MALLACOOTA AND SURROUNDS BUSHFIRE RECOVERY
Project Status
LAST UPDATED AUGUST 2023
Mallacoota Inlet Jetties and Day Visitor Areas
This project intends to replace or upgrade up to six jetties around Mallacoota Inlet to contemporary standards and to upgrade up to eleven Day Visitor Areas (DVAs) which will include but are not limited to upgrades to existing picnic tables, fire pits, access tracks, barbeques, and toilets.
Concept designs are complete and the project is currently seeking to get approvals from the relevant authorities for the proposed works and include such things as a Cultural Heritage Management Plan, flora and fauna assessments, planning permit, and Working on Waterways consent.
The cultural heritage and ecological assessments completed for this project will provide key information to shape the final outcomes of the project, and enable the protection and management of cultural and environmental values around Mallacoota.
Thurra River Bridge
Thurra River Bridge rebuild is being led by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
Thurra River Campground
The campground is currently closed and inaccessible due to bushfire and flood damage to the Thurra River Bridge. While the bridge is being rebuilt, work to restore the campground will occur so that it can reopen as soon as the bridge rebuild is complete.
Point Hicks Visitor Precinct
The Precinct, which is home to the Point Hicks Lightstation, is currently inaccessible due to the closure of the Thurra River Bridge and damage to Point Hicks Road. This project aims to upgrade facilities across the precinct, including services and accommodation, and improve access to the site. The delivery of this project is contingent on the completion of DEECA’s Thurra River Bridge rebuild.
Mallacoota Endemic Garden
Parks Victoria has partnered with the Friends of Mallacoota and Royal Botanic Gardens to create a public garden space outside the PV office at Mallacoota, to house rare and endemic plant species for the community to enjoy and learn about. East Region Bushfire Recovery funding is providing $7k for interpretive signage.
Toilets at Genoa River Fire Trail, Sandy Point, and Sou West Arm
The contract has been awarded for construction of toilets at Genoa River Fire Trail, Sandy Point, and Sou West Arm. Construction will commence when all planning approvals are finalised.
Completed projects across Far East Gippsland
Everard Walking Track
Wingan Boardwalk (Fly Cove walk)
Elusive Lake Walking Track
Jetties at Genoa River, Gravelly Point, Sou West Arm and Captains Creek
Captains Creek Day Visitor Area toilet, track and fencing
The Narrows Walking Trail and bridges
Genoa Peak Visitor Area assets
Genoa Falls stairs
Shipwreck Creek Campground area assets
Double Creek Nature Trail Tracks and boardwalks
McKenzie River Rainforest Walk tracks and boardwalks
Cann River Bushland Reserve bridges and walking track
Mueller Inlet Campground
Sign replacement throughout Croajingolong National Park and surrounds
The project
The Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20 heavily impacted areas around Mallacoota Inlet. Many assets and campgrounds destroyed in the fires have since reopened or been reinstated, while work continues at some sites. Parks Victoria is also upgrading assets not impacted by the fires to enhance visitors' experiences.
Project timelines
Mallacoota Inlet Jetties and Day Visitor Areas: Approvals are expected to be obtained by early 2024 and following that, procurement of construction works will take place.
Thurra River Bridge: DEECA anticipate completion of the bridge by late 2025.
Thurra River Campground: Anticipated to reopen as soon as the bridge rebuild is complete.
Point Hicks Visitor Precinct: The delivery of this project is contingent on the completion of DEECA’s Thurra River Bridge rebuild.
Toilets at Genoa River Fire Trail, Sandy Point, and Sou West Arm: Construction will commence when the CHMP is in place, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.
Environmental management
Croajingolong National Park has a wide variety of highly significant coastal landforms including tidal inlets, estuaries and lagoons, extensive sand dunes, and prominent rocky cliffs. It is home to 1,000 recorded native plant species, 43 species of threatened native fauna, including the Little Tern, Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristle-bird, Eastern Broad-nosed Bat, and Australian Fur Seal, and one quarter of Australia’s bird species. Before, during and after the fires, protecting environmental values of the park has included such things as pest animal control, Eastern Bristle-bird relocation, and fauna surveys.
Who we’re working with
While there is no Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for the park, there are a number of Traditional Owner groups that have a connection to the area. Parks Victoria is consulting with the Traditional Owners groups to understand the cultural values of these places.
Access changes
For more information about access to areas within Croajingolong National Park please visit the web page and scroll to the bottom of the page to the change of conditions section.
Project funding
Victorian Government Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package for improving facilities around Mallacoota Inlet: $2.8 million
Mallacoota and surrounds bushfire recovery insurance: $1.4 million
Thurra River Bridge and Campground insurance: $10 million
Victorian Government Point Hicks Visitor Precinct Funding, for upgrading access to Point Hicks Lightstation and associated facilities: $3.85 million
Other information
For more information on what there is to see and do at Cape Howe and Mallacoota, and further information on updated conditions, visit the Croajingolong National Park - Cape Howe and Mallacoota page.