“In addition, we have a new Minister who will not provide any timelines and a treasurer that has ridden off into the sunset leaving us with a debt to hit $187 billion, interest repayments of $26 million per day (more than $1 million per hour) and little to show for it with our roads falling to pieces and a health system in crisis,” Mr Bull said.
“Despite this, it is time for the government to deliver what it promised to our region to show these announcements were not just a press release and photo opportunity.”
