Community input is being sought to assist with future planning and an upgrade of two popular destinations near Portland, in the Mount Clay State Forest.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the Sawpit Campground and nearby Whalers Lookout Walk will be upgraded as part of Victoria’s Great Outdoors, a $105.6 million investment to deliver better forests, parks, tracks, trails and campgrounds for regional Victoria.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are partnering with Traditional Owners to deliver upgrades and to develop a future strategic plan for the sites.
An estimated 90,000 people visit Sawpit Campground each year, with many using the nearby Whalers Lookout Walk to take in scenic views of the ocean and surrounding farmland.
Improvements to Sawpit Campground and the Whalers Lookout Walk will cater for the increasing popularity of the sites, by providing better access and facilities for visitors.
A community survey has been released today, inviting the public to have their say on:
- site layout, including the redesign and reconfiguration of campsites
- number of fire pits, toilet facilities, picnic tables
- upgrades to Whalers Lookout Walking track
- tracks and trails at Sawpit Campground
- location of the historic cart at Sawpit Campground
The survey can be accessed at https://engage.vic.gov.au/upgrading-sawpit-campground-and-whalers-lookout-walk
For people without internet access, paper surveys are available at the Narrawong Post Office or the DELWP Heywood Office at 12 Murray Street.
The survey closes on Thursday 29 April 2021.
The community input will be incorporated into the planning and design of these works and the strategic long-term plan for the location.
FFMVic will release the final designs for the upgrade ahead of the works commencing.
Sawpit Campground, Whalers Lookout Walk and surrounding walking tracks will be closed for approximately four months once works are underway.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney:
“The Sawpit Campground is a stunning place to visit, surrounded by forest and wildlife, and within a network of tranquil walking tracks and exciting mountain bike tracks.”
“The increasing popularity of Sawpit Campground and Whalers Lookout Walk in recent years has prompted us to look at how we can improve these sites for visitors.”
“Feedback from the community will help us create a better visitor experience, so that everyone can enjoy staying at the Sawpit Campground and exploring this area which has such a rich cultural history.”