East Gippslanders were told when the Thurra River Bridge re-opened, the campground opening would be concurrent, but that is not the case as the region faces another summer without campers in the area.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, asked the Minister to ensure the big campground on the south-side of the bridge was open for the Christmas holidays.

“The community was told the campground would be ready to go when the bridge opened for the September school holidays.

“Although the bridge was still closed when the holidays ended, access is imminent, but the campground is still off limits and campers cannot book for this summer.

“This is not what the community was told and given it has been six years, we need the Minister to step in and have the process expedited after all this time.

“Businesses in towns like Cann River rely on these campgrounds being open and this is the second biggest in our region, so it is of strong significance.”

Mr Bull said he was aware a new smaller campground had been opened on the north side of the bridge, but the community wanted the big campground open for the summer holiday period.

“It is beyond a joke we are on the cusp of six years, and we are still being held up by various approvals being needed. These should have been resolved years ago,” he said.

Caption: Thurra River Campground remains closed and locked from the public despite Labor’s promise to reopen by September. Six years on from the fires, burnt debris still litters the site. Nationals MP Tim Bull demands a firm commitment to reopen by summer.

Monday, 27 October 2025