From Carrie, an FOTM committee member:
There has been much talk/posting over the last 5 months about the proposed guard rail/balustrade at the O'Connells Lookout above Graveyard rapid on the Mitta Mitta. Let's be clear that Friends of the Mitta opposed this for years. However due to changes in risk management at Parks Victoria we either lose the existing walking track that has been there for 100+ years or accept a guard rail. We do not want to see the track closed. After much difficult discussion we chose to work with Parks to help with plans for a discreet structure that will accommodate their risk management concerns as well as continuing to provide access for abseiling groups. It is sad to see the amount of disinformation on social media about this project and about FOTM. We've chosen to not get into that online. Our board however is dedicated to our community and to the Mitta Mitta area as evidenced by a decade of hard work, and lots of time and energy by countless volunteers. FOTM remains committed to answering questions. A Question and Answer is shown below. Any of our board is happy to answer additional questions.
Q&A: Anglers Rest Loop Trail and O’Connell’s Lookout Project
Q: Was the Anglers Rest Loop Trail and Overlook project developed in secret?
A: No, Friends of the Mitta (FOTM) has publicly shared information about this project since 2016. The project is specifically mentioned in the Greater Alpine National Parks Management Plan (2016) and has been presented to individuals and groups over the years. There is documented evidence, including online discussions from 2016, proving awareness of the project.
Q: Is Friends of the Mitta (FOTM) a small and self-interested group?
A: No, FOTM has been active for 10 years and has nearly 200 paid members and over 1,200 followers on Facebook. Their environmental efforts along the Mitta Mitta River include:
Removing willows, broom and blackberries from key river systems.
Funding and installing infrastructure such as ramps, maps, toilets, and changing rooms for paddlers and school groups.
Planting and maintaining over 100 native trees.
Collaborating with government agencies and schools on conservation projects.
Creating the most extensive Citizen’s Science website on the Mitta in existence.
FOTM has spent over $500,000 on environmental conservation, making it a significant organisation that represents much of the Victorian paddling and local outdoor community.
Q: Has there been illegal new trail construction?
A: No. The Overlook Trail has existed for over 100 years, originally built by the O’Connell family of the Blue Duck schoolhouse. Historical photographs from the early 1900s confirm this. The trail has been used for hiking, horse riding, and mining activities for decades. FOTM has only conducted trail maintenance to prevent erosion and enhance safety, as has Mittagundi.
Q: Will the new tracks harm biodiversity or threaten rare and endangered species?
A: No. An environmental assessment was conducted, finding no negative impact on biodiversity, protected species, or Aboriginal cultural sites. The claim that the trail will destroy rare plant habitats under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act is unfounded.
Additionally, the greater environmental concern is the stapling, nailing, and gluing of protest posters onto native trees, which damages the ecosystem more than responsible trail maintenance.
Q: Do the Jaitmathang First Peoples oppose this project?
A: No. Leading Jaitmathang Elder, Jumma Jumma, has hiked the trail with Parks Victoria staff and has given his full support to the project.
Q: Were stakeholders and recreation groups consulted?
A: Yes. All known stakeholders were invited to a stakeholder meeting in early 2024, including Mittagundi, which chose not to attend. Parks Victoria even arranged a special meeting for Mittagundi to discuss concerns. While Mittagundi expressed concerns, they did not oppose the project by the end of the meeting, Some recreation and education groups chose not to attend because they already supported the project. Others have privately supported it but remain cautious about publicly stating their position.
Q: Has an economic case for the project been made?
A: Yes. Local businesses, residents, and tourism associations have provided many letters of support. The economy of Omeo and surrounding areas relies heavily on outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, fishing, hunting, camping, paddling, and biking.
Supporting agencies include:
North East Catchment Management Authority
Our Catchments, Our Communities Focus Group
Parks Victoria
DEECA
East Gippsland Shire
Omeo Region Community Recovery Association
East Gippsland Community Foundation
This project is not just about tourism but about enhancing the experience for visitors who already use the area, with interpretive signage on history, flora, and fauna.
Q: Will the overlook railing ruin the natural wilderness experience or create unwanted observation of paddlers?
A: Concerns were raised about visibility from the river. In response, FOTM took a Parks Victoria ranger and architect on a raft trip to assess the impact. They have now redesigned the railing to be set back and hidden so it will not be visible from the river and will minimise viewing angles of paddlers.
Q: Is this project an unnecessary use of Parks Victoria funds?
A: No. Of the $250,000 total cost, over 85% has been funded through grants and other sources. Parks Victoria’s contribution is only $35,000. The project is an example of effective community collaboration, reducing reliance on state funding while improving public access.
Q: Is this project promoting elitism by opening up a "secret" area?
A: No. The area is part of the Alpine National Park, managed by Parks Victoria, with a mandate to provide public access and outdoor recreation. The 2016 Management Plan specifically includes plans to formalise this trail. Some opposition members have claimed they would prefer to block off the overlook entirely rather than see it open for hikers, horse riders, and abseilers. However, public land should be accessible to all, not just to those who wish to keep it a “secret.”
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