Why is this project needed?
The Mount Field National Park Arrival Concourse Project seeks to address the growing impact of increased visitation by supporting the long-term sustainable management of the site.
What does the project involve?
The project has funding to undertake the planning and approvals to upgrade the arrival concourse at the Mount Field Visitor Centre, including extension and rearrangement of the existing carpark and provision of a new bus shelter. Primary objectives include an improved sense of arrival, reduce safety concerns between pedestrians and vehicles and facilitating more parking spaces including for longer vehicles and coaches.
Were other sites considered for vehicle parking?
The Russell Falls Visitor Services Zone Site Plan 2010, nominated the concept’s area for future expansion and improvement. This site offers the most suitable footprint in terms of flood hazard, special values, traffic management and cost effectiveness. Specialist investigations, and assessments undertaken in developing the concept design supported this location. The location also allows the day use area, including playground, to remain available for that use and the temporary parking arrangement on the Old Farm (Oval) site to cease and the Oval be restored to open space.
Will natural values or heritage values be impacted by the project?
The proposed concept has been adjusted over several iterations to avoid where possible large trees. Some large trees will be removed for the improvements and for the safety of park visitors. Any trees removed will be either assessed as not threatened or represent an unacceptable safety concern.
The project will not result in the removal of any of the heritage trees that form the entrance avenue.
The broader area is home to threatened raptor species, and specialist-recommended mitigation measures will be implemented to minimise any potential impact upon these species.
Will the site be closed during the project?
It is envisaged by the project team that the site will remain open during construction, with periods and discrete areas of exclusion to ensure visitor safety and expedient works progress.
The final decision and arrangement regarding access will be subject to the approvals of the final design.
Please send any correspondence to the project team via email to: