Mount Buangor State Park fire recovery
Project status
• The park is closed and will remain so for some time due to extensive damage.
• A recovery program is being developed.
Updated August 2024
Background
In February 2024, a large bushfire (known as the Bayindeen-Rocky Road fire), hit Mount Buangor State Park and nearby Mount Cole State Forest.
Driven by extreme heat and hot winds, the fire quickly burnt through the park causing significant environmental and cultural damage and destroying all visitor sites. This included Middle Creek, Ferntree and Bailes Camping areas; walking tracks and roads; signage; shelters; toilets; picnic tables; bridges and stairs.
Two months later, a severe storm caused further damage to the park. Heavy rain caused erosion and pushed thick layers of ash and sediment across vegetation, roads and walking tracks.
The extensive damage caused by fire and storm forced the park to be closed to the public.
Parks Victoria is working through the development of a recovery program.
Above: Fire damage to Charlie’s Hut in Middle Creek Campground.
Above: Fire damage to Ferntree visitor area toilets.
Above: Erosion damage to roads after storm rainfall.
Above: Sediment flow onto roads after storm rainfall.
The project
Parks Victoria is leading a fire recovery project, working with other agencies as part of the whole of government recovery response.
Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action are working through the next stages of recovery at Mount Buangor State Park and Mount Cole State Forest.
At Mount Buangor State Park, Parks Victoria is delivering $250,000 of initial works, which includes: fencing, signage, bollards and gates to support visitor safety. The funding will also support cultural heritage surveys in partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.
Sites of focus for these works include the Middle Creek Camping and the Berripmo Walking Track
This project will also include completing impact assessments; clearing debris from camping areas, roads and tracks; and planning, scoping and rebuilding of park infrastructure once insurance and subsequent funding is secured.
Project timeline
Fire and flood recovery projects are complex and can be lengthy.
The safety of staff and contractors working in the park is a priority. As is ensuring natural and cultural values in the landscape can be properly identified, assessed and protected.
The park will remain closed for some time to allow the natural recovery to begin.
A detailed timeline for the park to re-open to the public will be determined as planning and assessments are completed this year. We currently expect the park to remain closed for the remainder of 2024.
Managing Country Together
This project is being delivered on Eastern Maar Country.
Parks Victoria will be working with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation during this recovery project.
Who are we working with?
• Forest Fire Management Victoria
• Grampians Wimmera Mallee water
• Pyrenees Shire Council
Access changes
The park is closed and will remain so for some time.
For up-to-date visitor and access information visit the Mount Buangor State Park page of this website.
Other Parks in the wider area available for camping and walking include:
• Langi Ghiran State Park - East of Ararat
• Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve - West of Clunes
• Kara Kara National Park - North of Avoca
• Enfield State Park - South of Ballarat
• Creswick Regional Park - Creswick
• Mount Cole State Forest, where some visitor areas are now open to enjoy - check: https://ffm.vic.gov.au/forest-and-road-closures
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.
To help Mount Buangor State Park to recover, and in the interests of safety, do not enter the park:
• Fire recovery areas are fragile with unstable rocks, soils and trees
• Roads are unsafe, due to unstable ground, erosion, sediment, debris and hidden holes from burnt underground roots
• Trees will continue to move and impact roads and walking tracks, especially after rain
• All visitor sites have been affected and will require significant assessment, planning and rebuilding
• Fines do apply for breaching park closures.
Related information
- Media Release: Recovery underway at Mount Buangor
- Mount Buangor State Park