1000 Steps walk: Tourist spot still closed, a year on from storm

Fitness fanatics itching to pull the lycra back on to tackle the 1000 Steps will have to wait a bit longer, with repairs still not complete.

Popular fitness spot The 1000 Steps is still closed, a year after a devastating storm tore through the Dandenongs.

More than 150 trees smashed down and destroyed much of the popular Upper Ferntree Gully track during the storm, with repair works still not complete.

The state government expects the Steps to reopen later this year, announcing the appointment of Earth and Environment Constructions to repair and replace concrete steps and handrailing along the 1.4km track “in challenging terrain”.

The government also announced $5 million in additional funding to help eight storm affected councils with ongoing recovery efforts: Yarra Ranges Shire, Latrobe City, Cardinia Shire, Hepburn Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, Moorabool Shire, South Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire councils.

More than 150 trees fell over the track during the storm.

The government said the funding would help council staff to continue to help residents with the rebuilding process after the destructive storm.

According to Parks Victoria, storm recovery works have recently seen the 13km Silvan mountain bike trails reopened, as well as fuel break clearing finalised at Singleton Reserve, and access restored to Sherbrooke Falls.

Repairs works are also underway at the William Ricketts Sanctuary carpark and bush reserve, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Mt Dandenong Arboretum and Olinda Falls.

“The reopening of the iconic Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) is also a step closer with repairs soon to start on the remaining sections of track,” it said.