Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy believes there is more which can be done by governing bodies to safeguard trails across northern Victoria.
Mr McCurdy took his concern regarding Victorian bushland tracks and parks, including those along Cobram’s Little Tom and Big Tom beaches, to parliament this week.
Questioning the Education Minister, Mr McCurdy directed criticism at Parks Victoria, claiming the organisation had “neglected our regional parks and camping sites”.
“The evidence is clear along the Murray River, along the Ovens River and many other popular camping spots in the Ovens Valley,” he said.
“As campers and holiday makers will again return to our loved natural reserves and rivers, their safety will be compromised by the disastrous state of the roads that lead into the rivers.”
Having been in contact with Cobram SES, the matter of accessibility during an emergency was at the heart of Mr McCurdy’s concerns.
“I have had concerns raised with me from the Cobram SES regarding their ability to access campgrounds in an emergency,” he said.
“The CFA is also aware of how difficult it will be to fight any fires that become out of hand.
“Getting an ambulance into some of these areas would be impossible.”
Additionally, Mr McCurdy put it to Parks Victoria to conduct track maintenance to help prevent injury while outdoor activity is set to increase during the warmer months.
“Now, more than ever, getting outdoors is the best thing all Victorians can do,” he said.
“But with unsafe tracks there are concerns Parks Victoria will limit campgrounds and close camping areas to the public, rather than invest in the maintenance that is so badly needed.”
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