Yarra Ranges community will soon again be able to travel the Wattle Track loop, with repairs in sight for repair of the Wattle Track Bridge.
Updates on the ngurrak barring cultural trail by the Yarra Ranges Council have disclosed the next stage of development for trails in 2024 – with the much loved Wattle Track in Sherbrooke Forest on the list.
Local lyrebird expert Dr Alex Masiey said the planned works are positive but that overall while it is good to have aspirations to connect the community with nature – when it comes to walking track networks, maintenance is key.
“People love a loop walk and when a bridge comes down, like the Wattle bridge, that broke that loop walk and that detracted from the appeal,” he said.
The Wattle Track has been in disrepair since 2019 when a large tree fell on the bridge.
Parks Victoria recently replaced the bridge over Clematis Creek along the Hillclimb Track and along with the Wattle track these are important links to connect ngurrak barring trails to art, environment, and townships.
Yarra Ranges Council is currently working through the details for the next stage of trails with input from Parks Victoria (PV) and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) to ensure that the work is protecting the environment and allowing for fire management operations.
The ngurrak barring team is collating all the information received from recent engagement associated with the Olinda and Sassafras pedestrian crossing and have thanked the community for all their important input and feedback to date.
