Our notes from this talk
Thank you to Charlie for providing FOGG with an update.
2024-2025 Bushfires – 70% of the park burnt in the Christmas-New Year fires.
Fire + rain = erosion. There has been significant damage to roads and tracks e.g. Redman Rd, Grampians Peak Trail (GPT).
GPT had some infrastructure burnt, e.g. south of Redman Rd, but some held up well. Most can be repaired.
It is recommended to watch the short video from ABC Stateline: ‘cultural firefighters’
Funding
Parks received $2 million for immediate recovery funding to June.
Spending included supplementary feeding for the brushtail rock wallaby colony and monitoring; pest suppression, including shooting deer from the air, and asset management. Feeding will continue until spring.
Cardboard habitat pods were donated by university partners, and assembled by volunteers, to compensate for loss of ground cover. Their use will be monitored over 2 years.
Staged Re-opening
Reopening 30 June: walks such as the GPT section from Sundial carpark to Borough Huts, Mt Rosea and the remaining NP roads. This includes Bugiga Campground which has been repaired.
Many roads were subsequently closed due to water damage including Glenelg River Road. Some roads are access roads and will take longer to reopen.
Long term recovery
$32m over 2 years plus some insurance money. This is to be used for asset repair, cultural heritage, conservation, landscape stabilisation and staged re-openings. Some re-openings still to be confirmed.
Fuel management burns:
Joint Fuel Management Program’s Autumn burn plans were rejected. There’s a push for spring burns which parks are resisting. Lack of habitat is a strong argument. Not much regrowth as it is so dry. The whole fire response is being reviewed.
Traditional owners and cultural burning: Indigenous input is also part of Joint Fuel Management Program discussion
Rock climbing update. Cultural heritage and environmental considerations. Full involvement of traditional owners. 18 sites reopened, more being assessed
Capital projects update: Grampians Peak Trail new trailhead in Halls Gap is complete and signage and interpretation is being upgraded.
Mackenzie falls construction works are commencing in August for 6 months. Will require closure.
Brambuk; The National Park and Cultural Centre revitalisation. Mending and upgrades. Completion expected in June 2026. Working towards traditional owner-led entity for future management
Question time
Conservation plans? Funding from Deakin for another 2 years for Grampians Ark. Pest control, monitoring, research
Indigenous ranger? New position about to go live.
Platypus in Mackenzie River? Yes. Sighting 3 months ago
Mt William access? DEECA managed road – unsure when this will open.
Parks has been going through significant change with a new CEO. Parks are understaffed.