Call to put trails back on track

By Lia Bichel
THE State Government has been asked to fast forward the reopening of bike trails at Lysterfield Park in time for the school holidays .
Parks Victoria temporarily closed all walking, equestrian and mountain bike tracks and trails – including all fire management roads – in Lysterfield Park after the February flooding and extreme weather. Parks Victoria is carrying out assessments and maintenance to reopen the parks and trails.
Narre Warren North MP and Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation Luke Donnellan has called on the State Government to provide Parks Victoria greater resources to fast-track its work opening tracks and trails at Lysterfield Park.
He said only a limited number of walking trails and mountain bike loop are due to open in mid-April. Currently, the only area of Lysterfield Park currently open is the Lake picnic area.
“The closure of all walking, equestrian and mountain bike tracks and trails in Lysterfield Park was described as temporary after heavy rains in February – but now the closure has extended to a third straight month,” Mr Donnellan said.
“It is estimated that 144,000 riders use the tracks at Lysterfield Lake Park regularly – they and the local community are missing out on these facilities for far longer than expected as a temporary closure.
“Parks Victoria must be given more resources from the State Government to have all tracks and trails assessed, maintained and available for use before the Easter holiday period.”
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Government was aware of the work needed in flood-affected areas and was working to address them.
“Victoria’s parks had suffered considerable damage during months of flooding events across the state.
“We’ve seen significant destruction of the natural environment and closure of facilities and infrastructure,” Mr Smith said.
“The Baillieu Government is accutely aware that significant works are needed and is currently working through a budget process with that in mind.
“It’s important that visitors are well-informed about where they can go in our parks and know what they can access before leaving home.”