Howqua Hills Historic Area and sections of the Alpine National Park reopen

Friday 22 February, 2013

Parks Victoria advises that the Howqua Hills Historic Area has reopened for visitors. General Manager Regional Services Chris Rose said an area of the adjoining Alpine National Park south of the Howqua River had also opened.

“Fire activity near the Howqua Hills Historic Area has decreased significantly, which has allowed us to reopen this area,” said Mr Rose. “Howqua Hills is an old gold mining area on the Howqua River, set in a beautiful, secluded valley, once busy with gold miners but now popular for picnics, horse riding, bushwalking and four-wheel driving.”

An area of the Alpine National Park north of the Great Alpine Road on the south-west of the Bogong High Plains has also reopened.

“We encourage people to come and check out these areas as they reopen to help support local tourism partners and accommodation providers. Access into parks and forest areas will be progressively checked and opened when safe to do so,” said Mr Rose.

“We ask people to respect the closures that are in place in the interests of their safety, and do their research before heading out.”

Park visitors are encouraged to keep in touch with Parks Victoria throughout the park recovery process, and check out the many options to get out and enjoy Victoria’s many natural spaces

“There are many options for visitors across the eastern part of the state, including Buchan Caves, Wilsons Promontory, Walhalla Historic Area and the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Mount Buffalo National Park and a whole range of forests and parks.”

Mr Rose encouraged people to check the Parks Victoria website for the current park conditions, and continue to check fire conditions. For more information and current conditions please contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au. Stay informed through the CFA (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) and by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on 1800 240 667, by listening to emergency broadcasters; ABC radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, SKY News Television and following CFA via Twitter (@cfa_updates) and Facebook (/cfavic) or the FireReady app.

For bushfire updates:

• Tune into emergency broadcasters: ABC and local commercial radio stations and SKY NewsTV

• Ring the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667

• CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au

• Department of Sustainability and Environment www.dse.vic.gov.au