$1.5 million works to the Gorge Day Visitor Area at Mount Buffalo, announced by the state government two years ago, have begun.
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Parks Victoria has released draft plans for the project, to be completed by the end of Summer.
Proposed designs for a new lookout feature glass walls, a section of glass flooring and a canopy roof with disability access.
A “food and beverage facility” will also be established.
Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Julien Atherstone said the first phase of works were already underway.
“We’ve completed the new treatment area for the toilet block and we’ve done some works to the block itself; painting and minor carpentry,” he said.
“We used to have to truck sewerage off the hill, now it can be treated onsite.
“Next we’re doing the car parking and a walking track (connecting the Gorge and Chalet) and then as soon as winter lifts we’ll be looking at the lookout, signage and the food beverage facility.”
When then Environment Minister Lisa Neville announced in 2015 a $2.8 million would be spent on the chalet, a package for the Gorge area was also outlined including a food and beverage facility.
A Parks Victoria spokeswoman said factors “including proximity to the visitor carpark, access to the picnic areas and heightened visibility for visitors” would be considered in designing such a facility.
“We are still in the preliminary planning phases of looking at a demountable food and beverage offering available within The Gorge Visitor Area precinct,” she said.
“Parks Victoria welcomes community feedback on the design and appearance of the lookout and food and beverage offering.”
She said details about leases were still being worked through and that tenders for excavations and car park reconfiguration would be advertised shortly.
Meanwhile, the Mount Buffalo Destination Advisory Group have met twice since the Victorian government announced $200,000 for a feasibility study into tourism opportunities as outlined in the 'Vision for Mount Buffalo’.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Danielle Green said tenders for a consultant to develop the study closed on February 16.
“I’m excited at the healthy level of interest and look forward to announcing the successful tenderer/s in coming weeks,” she said.
- Members of the community can speak with a ranger about the plans at the Mount Buffalo office on March 1 and at the Bright Office on March 2. Plans will continue to be on display at these offices until March 16, when the feedback period closes.
