Hanging Rock Reserve remains closed

Published on 05 June 2020

Hanging Rock Reserve will not reopen prior to the upcoming long weekend, and visitors are advised to avoid the area.

Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork said the health and safety of visitors and staff was Council’s top priority, and Council had taken the difficult decision not to reopen the area to public access at present.

“While government restrictions imposed due to the current pandemic are easing, Council is taking a measured and careful approach to the reopening of all of our facilities, including Hanging Rock Reserve,” Ms Stork said.

“There are many factors to take into account before reopening any service or providing access to any area. This includes how to effectively limit the number of people inside the facility or area, ensuring appropriate physical distancing measures and signage are in place, and there are adequate registration arrangements to ensure Council can meet contact tracing requirements.”

While Council has reopened access to playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sports grounds, and parks remain available for use, other facilities are yet to reopen. These include pools, gyms, libraries, some public toilets, Council service centres, community halls and sports pavilions.

Decisions regarding the opening up of services and any modifications in place will be made in coming weeks, and residents will be kept informed of any developments.

Ms Stork advised residents and visitors to avoid the Hanging Rock Reserve area over the long weekend.

“The roadsides around Hanging Rock are no standing areas, and fines may be issued if people park illegally or attempt to enter the reserve without permission.”

For updates on Council service changes and closures, call (03) 5422 0333 or visit COVID-19 information and updates

For more information on the pandemic, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services