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Work Underway On Stevensons Falls Upgrades

07 October 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is creating a safer and more accessible visitor experience at the majestic Stevensons Falls, in the heart of Gadubanud Country, as part of a major upgrade of the Otways tourist destination.

Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio announced the beginning of works on the $1.35 million upgrade at Stevenson Falls.

The upgrades will make Stevensons Falls accessible for people of all abilities, with the construction of a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform, the widening of a pedestrian walkway to the platform and new disabled parking. A new wheelchair accessible toilet block will also be installed at the picnic area.

There will be a new viewing platform at the ground level that will extend three metres out over the river. Seating on the platform will provide space for visitors to relax and enjoy the sights of the spectacular falls.

The walk between Stevensons Falls and the arrival area will also be upgraded, with resurfacing and widening of sections. The upgrade will include the installation of a new boardwalk that meanders through a plantation of Red Woods, across the Gellibrand River and along the riverbank.

Downstream from Stevensons Falls, a dedicated picnic area will be built alongside the Gellibrand River and will include new picnic tables and additional seating.

The current carpark will be removed, and a larger carpark will be built at the arrival area, including all abilities and minibus parking spaces.

Stevensons Falls will be closed while works are underway over spring and summer 2022/2023. Access to Upper Gellibrand Road will be restricted to local residents only while construction activity is underway.

The project design incorporates community input that was received during consultation last year.

This project is funded by the $106.6 million Victoria’s Great Outdoors investment to deliver better forests, parks, tracks, trails and campgrounds for regional Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re ensuring all Victorians can get out and explore our beautiful environment with upgrades to visitor facilities, trails and campgrounds across the state.”

“The new wheelchair-accessible viewing platform will offer fantastic side views of the waterfall and is just one of the new additions to ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy this beautiful part of the Otways.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“The major upgrades to this popular site will boost capacity, with visitor numbers expected to increase from 80,000 to more than 100,000 each year, once the project is completed.”

Reviewed 07 October 2022

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