Red tape delays bushfire recovery in East Gippsland holiday spots; threat to economic recovery

It’s been almost 21 months since Victoria’s devastating bushfires, but some parts of the state say they have been forgotten in the rebuild.

State MP Tim Bull at the Cape Conran eastern boardwalk, which is still not rebuilt.

The rebuilding of bushfire-damaged tourism sites in East Gippsland continues to be delayed by red tape, sparking fears many popular holiday spots won’t be open in time for summer.

Three jetties damaged in Mallacoota when flames burnt down to the water’s edge on New Year’s Eve 2020 have not even gone out to tender.

Two campgrounds, several tracks and a vital road bridge in the Croajingolong National Park also remain untouched more than 20 months after the inferno. The bridge, which allows access to Point Hicks Lighthouse and campground, is not expected to be built until mid-2023 at the earliest.

It’s the latest frustration felt by businesses and residents hoping to get back on their feet.

A fallen tree still blocks the track to Kingfisher Point, Mallacoota Inlet.

East Gippsland state MP Tim Bull said he knew of people within Park Victoria who were embarrassed by the slow progress.

“They’re going at the speed of a glacier. Why does it take more than three years to build a bridge?’’ he said.

The Saturday Herald Sun asked Parks Victoria for the latest on the tender status and work schedule for 21 specific sites in East Gippsland.

They include five jetties, two campgrounds and several walking tracks in the Mallacoota area and Croajingolong National Park.

Sandy Point at Mallacoota Inlet still awaiting post-bushfire works in September 2021.

Chris Corbell, Parks Victoria Eastern Regional Director, said the organisation had been working “as fast as Covid impacts, insurance processes and construction timelines allow’’.

He said most of the 21 sites would be cleared or open by summer but did not specify which ones.

“The Thurra River bridge is a major asset in a difficult coastal location, and it’s important we get the replacement right. We must wait for the insurer to review and approve the proposed design, and will give a firm timeline for the works once that approval is given.

Repairs at the Captain Creek jetty, Mallacoota.

Cape Horn Jetty at Mallacoota, still in need of repair work.

“We plan for the East Cape Boardwalk to be open for the summer.”

But Tim Bull said he believed the popular boardwalk, where the “closed” sign has been so long it’s rusting, would not be open in time.

Also at Cape Conran, last November, Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced a $3.5m plan to build 10 eco-pods at the coastal park. But it still has not gone to tender.

Mr Bull said the Premier had promised that the government would be side-by-side with the community in the rebuilding.

“It doesn’t feel like that now,’’ he said.