Pictures reveal blackened aftermath of Plenty Gorge bushfire
Weeks after a ferocious fire tore through more than 40ha of Plenty Gorge parkland, much of the area is still off-limits. It comes after Victoria’s Governor visited the site to provide support to emergency services workers and traumatised locals.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
People have been warned to keep away from parts of Plenty Gorge parkland, three weeks after a huge fire ripped through the area.
A section of park south of Memorial Drive remains closed after the December 30 fire, including Yellow Gum Recreation Area, Nioka Bush Camp, Tanunda Wetlands and Janesfield South.
In a statement, Parks Victoria said: “For the safety of visitors, and to give the environment the best chance to recover, the southern section of Plenty Gorge Park is closed until rehabilitation works can be completed.”
“It is not safe to be in this area - trees or limbs may fall without warning.
“This will allow emergency services to continue conducting safety works including hazardous tree management in preparation for rehabilitation works.”
An eerie, blackened landscape remains after the fire, which started about 9am and burnt trees, scorched bushland and destroyed a children’s playground.
MORE:
HOW SLEDGE LEFT OVEREXCITED CRICKETER WITH DISLOCATED JAW
MAN SHOOTS HIMSELF IN GROIN WITH GUN
HOW TO STOP DANDENONG’S SEAGULL INVASION
Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau visited the fire-ravaged parklands earlier this month where she met heroic emergency services personnel and traumatised locals trying to move on with their lives.
“The way everyone collaborated to make this community safe is incredible to hear and I am delighted to be here and say a big thank you for all of your efforts,” she said.
The fire forced Bundoora, Mill Park, Greensborough and Plenty residents to evacuate their homes and the cause is being investigated by Whittlesea CIU detectives.