The Bear Gully Campground, located within Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, remains closed due to potential impacts on an Aboriginal place and artifacts from current camping and recreational activities.
According to the Sentinel-Times, Parks Victoria (PV) has yet to provide an update for an estimated reopening time.
The decision to close the site was made after PV received advice from First Peoples – State Relations (FP-SR) in April this year. The site was closed to ensure no further potential harm to Aboriginal cultural values.
PV is currently working with FP-SR and Traditional Owner representative groups to understand the available options and to ensure compliance with the Act to manage Aboriginal cultural values.
The closure of the Bear Gully campground has significant implications for the outdoor industry. The campground is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and its closure could impact tourism and local businesses.
However, the protection of Aboriginal cultural values is of paramount importance, and it is crucial that these sites are preserved for future generations.
The situation at Bear Gully campground highlights the delicate balance between outdoor recreation and the preservation of cultural heritage. It underscores the need for careful management and respect for Aboriginal sites in the outdoor industry.
The industry must work closely with Aboriginal communities and organizations to ensure that outdoor recreational activities do not harm these invaluable cultural sites.
The closure of the Bear Gully campground also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that exists within our outdoor spaces. These sites are not just places for recreation, but also spaces of cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. The outdoor industry has a responsibility to respect and protect these sites.
The ongoing closure of the Bear Gully campground is a developing story that the outdoor industry and the public should closely monitor. The outcome could set a precedent for how other similar situations are handled in the future.
It is a reminder that while outdoor recreation is important, it should not come at the expense of preserving cultural heritage.
In the meantime, outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to explore other campgrounds and outdoor spaces that do not impact Aboriginal sites. There are many other beautiful locations within Cape Liptrap Coastal Park and beyond that offer wonderful opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation.