Visitors to Badger Weir in the Yarra Ranges National Park now have access to new and improved picnic grounds thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today officially reopened the site, which received a $1.69 million funding boost from the Labor Government.

The popular Badger Weir site has been closed since 2016 after a storm wreaked significant and widespread damage to the park, including hundreds of fallen trees and damage to infrastructure.

New barbeques, picnic tables, shelters, paths, toilets, signage, fencing, and a new footbridge and staircase to the weir are just some of the improvements made, providing revitalised public spaces.

Reconstruction efforts were supported by volunteers who kindly donated their time and provided valuable assistance in getting the park ready to be reopened.

With the help of volunteers and Parks Victoria staff, visitors can now enjoy an even better Badger Weir site – which is home to forests of tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns that support native animals such as possums, bats, owls, parrots and Crimson Rosellas.

The Yarra Ranges National Park is also home to 14 plant species that have been identified as being rare or threatened, including the Slender Tree-fern and Tree Geebung.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“It’s fantastic to see this well-loved area reopened and better than ever for locals and tourists visiting this beautiful Park.”

“I encourage people to get back to Badger Weir picnic grounds and take full advantage of these new and improved facilities.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“This project has really been a community effort and I want to thank all the volunteers involved for their tireless work.”