In step for track

By CASEY NEILL
SUNDAY marked 70 years since the battle at the Isurava village on the Kokoda Track began – one of the World War II campaign’s most important and bloody battles.
It also saw a $1 million Kokoda Track Memorial Walk upgrade unveiled in Upper Ferntree Gully.
The site known as the 1000 Steps now features information panels, a Kokoda Memorial Terrace and new fitness steps on Lyrebird Track to preserve the original steps.
More than 500,000 people already use the 1000 Steps every year and this number is expected to increase.
Dandenong Ranges Tourist Information Centre manager Michael Axel said hills tourism operators needed to capitalise on the new facilities, and encouraged visitors to check out other attractions in the region.
But the question remains – where are they going to park? There are concerns that the hugely popular site’s parking woes will only get worse.
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 – a battle that could place lives in danger.
Belgrave Sergeant Paul Phillips said police regularly booked drivers illegally parked at the site and its surrounds and parking was inadequate.
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.