Otway ‘users’ facing new state restrictions

Hamish Heard
STATE Government has unveiled plans to slap tighter restrictions on anglers, dog owners, trail bike riders and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts in the Otways.
Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield this week called for public comment on three draft plans outlining future management of the Otways’ national and start parks.
The plans also detailed infrastructure improvements and introduction of touring routes to promote sustainable recreation and tourism in the parks.
The draft recreation and tourism access plan discussed enhancing Great Ocean Walk to make it competitive with some of the world’s best bushwalking routes.
The draft plan also proposed expanding opportunities for horse riding tour operators with a long-distance tour route following existing roads, tracks, beaches and firebreaks.
“Such a route would provide the opportunity for a multi-day horse riding experience in the Otways, with horse camping areas identified within the forest park,” the plan stated.
Other proposals included development of touring routes to cater for cars, four-wheel drives, on-road motorcycles, trail bikes and bicycles.
The proposed touring routes were marked on a series of maps included as part of the draft plan.
The maps also identified areas within the national park where dogs would be banned or where they would be allowed only if they were on leashes.
Plans to establish indigenous tourism and guided tours of the parks’ historic sites were other features.
The plan said Department of Sustainability and Environment was considering revoking anglers’ access to many fishing spots within the national park along with bans on hunting.
Improved signage and parking facilities for trail bike riders also featured in the report.
But some of the most popular areas for trail bike riding, including Paddys Swamp and Anglesea Heath, would be restricted to dry season use only.
Copies of the draft plans are available on the Parks Victoria website.
Submissions close June 2.