By Tanya Faulkner
Summer is in the air in Knox as a local park is reopened for the warmer season.
Aura Vale Lake has been closed due to plumbing issues at the on site public toilets, shutting down the entire park over previous weeks.
Parks Victoria have now reopened the park to the public, after installing temporary toilet facilities within the car parking area for visitors to use.
Parks Victoria district manager Joshua Chikuse said following the installation of these facilities at Henley Picnic Area on September 28 meant they could allow the public access to the site.
“We are thrilled to reopen Aura Vale Lake Park to the public.
“The park was initially closed in April following an inspection of the existing wastewater system, which found it no longer meets Victorian Government standards.
“We will continue to keep the local community informed on our progress towards a permanent solution,” he said.
Monbulk MP Daniela de Martino shared the good news on her Facebook page earlier this month, encouraging locals to grab their picnic rugs, kayaks and dinghies and “get down to Aura Vale Lake over the spring and summer”.
A number of parks and sites remain closed across the area due to extreme weather events including fire, storm and flood damage.
Parks Victoria remind locals to check the change of conditions listing page which summarises the list of park closures, and check the individual park page for where you want to visit before leaving home.
For closures in state forests, visit: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/forest-and-road-closures
