h4. Report by Stan Parfett – MAY 12
*Purpose of the day:-* To survey the damage sustained in the January 2006 Grampians “Mt Lubra” wild fire and what action is required to re-commission the “Red-gum Walk” for disabled and other people.
Six members of FOGG attended along with Park Ranger Mike Stevens. We walked both circuits with Prue and Mike making notes as we proceeded.
There is no signage left indicating the location of the Red-gum Walk, the bollards and railings surrounding the 6 bay car park plus the interpretive shelter are no longer there. However “Bill Neve’s” red-gum picnic table and seats are untouched by the fire. The information and walk diagram is still in place at the start of the walk pathways and affected by the fire but is still partially readable.
The arborists employed by Parks Victoria have been through and marked the trees deemed to be dangerous, which must be removed before the Red-gum Walk can be reopened to the public. This task of removing these trees is beyond the ability of the FOGG members.
The red buck-shot gravel pathways are traceable. We found a few of the previous interpretive signs still in place with some still readable, but most of their subjects are not recognizable. The large hollow red-gum tree which the longer “blue” pathway passed through is down, but the path can still pass through the remaining butt. The “yellow” shorter wheelchair walk has some VERY large trees across it, but should have the pathway cut through them, rather than have very heavy equipment brought in to move them out of the way.
There is very little sign of the thistle that lined the paths previously. The native grasses and mosses are regenerating along with numerous varieties of tree seedlings. Several healthy Kennedia prostrata (Running Postman) were noted beside the tracks with colonies of fungi doing well and small birds returning to the area.
FOGG members along with Park staff will have to rethink the interpretive format for the walks, taking in the environment, indigenous and European history and fire recovery. It is an important project, as there are very few out and about walking activities in the Grampians National Park that cater for the disadvantaged and not so fit public.
All in attendance agreed that the “Red-gum Walk” is redeemable with the help of public grants for the tree removal, signage etc; and voluntary labour. It was decided to attempt to secure a grant for this from Parks Victoria’s Community Grants Scheme.