1000 Steps closure ignored during wild winds

A PARKS Victoria ranger has slammed people who ignored the closure of the 1000 Steps during wild weather on the weekend.

Fallen trees at Sherbrooke Picnic Ground on October 9. Picture: Parks Victoria

SCORES of people ignored the closure of the 1000 Steps during damaging winds last Sunday.

And people who took to the track put their lives and those of emergency services at risk, a Parks Victoria ranger says.

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The Dandenong Ranges was one of the hardest-hit areas in the state during Sunday’s wild weather, with at least four people taken to hospital with injuries after trees fell on homes and fences.

Some homes are still without power.

The Yarra Ranges police Eyewatch page advised the day before that Parks Victoria had notified them of the 1000 Steps closure.

On Sunday, the gate to the carpark was closed and signage, including a flashing variable message sign, warned of the closure.

But Kalorama man Mark Thiele drove past on Sunday and said he saw cars parked 1km up Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd.

Mr Thiele said he wasn’t surprised, as there was “always” people at the steps when they were closed.

“It’s kind of ridiculous … it’s obviously closed and obviously it was very bad weather conditions, and trees did come down on the walkway leading up to the steps,” Mr Thiele said.

“So it’s just ridiculous that people should still use the facility in those conditions and probably if something went wrong expect to be rescued.”

He wants Parks Victoria to fine people who ignore closures.

Acting area chief ranger Anthony Nimbs said it was great the majority of people did the right thing and stayed out of the park, but “a few people” still ignored the closure.

“We urge people to act responsibly and safely and stay out of the park when it is closed,” Mr Nimbs said.

“You are not just putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of our rangers and emergency services personnel.”

He said the closure of the steps was made very clear.

“The last thing anyone wants to hear about is a serious injury or worse because someone ignored a closure that was put in place for public safety,” Mr Nimbs said.

Mr Nimbs said rangers spent most of the day dealing with safety issues including fallen trees at Sherbrooke Picnic Ground and Bellview Track.

People face on-the-spot fines of $771 for disobeying a park closure.