Cape Conran Coastal Park Bushfire Recovery

Project status

Last updated: April 2024

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Cape Conran Roofed Accommodation Project

As part of the Cape Conran Roofed Accommodation Project recommencement, a new Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Permit has been prepared and approved by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is currently being prepared for the roofed accommodation precinct. Field work is underway with Traditional Owners.

Learn more about the Cape Conran Roofed Accommodation Project.

 

East Cape Boardwalk replacement

 

The works on the boardwalk are complete and the boardwalk is now open for visitors to enjoy.

 

 

 

Yeerung Bridge

Yeerung River bridge sustained significant damage during the April 2022 flood event. It is currently closed to vehicles and only open for pedestrian access. Parks Victoria has completed a detailed engineering assessment of the structure and, with support from the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), we are working to establish requirements for reinstatement or removal and rebuild of the bridge.

 

Water and sewer from Marlo to Conran and shared path

This project was originally scoped to install water and sewer pipelines, and a shared path connecting Cape Conran with Marlo. East Gippsland Water will deliver the water and sewer assets, which are currently at design stage.

 

Cape Conran activity centre and office

The designs are complete and tender submissions have been received for the construction of the Activity Centre and Office. Works will commence subject to an approved CHMP. 

 

 

Walking tracks at Cape Conran Coastal Park

All walking tracks are now open including a section of the Nature Trail between Cowrie Bay and Joiners Channel.

 

 

Interpretive signage for Activity Centre, Office and walking tracks

A contractor is being engaged to develop interpretive signs at the Office, Activity Centre and along two walking tracks at the park. 

 

Project timelines

Roofed accommodation and associated projects: The cabins will be installed when approvals have been provided.
East Cape Boardwalk replacement: Works will be complete by late March 2024.

The timelines of other components of this recovery program will be updated as information becomes available.

 

Environmental management

Cape Conran Coastal Park has 11 ecological vegetation communities and is home to 41 mammal species and 170 species of birds, including the White-Bellied Sea Eagle. Parks Victoria has carried out a fauna and flora assessment to ensure the project does not impact on any habitat protection zones. In order to achieve compliance with the bushfire assessment and to improve access, some trees have needed to be removed from the site. 

 

Cultural heritage management

Parks Victoria engaged a Heritage Advisor to prepare the cultural heritage assessments at the site and to consult with First Peoples - State Relations (FP-SR). There are several Traditional Owner groups that have a connection to the area. Throughout the assessment process Parks Victoria are consulting with representatives from the various Traditional Owner groups.

  

Putting safety first

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely. Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. 

We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe. When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.  

Access changes

The Cape Conran Coastal Park including the Banksia Bluff Campground will be open throughout the construction period. Visit Cape Conran Roofed Accommodation Project for more information about access changes around the construction are when the works begin.

 

Project funding

Victorian Government Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package: $3.5 million

Victorian Government bushfire recovery funding: $13.1 million

Approximately $9 million insurance funds.

 

Other information

For more information on what there is to see and do at Cape Conran Coastal Park, please visit the Cape Conran Coastal Park page.