The State Environment Minister, Steve Dimopoulos, has been put on notice that the Buchan Caves Reserve rebuild needs to be completed in 2024.

Speaking in Parliament recently, Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, acknowledged there was much to be done, but stressed the importance of the Caves Reserve to the town and region’s economy.

“Given we are presently more than four years on from the 2019/20 fires and still have a number of Parks Victoria infrastructure to be rebuilt due to bureaucratic dithering, I have asked the Minister to commit to having the Caves Reserve open for this summer,” he said.

“As an example, Mr Bull made the point that when the floods hit, there were still areas of the Caves Reserve that had not been repaired four years on from the 2019/20 fires.

“Parks has said it needs to get approvals and permits, and that is true, but my point is get a wriggle on and get them in place. Most will be from their own government, so it can be fast tracked.

“If they relate to cultural heritage matters, let’s work with our traditional owners, who I am sure also want it opened again as soon as possible, to make it happen quickly.

“It is of significant concern the amount of dithering and bureaucratic bungling that goes on with Parks, and their lack of urgency when it comes to our important regional tourism infrastructure.

“The local staff are good, but those above them need a few enthusiasm pills at times, to break through the green and red tape.

All things being equal, to still have major attractions not rebuilt four years on and in some cases looking at six years, there is just simply no reasonable excuse, it’s an absolute disgrace,” he said.

Caption: State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has called for Parks Victoria’s Buchan Caves Reserve to be prioritised for reopening, in 2024.

Monday, 19 February 2024