Assessments of damaged caves, roads, bridges and buildings at Buchan Caves Reserve have commenced following flash flooding on Boxing Day.

Vast amounts of flood water poured through the reserve on Boxing Day, with water entering the caves and buildings, and shifting large quantities of soil, vegetation, rocks and road surface.

In the past four weeks, up to 60 staff and contractors at a time have been working to make the reserve safe and clear of debris.

Clean-up works have made the site safe for staff and contractors to access and to prevent any further damage. With this initial work completed, more detailed assessments can now take place. These assessments will help to establish a recovery approach for the reserve, which is likely to reopen in stages, as areas are safe to do so.

Buchan Caves Reserve is an important tourist destination that supports local businesses. It is also much-loved by the local community. During January, locals were invited to join a guided tour to view flood impacts first-hand and learn about how the recovery process might proceed.

“As joint managers of the reserve, Parks Victoria and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation are working together on recovery,” said Victoria Purdue, Senior Manager–Parks Victoria.

“Recovery works following floods and fires can be complex and take time. It’s important to ensure thorough assessments are completed and that we deliver recovery works safely and in the right way.”

“While that is the case, we encourage people to still visit Buchan and surrounds as there is plenty to see and do in the area,” Victoria added.

The outcomes of the detailed assessments will inform timeframes for re-opening as part of a broader recovery approach.

• To stay up to date on current access conditions at the reserve, please visit Buchan Caves Reserve webpage.
• Information about the recovery process will be maintained on the Buchan Caves Reserve Flood and Fire Recovery project page as it becomes available.