DJAARA CONFIRMS GUYURA UPGRADE PLANS PARK DATE SET

THE long-awaited upgrade of facilities at Guyura State Park will start this month.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation on Tuesday announced what its CEO Rodney Carter said would be positive changes at the park.

Construction will begin with a new shelter at the Melville Caves lookout car park, followed by an upgrade to the Melville Caves picnic area.

Work had been planned to start last July after concept plans were unveiled to Friends of Kooyoora in December 2021.

DJAARA had earlier agreed to retain historic Catto Lodge after talks with family descendants and the community following local criticism of plans to demolish the 1950s structure erected by the community.

Mr Carter said: “This project aligns with our vision of creating a welcoming space for all to enjoy, while fostering a deep appreciation for the land, cultural heritage, and ecological diversity.

DJAARA said that upgraded walking tracks and signage would improve access, navigation, and safety in the park now badged with the more traditional and accurate Aboriginal name, allowing visitors to fully explore and appreciate the park’s natural beauty.

It said Dja Dja Wurrung language, cultural signage, and interpretation elements would enable visitors to learn more about Dja Dja Wurrung People and their history and develop a stronger connection to the land.

The project embraced sustainable design, seamlessly integrating Dja Dja Wurrung-style furniture while minimising environmental impact, Mr Carter’s announcement said.

Parks Victoria northern regional director Chris Corbell said: “This upgrade project reflects our commitment to the park’s preservation and the enrichment of visitor experiences.”

Works at the park also known as Kooyoora would start from mid-June, DJAARA said.