Warburton East Redwood Forest inundated by visitors flouting social distancing rules
Visitors to a much-loved Yarra Valley tourist attraction could face fines for illegal parking with authorities taking steps to stop overcrowding. This comes after the chaos was captured on video.
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UPDATE: Authorities are taking action to fine people parking illegally at Warburton’s Redwood Forest after recent overcrowding at the tourist attraction.
No stopping signs will be installed on Woods Point and Cement Creek roads, leading up to the park, which could lead to fines for those who disobey.
A video shared on Facebook showed a huge line of cars parked for at least 1km leading up to the tourist attraction as thousands of people flouted social distancing rules and flocked to the park last weekend.
Parks Victoria only recently opened the park — and others around the Yarra Ranges — after the State Government decided to relax lockdown rules.
A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said while Victorians have done a remarkable job sticking to the coronavirus restrictions, now is not the time for complacency.
“We must remain vigilant,” they said.
“If you find yourself among a crowd or in a position that does not allow for appropriate physical distancing, do the responsible thing and leave.
“If you don’t have to do it — don’t do it,” they said.
They said it is important to stay home if you are unwell, get tested and wash your hands. “When taking part in all activities maintain physical distance, be cautious and use common sense.”
Yarra Ranges Council passed an urgent notice of motion this week to install the no stopping signage along roadways, upgrade the Cement Creek Rd bridge, install toilets at the park and upgrade Cement Creek Rd which is dirt and gravel.
Cr Jim Child urged the community and visitors to be mindful of overcrowding and social distancing until these projects were completed.
“If you’re planning a visit to the Yarra Ranges, please be flexible and willing to find a new spot to visit if you see a full carpark,” Cr Child said.
“Ensure you’re parked safely and away from busy roads and keep social distancing in mind whenever you’re around groups of people.”
He said outside Melbourne’s CBD, Yarra Ranges was the most visited tourist region in Victoria.
“So many of our local businesses depend on tourist traffic to get by and we know many of them are looking forward to the easing of restrictions, which will allow visitors to make the most of accommodation, restaurants and the local produce we’re known for.,” Cr Child said.
“But we’re asking visitors to be mindful of overcrowding during this time, when there are still risks of COVID-19 spreading through the community.”
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Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported the popular forest was closed in early April after hordes of visitors were discovered flouting coronavirus self-isolation rules.
Parks Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council were forced to shut the forest after police were called in to disperse crowds at the Cement Creek Rd tourist attraction.
Knox highway patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Dave Young said police responded to reports of large crowds at the Forest.
“A couple of our COVID-19 teams confirmed there were crowds,” Acting Sen-Sgt Young said.
He said regional police today were contacting the Yarra Ranges Inspector Jason Goddard and the Warburton police to decide whether more officers needed to be rostered on to deal with the crowds.
Yarra Ranges Cr Jim Child said people had totally ignored social distancing rules.
He said while Parks Victoria was doing a great job, it was the behaviour of the general public that was at fault.
“It’s perfectly clear people have to prescribe to social distancing and yesterday it was clear no one had a thought of that,” Cr Child said.
“We have to get the message out there not to be complacent.
Cr Child said a lack of social distancing could cause a coronavirus spike.
“I’d hate that spike to come out of the redwoods,” he said.
“If the chief medical officer and Parks Victoria decide to close council would help with that.”
A Parks Victoria spokeswoman said many parks and reserves were busy again across Victoria but reminded the public social distancing was still in place.
“Over the weekend, many parks and reserves were again busy, with some locations such as the Great Otway National Park, Organ Pipes National Park and Yarra Ranges National Park receiving particularly high visitation,” she said.
“We will continue to work with Victoria Police and the Office of the Conservation Regulator to ensure people look after Victoria’s parks, keep each other safe, and follow essential physical distancing requirements,” she said.
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“With physical distancing requirements still in place, people should use good judgment if a park is busy – such as by heading to a quieter alternative.”
Police can issue on the spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses who don’t follow State Government directions.
Leader understands Parks Victoria will monitor the rate of visitors with the possibility of further changes to park closures, pending advice from health authorities.
The Victorian Health Department has been contacted for comment.