Cardinia Mayor Performs 'official opening'*
of the Fishers Loop Walking Track

 

The Wilderness Society joined forces with the UBAG to 'officially open' the
wonderful Fishers Loop Walking Track in the '350 Upper Bunyip' forestry block
on Sunday 27 October, 2002.

This action was taken to draw attention to the existence of this little-known
walking track that offers walkers a very rewarding 3-4 hour circuit in beautiful forest
not far from Melbourne.

* The Fishers Loop is not officially listed by DSE as a 'walking track' -
and the Mayor correctly drew attention to this fact in his opening speech.
 (The term "Fishers Loop Walking Track" was coined by Bob Thompson, President of the UBAG.)

Approximately 170 people turned out for this forest picnic and walks at Tomahawk Gap, and they were addressed by a range of speakers before the Mayor of Cardinia Shire (Keith Ewenson) cut the ribbon to "open" the Fishers Loop Walking Track.

The speakers included:

  • Mr Bob Thompson - President of the UBAG - who addressed the general issues and forshadowed the themes to be addressed by the other speakers.
  • Mr Richard Hughes - representing The Wilderness Society - who spoke about the environmental and water-catchment issues in Central Highlands forests, of which the 350 Block is a significant component.
  • Mr Rod Novak - representing the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs (VicWalk) - who spoke about VicWalk's endorsement of the UBAG campaign to end logging in the 350 Block, and to improve bushwalking opportunities in the area.
  • Mr Stephen Compton - spokesperson and Senior Cultural Officer of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation - who spoke about the very high aboriginal cultural significance of the upper Bunyip River area, and the need to ensure that these cultural values are not impacted by the damaging effects that can be caused by logging.
  • Cr David Nickell - who spoke about the Cardinia Shire's resolution that logging should end in the 350 Block and that it should be annexed to the Bunyip State Park (for passive recreation).

A fund-raising raffle was conducted by the UBAG and drawn by the Mayor. Around $700 worth of prizes that had been contributed by local businesses (and mainly from the Dandenong Ranges!) were distributed to the lucky ticket-holders.

The Mayor then gave a short speech and "opened" the Fishers Loop Walking Track!

The Mayor's opening was followed by the people dividing themselves into groups and setting off on one of three scheduled walks, as follows:

  • Full-Loop Walk - led by Ron McInnes (Secretary of VicWalk) and with Rod Novak serving as 'whip'.
  • Flora/Fauna Walk - led jointly by David Lockwood (a talented local botanist) and Jim McNabb (well-known forest-owl specialist and convenor of the Gembrook Flora & Fauna Friends Group.)
  • Cultural/Historical Walk - led by Stephen Compton - who gathered his group together under the tarp for a short discussion and presentation before setting off on his walk.

All round, this was a highly successful event, and thanks are due in no small measure to the following individuals, businesses, and other groups that contributed to its resounding success!

Mayor of Cardinia Shire (Cr Keith Ewenson) - for lending an official air to our day
UBAG Executive - that worked tirelessly to organise the Opening
The Wilderness Society - and Megan Clinton in particular!
Local Businesses - that donated prizes to our raffle, or helped in other ways
Cardinia Shire - for providing the traffic management signs
Gem Signs (Avonsleigh) - for donating around $350 worth of yellow traffic signs!
 Parks Victoria - and Greg Young in particular - for approving our parking arrangements
Yarra Ranges Environment Coalition - for providing the tarps to keep people dry!

AND - the people who supported our cause by attending, listening, walking -
and buying our raffle tickets!

Download Fishers Loop Description (PDF)

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What is the UBAG?
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Where's the Upper Bunyip forestry block?
Why save the 350 Block?
Threatened values
Our forests in crisis!
The awful effects of clear-felling...
DSE's Wood Utilisation Plan
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