General News
12 November, 2021
Partial closure of Greenpatch from Friday
The lower section of the Greenpatch Campground in Gordonvale will be closed from Friday 12 No-vember until 30 April 2022 due to the increased risk of flooding.
The upper section, which includes 15 camping sites, will remain open until the first major rain event triggers the facility’s alarm system, which will signal the closure of Greenpatch for camping until the end of the traditional wet season on 30 April 2022.
While Greenpatch will be closed at the time for camping, the reserve will remain open for passive recreational use, such as picnics, cycling and scooter riding and exercise.
Toilet facilities will be open for day use, although the show-ers will be closed in line with the closure of the area for camping.
Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller said the new protocols reduced risk with increased evacuation times, maximise camping, and provided a clear path forward for the season.
“Located on the banks of the Mulgrave River, Council will cordon off the lower areas of the campground which are most likely be inundated during the wet season,” Cr Moller said. The facility has a warning sys-tem which is triggered by rising water levels in the Mulgrave River and the neighbouring Hemming Creek.
However, while rising waters from the Mulgrave River trigger an alarm that provides a two- to three-hour warning before flooding of the camp-ground, Hemming Creek can be susceptible to rapid rises that would provide limited time for evacuation.
“I am sure that keeping the upper section of Greenpatch open for as long as possible, while not compromising of the safety of users, will be welcomed by the local busi-ness community, which gets significant engagement from travellers using the facility,” Cr Moller said.
“Come the full closure of Greenpatch to camping it will be ‘locals time’ to enjoy in safety the passive uses such as cycling and scootering for young children with family picnics and other outdoor uses.
“This arrangement is a win for Greenpatch users and for the community.”
Greenpatch Campground is a free facility with a maximum stay of 72 hours.
