General News
19 December, 2022
Park legal hitch
REDEVELOPMENT of Kooyoora State Park is in legal limbo. A year after Bendigo-based DJAARA unveiled its plans for the park, chief executive officer Rodney Carter says uncertainty over legal authority has delayed work at the park. Plans shown to Friends...
REDEVELOPMENT of Kooyoora State Park is in legal limbo.
A year after Bendigo-based DJAARA unveiled its plans for the park, chief executive officer Rodney Carter says uncertainty over legal authority has delayed work at the park.
Plans shown to Friends of Kooyoora last December included new shelters, Aboriginal interpretative and cultural activity spaces defined camping areas and artwork at the park.
“Unfortunately, a legal issue has delayed the commencement of works,” Mr Carter said.
“The precise authority for DJAARA to carry out such works has been uncertain: despite Dja Dja Wurrung holding title to the national park, the public land manager power and responsibility to enable DJAARA to carry out the works is uncertain.
“It is a challenge sometimes for implementation of a ground-breaking agreement like the Recognition and Settlement Agreement. DJAARA has been working with Parks Victoria and other state agencies to clarify that issue.”
A Parks Victoria spokesman said: “Parks Victoria works closely with DJAARA to implement the RSA and the joint management plan for the six jointly managed parks in north central Victoria.
“The Kooyoora project is an example of how the RSA is being practically achieved with DJAARA planning and implementing improvements on country to bring Djaara values into park management.
“Implementing new facilities on land managed as public parks requires various legislative planning approvals that must be met by any organisation, including Parks Victoria, before works can commence. Parks Victoria will continue to work in partnership with DJAARA on these elements of project management.
“The considerable consultation DJAARA has undertaken with the community on planning for Kooyoora will see wonderful results for Djaara people and all park users.”
Mr Carter also said bushfire management issues had contributed to delays in starting the project.
“DJAARA is also navigating the requirements of bushfire management responsibility, the impacts on native vegetation, and some planning issues with the (Loddon Shire) council,” he said.
Council operations director Steven Phillips said council was unaware of any statutory planning conversations or lodgements of applications for Kooyoora State Park.
Mr Carter said: “The recent flood events also means that the park is currently closed and access is affected by flood damage. DJAARA is supporting our management partner, Parks Victoria, to undertake those works.
“The funds for these (redevelopment) works are coming from DJAARA. The budget for these much-anticipated works is currently being reviewed to take into account the effects of inflation and the increasing cost of materials and labour.
“We are proud to deliver infrastructure improvements at Kooyoora and like many of your readers look forward to using the improved facilities as part of our responsibility to manage and restore Country to health and to improve the visitor experience at that important place.”
Redevelopment of Kooyoora has been plagued by delays and controversy for two years.
A strong local community campaign in early 2021 convinced DJAARA to retain historic Catto Lodge after early concepts had it slated for demolition.
And project manager Mike Hayes and program manager Harvey Douglas flagged a review of campsite management with discussions to be held on whether access was for schools and organised groups only when speaking to Friends of Kooyoora last December.
The park has been closed to the public since early November, including the Melville Caves camp ground, after flood damage.
- CHRIS EARL