Car parking concerns as steps footfall rises

By CASEY NEILL
WHERE are they going to park?
That’s the big question surrounding the new fitness track being built alongside Upper Ferntree Gully’s hugely popular Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, known as the 1000 Steps.
Last month the Mail reported that the new steps on the 1500-metre Lyrebird Track were specifically designed for exercise to take pressure off the congested current trail and better protect the surrounding environment.
Dandenong Ranges Tourist Information Centre manager Michael Axel said the $400,000 project would encourage more people to enjoy the experience and was a great tourism opportunity for the hills.
But the Mail has received several calls regarding concerns that the site’s parking crush would get worse once the new track was up and running in August.
In March the Mail reported that Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade was fed up with a constant battle to access the park and narrow residential streets surrounding it.
The brigade’s first lieutenant Dean Lankester said the crew often responded to medical emergencies and needed immediate access to the site, and illegally parked motorists could have a “catastrophic” effect on a Dandenong Ranges National Park fire emergency.
He said vehicles encroaching onto the road also made the drive more dangerous for visitors to the area who were already unfamiliar with the conditions.
Belgrave Sergeant Paul Phillips said police regularly booked drivers who had illegally parked at the site and its surrounds.
“Especially on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road where it’s dangerous,” he said.
“The parking situation is inadequate and it will probably get worse with the addition of the new track.”
Sgt Phillips said emergency vehicle access to the site and park was a big concern. He urged people to park in Upper Ferntree Gully and walk the few hundred metres up to the steps.
He said cutting down trees to make more space for car parks seemed the only solution to the parking chaos “and locals aren’t going to like that”, he said.
Parks Victoria acting chief ranger Steve Pellen said “a master planning process” for the area was underway.
“The plan will make recommendations for managing the increased visitation to the site,” he said.
“Traffic management has been an issue and will be a major focus of the planning.”
Mr Pellen said Parks Victoria would work with emergency services, local government, stakeholders, and the broader community in coming months as part of the master plan.
“Parks Victoria has spoken with the CFA and will work through any access issues at the Dandenong Ranges National Park,” he said.