Knox Council upgrading Ferntree Gully quarry where Monash University teen died

UPGRADE works at the Ferntree Gully quarry where a teenager was killed after slipping from a dangerous rock face continue.

Construction work continues at Quarry Park in Ferntree Gully. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

UPGRADE works at the Ferntree Gully quarry where a teenager was killed after slipping from a dangerous rock face continue, and new areas will soon be open to the public despite safety warnings.

Works costing $1.2 million continue at Quarry Park, including a 600m pathway to a lakeside boardwalk and shelter, seating, and sealing Quarry Rd.

In its Knox News publication, the council spruiked the park and said it would be suited to family games, picnics, walking dogs and fishing.

The lake at the quarry. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

But it warned the lake was 11m deep, had no shallows and was not safe for swimming.

The council also said the cliff face was still dangerous after quarrying, and must not be climbed.

Monash University student James Taylor was tragically killed at the quarry-turned-park on March 24 after slipping while climbing a steep cliff face.

James Taylor died in a tragic accident at the quarry in March. Photo: Facebook.

After the accident, James’s dad Henry Taylor and Knox Leading Senior Constable Deidre Ford called on the council to make the site safer.

“I look at the quarry lake and cliffs and I see a beautiful scene that has proved to be deadly and has no practical control of access or worthwhile warning of the hazards there,” Mr Taylor wrote on Knox Leader’s Facebook page.

When the Knox Leader visited in April, a sign warning trespassers, which looked new, was on a fence around the lake.

Access to that section of the fence was blocked last week due to construction work.

Sen-Constable Ford has submitted a brief of evidence to the coroner regarding James’ death.

Coroners Court of Victoria spokeswoman Caroline Holmes said it was inappropriate to comment further as the case was open.

Leader has asked the council for comment.