By Jessica Grimble 

Increasing visitor experience, managing safety and protecting and promoting cultural values are the aims of a project to ‘revitalise’ an iconic Grampians landmark. 

The State Government will spend $7.76-million at the MacKenzie Falls visitor precinct and surrounding area, including the Zumsteins walking trail and day visitor area, within the Grampians National Park, Gariwerd. 

A new viewing platform at the base of the falls would offer ‘magnificent’ views while deterring people from the water; while a 1.5-kilometre one-way loop trail, past the base of the falls and returning to the carpark, would reduce congestion on the trail and provide new views and experiences along the MacKenzie River. 

Plans also highlight the potential for tours of MacKenzie Falls, Zumsteins and other sites; and returning refreshments and visitor services to both sites. 

The project will improve visitor experiences, including an improved arrival area, signs and information and rest-break areas; improve accessibility such as modifying steps and resurfacing pathways; and improve safety in the car park, on walking trails, at lookouts, and at the base of the falls. 

It aims to care for country, partnering with Traditional Owners in protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural landscape. It will offer visitors a chance to learn about significant environmental and cultural values. 

Plans to this point use prior stakeholder and community feedback from 2017. 

Parks Victoria regional director Jason Borg said the full scope of the project was yet to be determined. 

He said subject to approvals and industry conditions, works were expected to start in mid-2023, with completion in 2024. 

“MacKenzie Falls is one of the most spectacular and popular visitor sites in the Grampians and we’re looking at options to make it an even better place to come and enjoy,” he said.  

“We have some ideas to improve walking tracks, views, access and safety, but we’re keen to test them and see what people think. 

“The consultation will help us develop a final plan for the upgrade. 

“We will continue to work closely with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders on the next steps.”

Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners will determine the final scope of the project. They will consider technical assessments, safety needs, budget, community feedback and priorities in the final plan. 

 

People can provide feedback via a series of community engagement sessions: Tomorrow from 5.30pm to 7pm online via Microsoft Teams; on August 30 at Sterling Place Dunkeld Community Centre from 5.30pm to 7.30pm; and on August 31 at Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and at Laharum Community Hall from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. An online survey is also available via www.engage.vic.gov.au and closes on September 12. People can view an interactive map via the same link. 

Project funding is part of the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions’ ‘Flagship Tourism Projects’ program.

The government has pledged a further $5-million for upgrades to Grampians Peaks Trail trailheads. 

The 160-kilometre trail runs from Mount Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and to Dunkeld in the south. Upgraded trailheads will provide hikers with more flexibility on where they access the trail, information and facilities. 

The entire August 17, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!