In a frustrating update in May, State Environment Minister, Steve Dimopoulos, has now flagged the rebuild of the Cape Conran cabins is still awaiting preparation of a cultural heritage management plan, more than five years after the fires.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said this did not align with the previous commitment to have the cabins completed and in place by 2025.
“This is the fourth completion date we’ve had and now it does not appear as though it will be met,” he said.
Mr Bull sought an update from the Minister earlier this year who replied on May 7 and stated:
“Following the rediscovery of additional artefacts and impacts to a registered Aboriginal place after preliminary construction on site in 2022, a cultural heritage management plan is currently being prepared to respect and preserve the cultural heritage significance of the area.”
Mr Bull said it was astounding that if additional artefacts were found in 2022, a plan was still being prepared to address this three years later.
“Our Aboriginal cultural heritage is important, but waiting three years for a plan to be developed to ensure the appropriate protections is ridiculous and shows timeframes to the processes need to be applied.”
Mr Bull said he did not lay the blame at the feet of the Indigenous community, but rather at those in the Department in Melbourne who dithered and were in no rush to have the matters expedited.
“In my discussions locally with both Parks’ staff and our local First Nations’ people, both are incredibly frustrated this has dragged out so long and they want the matter dealt so with the cabins can be put in place.
“The Minister should be embarrassed to provide this response and it ought to have included a commitment he would intervene and get things moving, but that is what we have come to expect,” he said.

Monday, 2 June 2025