Mount Oberon Road reopens in time for Christmas

Thursday 27 December, 2012

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan today announced the completion of road surfacing on Mount Oberon Road, marking the end of flood recovery works on the road and several walking tracks at one of Victoria’s most loved parks.

Mr Ryan said Mount Oberon Summit Track, Telegraph Track, and a new walking track from Picnic Bay to Whisky Bay track would also reopened from 2pm today.

“It is a welcome Christmas present for the many visitors this summer keen to drive on Mount Oberon Road or experience some of the Prom’s most popular walking tracks,” Mr Ryan said.

 “Mount Oberon Road, Summit Track and Telegraph Track suffered extensive scour and slip damage from the major storm in March 2011. The flood recovery project has seen the repair of more than 200 damaged sites.

“The scope of works, infrastructure and human resources in this project has been immense. I’d like to thank all those involved in the ongoing flood recovery program at the Prom.”

Mr Ryan said the $7.2 million project was part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Flood Recovery program.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the new track from Picnic Bay to Whisky Bay would provide visitors with a spectacular view across the west coast, one the most photographed locations at the Prom.

“The Picnic Bay to Whisky Bay track was closed to the public for nearly four years after sustaining extensive damage in the 2009 bushfires and 2011 floods,” Mr Smith said.

“Following consolidated fire and flood recovery works, the track has been realigned to protect significant indigenous cultural sites.

“Parks Victoria staff have also made good progress on the Sealers Cover Walking Track and aim to have it open by Easter.”