Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has announced that the Emu Creek camp ground and day use area in the Benarkin State Forest will be opened in time for the Christmas-New Year holidays.
Mrs Frecklington said the floods of 2013 caused landslides along the area’s gravel access road resulting in its closure. However, a $350,000 investment, with funds provided via National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, will see the popular camp ground in the South Burnett reopen on 20 December 2014.
“Emu Creek has always been a popular camping area, so we know the local community and visitors will be happy to see these facilities reopen,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The Newman LNP Government is committed to opening up Queensland’s natural assets, for the enjoyment of all Queenslanders.”
The nearby Clancy’s camp ground and day use area, which was closed on 2 November to allow construction traffic to use the areas’ shared gravel access road, will also re-open on 20 December.
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the repair work at Emu Creek consisted of access road and associated rock wall reconstruction.
“It’s unfortunate we’ve had to close both Emu Creek and Clancy’s campgrounds for a short period, but this decision is in the interest of public safety and is due to increased construction traffic on the narrow, winding access road to both areas.”
Blackbutt Visitor Information Centre team leader Laraine Aniftos said Emu Creek’s reopening would be appreciated by the many visitors to the site.
“Emu Creek and Clancy’s have always been popular camp sites and visitor areas and it’s great to see Emu Creek being re-opened in time for the coming holiday period.
“Being reasonably close to Brisbane, and surrounded by stunning plantation and natural forests, both camping areas are a world away for those wanting to escape suburbia, but close enough for an overnight stay or even a day visit,” Ms Aniftos said.
Camping bookings for Emu Creek and Clancy’s camping areas will be available online closer to the areas’ reopening date. People intending to enjoy Queensland’s national parks, particularly if camping, can view the latest information on park conditions by visiting National Parks’ Park Alerts web pages at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php
