Cape Conran Coastal Park Bushfire Recovery
Project status
Last updated: November 2024
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 was completed and a CHMP was submitted to First Peoples - State Relations (FP-SR) by Parks Victoria in August. We've since received feedback on the plan from FP-SR, which we're currently addressing. A revised CHMP will be submitted to FP-SR in the new year.
A separate CHMP is also underway for the campground and day visitor areas.
Learn more about the Cape Conran Roofed Accommodation Project.
Yeerung Bridge
Yeerung River bridge sustained significant damage during the April 2022 flood event. Works to repair the bridge are complete and the bridge is open again to pedestrians and vehicles. The bridge provides access across Yeerung River for people walking along Estuary View Walking Track, and vehicles travelling to Yeerung Gorge and through to Bemm River. Read more about it here.
Pictured above: The Yeerung River bridge has been repaired.
East Cape Boardwalk replacement
The works on the boardwalk are complete and the boardwalk is now open for visitors to enjoy.
Pictured above: The completed East Cape Boardwalk.
Water main from Marlo to Conran and shared path
This project was originally scoped to install a new water main between Marlo and Cape Conran Coastal Park with the opportunity to construct a shared path connecting Cape Conran with Marlo on top of the alignment of the pipeline. The project includes improvements to wastewater management of the park. 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 procurement for the construction of the Activity Centre is in progress. A CHMP has been submitted to First Peoples - State Relations for evaluation. The Activity Centre and office will be constructed when all permits and approvals have been received.
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 has been appointed and work is in progress to reinstate new and updated interpretive signage at the park office, Activity Centre and along three walking trails. Some of the trail signs are complete, with all other signs, including Activity Centre signs, in progress.
Project timelines
Roofed accommodation and associated projects: The cabins will be installed when approvals have been provided.
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. There are several Traditional Owner groups that have a connection to the area. Throughout the assessment process Parks Victoria are consulting with representatives from 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: $13.15 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.
Cape Conran Coastal Park bushfire recovery
Here is a behind the scenes look at the vegetation recovery process with our Area Chief Ranger.
Flora recovery after bushfire at Cape Conran Coastal Park
Ranger Matt shows how the coastal environment regenerates after bushfire.