Council's proactive safety approach to forest sand extraction pits

Published on 14 May 2021

Gannawarra Shire Council has taken proactive measures to protect the safety of visitors to the Benwell and Guttrum State Forests, installing fencing around Council-managed sand extraction pits at both locations.

Council staff installed the fencing at both extraction sites, located between Koondrook and Murrabit, earlier this week, regulating access to these locations.

“Following a request from Earth Resources, which comes under Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, staff completed remediation work at the extraction pit sites and installed fencing to protect the safety of visitors to these popular forests,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“These extraction sites are valuable assets to Council, as it is where we utilise materials for our various road construction projects.

“Council thanks the community for their understanding whilst these remediation works were undertaken and encourages visitors to continue to utilise both forests for recreational activities.”