Initial recovery and clean-up works are underway at Buchan Caves Reserve following an extreme flooding event on Boxing Day.
The flooding caused major damage to the reserve, which is currently closed to the public.
In addition to the damage to the reserve and infrastructure, Parks Victoria acknowledges the great distress this event has caused, within the local community, and for park visitors, local businesses and our own staff.
We're now working to clean up and make the reserve safe again. Over the last fortnight, more than 60 staff – including teams from Parks Victoria, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, East Gippsland Water, Gunaikurnai Rangers, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews, plumbers, electricians, arborists, AusNet Services, - have come together to carry out these important works. This includes relocating 250 tonnes of vegetation debris, removing mud and pressure cleaning surfaces.
Assessments on caves, roads and bridges are also underway to understand next steps for the area.
As joint managers of the reserve, Parks Victoria and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation will continue to work together on recovery arrangements. We'll also look to work with community and other stakeholders to explore options for the site as things progress.
Since the flooding event, Parks Victoria has contacted all visitors with camping and tour bookings to process refunds.
The local community will be able to view the impacts of the floods and works that are currently underway with a ranger-guided tour of the reserve taking place the week commencing 15 January.
To stay up-to-date on current access conditions at the reserve, please visit Buchan Caves Reserve webpage.
Information about the recovery process will be maintained on the Buchan Caves Reserve Flood and Fire Recovery project page as it becomes available.
