Warburton’s Redwood Forest closed after visitors flout coronavirus restrictions
Authorities have closed a major tourist drawcard in Warburton after police caught hordes of people flouting Stage 3 coronavirus restrictions. It comes as government officers found 50 illegal campsites across the state in one weekend.
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A popular Yarra Valley’s forest has been closed after hordes of visitors were discovered flouting coronavirus self-isolation rules.
Parks Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council were forced to shut Warburton’s Californian Redwood Forest after police were called in to disperse crowds at the Cement Creek Rd tourist attraction.
This comes as Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning officers found 50 campsites on public land across the state over the weekend.
Victoria Police have been given the authority to issue on-the-spot fines of up to $1652 for individuals and $9913 for businesses who do not adhere to Stage 3 restrictions.
All campgrounds, playgrounds, barbecue areas, water drinking fountains, picnic shelters and tables, rotundas, toilets and viewing platforms on Parks Victoria-managed land are officially closed.
Previously, Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader reported hordes of tourists visiting the redwoods caused chaos for locals with traffic gridlocked and cars parked on both sides of the road.
Yarra Ranges Cr Jim Child confirmed people had been visiting the forest when they shouldn’t have been and police were called in.
“What we identified out there was what was happening contrary to the Stage 3 restrictions,” Cr Child said.
“Parks Victoria made recommendations to the Victorian chief health officer (Prof Brett Sutton) to close the site, which is what he did.”
Cr Child said the road had been closed at the Cement Creek bridge, where there were no houses.
Warburton Sergeant John Saddington said police patrolled the site and discovered “unacceptable” amounts of people at the site.
“No fines were issued and people left as soon as they were asked,” Sgt Saddington said.
He said there were now signs up in the township alerting people the park was closed.
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DELWP chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said it was disappointing people needed to be reminded all recreational activities beyond exercise were not allowed.
“The message is clear — stay home, protect our health system, save lives,” Ms Gavens said.
Parks Victoria has also closed the 1000 Steps, Werribee Gorge State Park, You Yangs Regional Park and Yan Yean Reservoir Park, Sugarloaf Reservoir Park and Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and lookouts.